God Winks and Signs are Real-

Standing in front of Bing’s roses🌹

Today was filled with so many God Winks. My dad has been itching to get back on the golf course for quite some time, but his health has held him back. He had a stroke a few months ago and has made an incredible recovery, but his age and his lungs still limit him from doing the things he loves most.

I decided we would plan a special golf day—just a simple outing to drive to the greens and putt. I knew that’s not typically how things work at a golf course, but I called the manager and explained Dad’s passion for the game and his respect for golf etiquette. The manager was incredibly gracious. He gave us permission and even went the extra mile by getting our golf carts ready, providing us a prime parking spot close to the Clubhouse, and sending his wife to make sure we were well taken care of since he had to leave before we arrived.

During our phone call, he asked about my last name and whether I was related to Bing Bettendorf. I told him Bing was my father-in-law, who passed away many years ago. He shared that he really liked Bing and enjoyed his time when he volunteered at the course and could still hear his distinctive, expansive (lol) laugh. That made me smile—because I can still hear it too. He told me stories about Bing’s big personality and even mentioned that the roses Bing planted at the monument beside the clubhouse are still there. Are you kidding me? I took a picture of my dad and I with them..it is almost like Bing was rooting for Dad to get to go golfing as well.

One of the rose bushes that was planted so many years ago by Bing

As for today, Dad was a little unsteady, and Mom was hesitant for him to go. But my sister Cinda and Dad’s brother David were also going, and I felt confident we could make it work. Dad was determined to go, and I wanted to honor that for him.

When we got in our carts, I noticed Dad and Uncle David were in cart #11, and Cinda and I got cart #1. That felt significant, as I have a special connection to the number 11 (if you know, you know).

#11

I had prayed all morning for a good day with no incidents, and that’s exactly what we got—a short but sweet golf outing. Dad came home happy and in one piece, and Mom was glad to see him. As we walked in the door, she was on the phone checking the winning number for the three-digit lottery today—and it was 111.

You can’t make this stuff up!

Thanks be to God—I see His blessings, and I am so grateful.