Raising Boys

Ten-pin bowling fun April 8, 2007

Breathing steadily, standing still, I lift the 13-pound ball to my chest. I hold it firmly with both hands. I do the three-and-a-half-step routine–hesitant at first but gaining confidence with every move–I slide my right foot forward at the last step. My body follows, bending forward and leaning right. My right hand brings the ball into a downward arc and lets go.

C-r-a-c-k, goes the sound of heavy ball meeting wooden surface. I freeze. I watch the ball as it glides through the shimmering 60-foot long lane and crashes into a triangle of 10 motionless dwarfs. Except for two, they scatter like ducks on a pond at the sound of gunshot.

Adrenaline courses through my body. Sweat breaks out on my forehead. I take another ball, grip it tightly, swing and release. The ball whirls and rolls, as it skims through a surface polished to a glossy finish. I see my reflection on the shimmery floor, I am laughing.

There is joy in my heart. I am discovering something new and wonderful, and it is made more incredible because I am discovering it with you.