My name is Derek Brooks

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You know what makes Chicago rush hour traffic worse? Car bombs.

Today, I got to play the course where Grandma Betty taught me how to golf.

A twilight round on the front 9 with one of my best buddies and my wife along for the ride.

Then, we snuck over to play hole 15… a special place for me and my grandmother.

That shit felt like home.

Today, I got to build some things and fix a bunch of stuff up for my grandpa. Felt good to pay him back for all the projects he’s helped out with over the years.

We also had Whitey’s butterfinger malts.

And now, I am going to crash.

Memories of Grandma Betty

7 days ago

She was born on Valentine's Day in Southern Missouri, and had clear Southern Missouri roots.

I was her first grandchild, and we always had a special bond because of it. She often called me her "number 1,” which always made me feel a little awkward - especially around my sister and cousins... but she wasn't exactly known her social awareness, haha.

As a toddler, she and Grandpa John took me fishing in Canada, and I think that kinda kicked off what summertime meant for me growing up.

When I think about the summers of my youth, I think about Grandma Betty.

Golf

She taught me how to play the great game of Golf at a young age and beat me in about every single round that I’ve ever played with her.