This past week has seen two extraordinary events, one of triumph, one of tragedy. I’m referring to Tiger Woods’ amazing comeback win at the 83rd Masters Tournament and the devastating fire at Notre Dame. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who found myself cheering and clapping at Tiger’s history-making win; then one day later, completely heartsick watching the images of fire appearing to consume one of the world’s most beloved architectural wonders. Consider this: Tiger Woods last won the Masters Tournament in 2005, which means it took 14 years to reclaim the title. He had several rough years — family issues, health issues, a DUI — but he didn’t give up. Now consider this: Notre-Dame de Paris is over 800 years old, surviving centuries of wars, conflicts, major world events, and in a matter of hours, it suffered sizable damage. But it’s not giving up, either. The world celebrated the return of a sports icon, and there is no doubt in my mind that the world will one day celebrate the return of a lovingly rebuilt Notre Dame.
These stories are different from each other in so many ways, but they’re also alike because of one thing — the human spirit. It’s hard to keep the human spirit down. Tiger Woods had many reasons for giving up on the sport he loves, but he ultimately pushed past his difficulties, and now has made possibly the best sports comeback of all time. Based on the outpouring of support — both emotional and financial — for making Notre Dame whole and beautiful again, I predict this will be one of the greatest architectural comebacks ever.
From loss to triumph, life is both startling and amazing.
“Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight or any experience that reveals the human spirit,” E.E. Cummings said.
• “The 1997 Masters: My Story,” by Tiger Woods.
• “Curiosities of Paris: An Idiosyncratic Guide to Overlooked Delights … Hidden in Plain Sight,” by Dominique Lesbros.
