My Bowling Team

Not too long ago I joined a bowling league. I was so nervous before actually joining. I haven’t bowled on a regular basis for 11 years. As a family we averaged being able to bowl about once a year.

One week before I joined, we were able to bowl as a family. We usually only bowl 1 game- it’s easier for the little ones. I bowled a whopping 104!!

When I showed up to my first league night, I was surprised to see that most of the league bowlers were at least 20 years older than I.

The team I was put on only had 2 ladies on it. The older of the two is a very special lady, by the name of Stephany. We got to talking and she shared with me her age. She is the ripe young age of 80. She figures many people think she’s too old to be bowling and her son keeps encouraging her to quit.

She has macular degeneration in both eyes and can barely see the pins. She can’t even tell where she’s thrown the ball, until it knocks the pins down.

She told me, “I just can’t give it up. I love it. It keeps me going. And I’m the last charter member of the league, and I just can’t bring myself to give it up.”

How amazing is that? The life and spirit of this woman, who refuses to quit her favorite pastime, even though she can hardly see where she’s throwing the ball.

I find her inspiring. I told her not to give it up, I would be by her side even if she ended up blind and in a wheel chair. I would be there to wheel her up to the line so she can continue to throw that ball.

Although she’s far from a wheelchair, I gave her a good chuckle. Use it or lose it is my motto and I hope to bowl with her for the next 20 years.