Chronic ailments are challenging for everyone. While the patient suffers, their loved ones and caretakers work around the clock to make life comfortable. One such loved one is a part of the LPGA Tour: the daughter of veteran golfer Jane Park, who suffers from intractable epilepsy. The golf pro has been absent from the golf scene for a few years now, catering to baby Grace, whom all LPGA golfers love and adore. The familiarity with the 3-year-old is evident in the recent celebrations of the golf world’s darling, Nelly Korda.
The veteran golfer returned for the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational earlier in July. And now she is in the talks again. Her recent Instagram post is a heartfelt and emotional note to her audience. It feels like a warm hug to the golf world from the player.
Nelly Korda is celebrating the little munchkin’s special day
The LPGA Tour pro married caddie Pete Godfrey in 2017 and gave birth to their daughter, Grace Godfrey, in 2020. However, in an unfortunate turn of events, ten months after her birth, the baby experienced seizures and swelling in her brain. It led to brain damage. Jane Park, two years earlier, withdrew from competitive golf to take care of her daughter.
In a recent Instagram post, she wrote a lengthy caption. And added a thread of adorable Grace pictures with her family, announcing the munchkin will turn 3 tomorrow. The hardships of being a mom caring for her child are visible in her world as she expresses gratitude that Grace has lived another year. “The stabs to the heart will no doubt continue for as long as I’m breathing, but I’ll always try to center myself in gratitude. Grateful for the time that I’m able to spend with Grace, using my heart and mind as a receptacle for every memory worth saving.”
Jane also referenced a glimmer of hope in the dark times. “Grateful that at times, life somehow settles down to a reverberating hum after going through an intense bout. Grateful that we’ve made it to another birthday.” Golfer Nelly Korda reposted the post on her Instagram story with a heartfelt note. She wrote, “Happy Birthday Gracie,” with heart emoticons in abundance.
In the heartwarming post’s caption, Park also shared an anecdote about seeing a toddler walk to their mother. The LPGA star could not help but slightly whisper, “Good job.” Later realizing how normal it would be for that toddler’s mom to have her kid able enough to walk. She also pointed out the cruel clarity in that mom’s eye when she saw Grace “draped in” her aunt’s arms.
Nelly Korda and other LPGA stars like Lexi Thompson have stood by Jane Park in the last couple of years. They even participated in a charity event to help Park raise money for her daughter’s treatment. Examples of great sportsmanship are also available off the field. Even golf fans are very warm towards Grace and Jane Park.
The golf world sends wishes to the LPGA Tour pro and her daughter
Jane Park and Pete Godfrey have shown immense strength in the last couple of years. Their story is one of advocacy for those belonging to the disabled community. And their loved ones assume the role of a caretaker. And LPGA Tour professionals have been constantly supporting the veteran.
Responding to the post by Jane Park, many fans sent their thoughts and wishes. One of them wrote, “You are a beautiful communicator Jane. Your family has so much love and support. Happy Birthday to Grace and Blessings.”
Another found grace in Jane Park’s ability to communicate with her audience and wished Grace a day full of love. “Love you and Grace beyond words. You have let the world know Grace, and let us love her. May tomorrow be a day filled with love.”
The raw emotions are mostly welcomed and appreciated. Perhaps that’s why people found it easy to connect with Jane. “Happy Birthday Sending lots of love ❤️! You are an incredible authentic person. Thank you for sharing the highs and lows and everything in between. I hang onto every emotion & share it with you.”
Another one reminded Jane that it was also the day she became a mom to a beautiful daughter. “Happy birthday, Grace! And happy Mama’s day to you too bc you became a mom 3 years ago.” A fan noticed and acknowledged Park’s grief and responded. “You’re grief doesn’t get smaller or diminish… the life around you and G just gets larger. Happy Birthday all the way from the city of brotherly (and sisterly) love.”
