So one of my favorite things to do here at Bethany Home is Bocce Ball. It is a very serious and competitive game for the guys here. Later on this month they will be traveling to compete in the national tournament, so they practice for a couple hours every day. Despite the specific disability of each guy, it is a game that has versatility in the way it can be played. Depending on their capabilities, some guys throw the ball, roll, kick, or even use a ramp . I have had an opportunity to play on their team yesterday and today; these guys are so incredibly skilled at this game, I didn’t even stand a chance.
As I have been able to join these guys, I have been impacted the most by how there is so much effort required to do a fairly simple task. I sit and watch as a guy repeatedly attempts to throw a ball, but cannot get the signal from his brain to reach his hand in time to tell it to release the ball at the end of the throw. It can sometimes take up to a minute, with repeated attempts, before he successfully throws the ball. Despite all of this, there is no anger or frustration, but rather steady concentration and determination to still place the ball with every attempt.
I sit there and do not know how I would handle that situation. I would be frustrated immediately and, honestly, would not have the patience with myself to continue to repeatedly attempt such a basic throw. Yet, I watch as this guy perseveres time and time again and I cannot help but take away something from that. I am learning incredible lessons as I sit there and watch as these guys live their lives with such determination. Furthermore, I love how a simple game, like Bocce, allows me to connect with the guys and puts everyone on the same playing field. I honestly love losing to these guys (and trust me, I am trying to win) because every single time they win, they get so pumped and excited. It brings me so much joy watching them feel truly confident and successful.
