BOWLING

Today is our first day back to league bowling after having the summer off. Most of us have bowled informally as friends during the summer when it's easy to take off for vacations. Of course, at our age, most of us are retired so we can take off at any time during the regular bowling season. But the love of the game and draw of companionship keeps most of us showing up routinely on Thursdays at 9 AM.

One of our members won't be with us this morning because she has a doctor's appointment. Her family is going with her. Mary is 82 and we're all worried about her. She gets a far off distant look in her eyes that seems to be there more and more often. During the summer, she forgot that we bowled on Wednesdays instead of Thursdays for the first half of the season.

We go out to eat after we bowl (actually the primary reason we get together in the first place is to have someone to go out to eat with!). We've all noticed that no matter how often we tell Mary where we're going, she often repeatedly asks us and how to get there. Some times even after being repeatedly told, she still doesn't show up. Some of us are beginning to fear for her safety and I suspect that's why she has a doctor's appt. this morning.

All the ladies I bowl with on my team are widows; some more than once. Everyone but me is either 80 yrs. old or close to it. Two of the ladies were new last year and are thrilled to have some place to go on Thursdays. It gives them a chance to get out of the house and bond with other women. I was delighted when Rosalie and Jimmie joined our team. I knew they wouldn't be good bowlers in terms of high averages but that isn't what I was looking for in new teammates. In fact, coming in last place at the end of the season has become such a habit, I rather like it down there in the basement! It's cool and comfortable!

But I'm mostly glad that Jimmie and Rosalie joined us because they're so much fun! They make me laugh! Jimmie at 80 will pass out "birth control" pills (in truth an aspirin or vitamin!) in the hopes taking them will improve our scores! Although what that has to do with it is anyone's guess; it's still funny--as in doing anything in desperation to help the team.

Rosalie reminds me of a cheerful bird! Although she's had a number of tragedies in her life, she remains upbeat and usually has a smile on her face! She's such a pleasure to be around and a lesson to us all that cheerfulness certainly attracts more positive feelings than being dour. Sort of like the fly and honey bit.

I miss Frances. She used to bowl on our team but when it was time to sign up last year she bowed out for physical reasons. Rather than disappoint our team and not show up, she didn't feel comfortable about how she would perform until the last minute. Then, when she realized that she could bowl, her spot on our team had been taken and she signed up with the new team that had just formed--and promptly shared in their first place victory!

But Frances is my friend; my buddy; my comforter. I've attended several bowling tournaments with her and we usually room together. Several times she's sensed when I've been down and has spread her care, concern and religious strength all over my aching soul. Words cannot begin to express the gratefulness and love in my heart for this very special lady.

They made me president of the league a few years back because nobody else wanted to do it. I accepted knowing full well it's a figurehead job and that it means I do virtually nothing. Thankfully, the bulk of the responsibility falls to the league secretary/treasurer, Janetta, another good and faithful friend.

I look forward to bowling with all of these ladies this coming year as I consider each and everyone of our 44 members to be my good friends. It doesn't matter to me if I bowl well or not; if we rise about last place or not. It just matters that we all can get together and laugh a bit and share a meal in the space of a few hours every week.

The bottom line is that I'm not really a bowler; I'm just in it for the hugs!

Peace and love,

Carol