Giving Birth At My Age?
by Jeanne Hester
Merging all of the integers of the bowling world,to me, was like getting and being pregnant, then giving birth. After the child arrived, we were left to deal with its care and nurturing responsibilities. Hear me out.
Put a group of bowling leaders together at a meeting and a topic of intense conversation will most likely turn to mergers. No greater change in our bowling world has stirred the tongues "a'waggin" as the USBC unification process. When talk turns to USBC, it seems everyone has an opinion on how to "do and deal with it." Me, too.
First came the fun, excitement and nervousness of conception. When the idea of the USBC merger was first conceived, some thought it would be fun, and frankly, about time there was a start to this family. Others thought it would be exciting to reorganize as one, cut down on paperwork and overhead and have a stronger association. Still others were nervous about the prospects of a change in the "same ol', same ol'" and were quite leery. Because, or in spite of, depending on your stance, the offspring was visualized.
Next, the extreme, excruciating pain of delivery. While trying to birth this "bowling child," the pain of long and intense hours of talking, writing and flat out arguing began to take its toll. What would be best for the bowlers? Which was the easiest way? What would others think? Why can't we do it the way we always have done it? Doesn't this make more sense? Deep breaths and much huffing and puffing were needed. Feeling were hurt, angry accusations were lobbed, still the labor continued.
One last giant push and the association took on its new life. What wondorous joy to finally achieve something for which one had worked so intensely. What glorious relief it was over!
Now the "newness" has worn off a bit. Associations are still grappling with issues they were sure they covered at the beginning. Even as the child enters the "terrible twos," big issues such as policies, procedures and tournaments are still sticking points. People who jumped on the leadership bandwagon to direct and nurture this infant have decide it is too hard, their "parenting skills" just are not made for this kid. There still seems to be some suspicious thoughts by those chosen for the care and feeding of the fledgling child.
More and more, accusations are aimed at the "Grandparents" on the national level. Constant questioning of their motives seems to be a worrisome and unproductive pastime, while complaints of local workings grow. As with any grandparent, there always seems to be an abundance of advice. Whereas it may sometimes get a mite tedious, there are some pearls of wisdom from them that should be recognized, even utilized.
There has to be a gentle, productive way to continue this child, without constant harping and questioning. "Terrible twos" turn into "turbulant threes," and with any parent, it is going to take a heavier dose of patience to flourish. Somewhere, there has to be an enourmous amount of love shown, or the "child" will become a disorganized and hateful mess; not much good for anything. As good parents, we must find avenues to provide for the care and feeding of a successful being, looking beyond what one group may have "always done" with the same core group and finding new folks to become involved in the rearing.
Some associations have yet to "conceice" and are missing so many opportunities. Other groups will carry the scars from the "birthing" process for a long time. Still others will continue to repeat the same old barren story, telling of suspicions and old hurts to keep the status quo. What a total waste of time and effort on their part.
So the talk of the "child" will continue as bowling people get together. We have to keep looking to the future. For whatever the feelings, and with us or without us, our new "baby" is posed to provide for the betterment of bowling, for the membership, as well as for the game itself.