Amy Mickelson

Like many of you, yesterday I learned that Amy Mickelson has breast cancer. The news reported that major surgery is upcoming for her. I was stunned by the news. This beautiful woman, who always seemed to have a smile on her face, with beautiful kids and a famous husband, how can this happen? Unfortunately it seems to happen to too many women, from every walk of society, every day. Think about it, I am certain you personally know at least three or four women who have had to deal with disease on some level. The enormity of the fear and uncertainty that these women and their families have to deal with when learning they have breast cancer is hard to put into words. Will they live? Will they be able to resume normal activities, what will treatment be like?

I remember the panic I felt a couple of years ago when my dear wife had some abnormalities in her breast that required closer analysis through testing. Lucky for us everything seems ok but I can tell you that each year when she gets her mammogram, I am very nervous waiting for the results. As a boy, my 16 year old sister died of cancer. It was not breast cancer, but its toll on our family, especially my parents, has lasted for more than 40 years.

As for Mrs. Mickelson, she seems like someone we know. We see her on TV, we see her with Phil, we see her with her children and we see her with the crowds of golf fans. TV has made pro golfers, and in some circumstances, their families, a part of our life. She is from Sandy, Utah. As a Utahn, I consider her one of ours. I pray for her and her family and I pray for all women and their families who have this battle to face. You may want to say a prayer too.