Bowling, The Wright Way - April 2006 by Don Wright
The Power Of Bowling

All of these problems were caused because her sodium dropped to a dangerous level due to her pituitary gland not functioning properly.

Three years ago Sweetie was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Surgery removed much of the tumor and a years worth of radiation has been very successful. No recurrence of the tumor, or the cancer. However, either the surgery, the radiation, or a combination of the two caused her pituitary gland to malfunction. That little gland, about the size of a pea, is a major part in our human machinery.

So, what does all this have to do with bowling? Well, several things. First, I missed my first column for The Bowling News last month. Fourteen hour days and nights in the hospital left little time, nor desire.

But, in 2003 when Sweetie was recovering from her surgery she told all her doctors and nurses that she had to get well in enough time to make Reno. It would be her 25th consecutive year and she planned to be there. She even had an e-mail from Dick Weber posted in her room wishing her well and telling her to make Reno. It was all the motivation she needed because she made Reno, bowled, received her plaque from the WIBC and was so proud.

Now three years later she is again telling all the doctors and nurses that she must make Reno in May. There is significance in that event because it will be the first time she gets to bowl with our daughter Vikki in the National Tournament.

"I want to bowl with my daughter in the nationals and show her the excitement of the National Bowling Stadium and walking down the center isle with her," she said.

Her doctors a few short weeks ago said there was no chance of that happening, but now seem to think it's a reasonable goal. Me, I'm not so sure. But, I also know that Sweetie is one tough gal and if there is any way she will find it.

Bowling has been a big part of our life. We bowled together in Germany, we coached AJBC together, and we have made every Texas state mixed tournament since they began. We travel every where together and have photo albums upon photo albums of tournaments, friends and fun.

The vast majority of our friends are bowlers and they spent a lot of time at the hospital visiting. On the weekend of March 18-19 Sweetie was given a pass to leave the hospital and come home. She had to be back in the hospital each night by 8 p.m., but she had the entire day to be home. She was able to see her favorite German Shepherd, Niki, check to see if I was making the bed, and ensure the house didn't look like my old barracks room. On Saturday night when we returned to the hospital our close friends Dee and Jerry showed up with a fantastic Italian feast from Sweeties favorite restaurant, Pignetti's. We dined in the rehabilitation ward kitchen, with white linen, candle light, some excellent veal marsala, lasagna, penne pasta and spagetti and Italian sausage. A little grape juice substituted for a fine Chianti. It was very special.

On Sunday, a very special friend, Karen brought a fantastic German dinner to the house. Karen knew that Sweetie was ready for a good meal from the homeland and she prepared enough rouladen, red cabbage, and potatoes to keep us in food for days.

Dee, Jerry, and Karen are all bowlers. Jerry and I have been doubles partners for more than 20 years in every tournament local, state and national. Sweetie and I have traveled the entire United States with Dee and Jerry and laughed until we hurt.

Sweetie plans to go to Reno in May. If that goal ensures a return to her health, I will be in complete favor of the trip. If she gets to walk down the center isle of the National Bowling Stadium with her daughter it will be the thrill of her life. I have bought her plane ticket and whether she can bowl, or not, health permitting she will be there with her daughter and maybe the USBC will let her make that walk down the center isle.

Bowling. It's amazing that a sport can be such a motivator. But, as a man who loves his Sweetie as much as I do, I thank our bowling friends for always being there. I thank our many bowling friends around the world who have sent cards and e-mails and included us in their prayers.

So, if you happen to be in Reno, May 27 and at the National Bowling Stadium around 7:30 p.m. watch for the Five Hills Brewery team from Killeen. Sweetie will be the one leading them in and having the biggest smile on her face.

When she returns I know her first stop will be Scott and White Hospital to thank all the wonderful people who made it possible. Them, and the strong will of my Sweetie.

See you on the lanes.