Come to Think of It: Phil Mickelson's Wife Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

Some things are more important than golf. For Phil Mickelson, it's about his wife's struggle with breast cancer, which makes chasing around a little white ball seem almost silly in comparison.

Life can be a dichotomy between beauty and the beast. The beast, in this case, is cancer, which claims more than a half a million lives per year. 

Worldwide, breast cancer is the second-most common type of cancer. 

The roller coaster of life can take us on some bumpy rides, and can make us question our faith and belief in all things that are good.

Yet it is exactly in these times that husbands like Phil need to put aside their passion for their jobs and focus on providing the emotional support a person needs so desperately during troubled times.

It is with this very thought in mind that Mickelson issued a statement Wednesday that he will suspend his PGA Tour schedule indefinitely. His wife is expected to begin treatment, with major surgery as early as the next two weeks.

According to AP Golf writer Doug Ferguson, "Mickelson, the No. 2 player in the world with 36 career PGA Tour victories, was to play the Byron Nelson Championship this week before defending his title next week at Colonial. It was not certain if he would return in time for the U.S. Open on June 18-21 at Bethpage Black, where he was the runner-up to Tiger Woods in 2002 and is beloved by golf fans in the New York area."

Mickelson's golf rival Tiger Woods issued the following statement.

“Elin and I are deeply saddened to hear the news about Amy,” Woods said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her, Phil, the children, and the entire Mickelson family.”

Everyone comes together in times of sorrow and need. That C-word always seems to gnaw at us as a danger lurking in the corner of our own lives. It is a scary possibility that could strike our own family at any time.

So, yes, while we certainly are sad for the Mickelson family, one must admit that there is also that somewhat selfish concern for our own lives whenever we hear about another person being diagnosed with cancer.

As fans, we sometimes get so wrapped up in games that news like this can be a reality jolt that wakes us from our sports-induced slumber.

There are 18 holes in golf, but we only get one chance at life.

Yes, there are more important things in life than golf. Her name is Amy Mickelson, come to think of it.