Originally Posted by
billf
I was born blind in my left eye. From the time I was 3 until 11 I had to wear a patch on my right eye that they said it would fix my left eye. It didn't work...so I wore glasses for a few years and that didn't help either.
Then on November 3, 2010 while at work I had an accident. A piece of metal went in my right eye tearing my retina in two places, cornea in three places, wrecked the lens and six holes in the eyeball itself. The jell was coming out of my eye so I was rushed to Ohio State University Medical Center for emergency surgery. I was told from the start that I wouldn't see again. My only question to the doctor while in recovery was, "when can I bowl". The doctor laughed saying about a month but it would be hard not seeing. I told him that with my average sight didn't matter.
After the required month of bedrest for the retina re-attachment to take hold I was in the bowling alley. My wife would drop me off and being so slow during the day, one of the employees would help me if I didn't have any friends with me. It took me awhile but I knew I had to learn how to become a cranker. Why? Because they use an area rather than an actual target. Seeing as I couldn't see the lanes I figured that was my best chance at being able to compete.
My first night back bowling league (I attended but didn't bowl while on bedrest) I shot a 96, 111 and 107. I kept at it though bowling at least 40 games a day. It was the only exercise the doctor authorized. I finished the second half of that season and the first half of the following season with a 195 average. My doubles partner and teammate on two leagues, Derrick, would walk me to the approach, hand me my ball and tell me where to stand. It wasn't but a month or two before I could tell if I left a pin and usually knew which pin just by the sound and feel of the release. I bowled only one league that summer. The PBA league was out of the question giving the accuracy needed.
I had five different eye procedures after the initial surgery and on January 9, 2012, with the assitance of glasses, my vision was acceptable enough to return to work, driving, etc. I still have trouble seeing as I will always have floaters in that eye and blind spots where the retina was attached. The glasses I normally wear help with distance. I also have different glasses for reading. The doctors also prescribed me trifocals but they make me nauseous. Unfortunately my average dropped when my sight returned. It was kind of funny but everything at the alley distracted me and I would pull my head. It's taken the rest of the time to get back to where I am now, including learning to slide again, stop cranking and play way outside when need be.
The whole point is; people kept telling me I wouldn't be able to do it. My average would be too low to compete. My wife only let me bowl because she knew I needed something to do. You can't let negative people who don't have the drive or ambition convince you of what you can or can't do.
I've been fighting that my whole life. I always wanted to be G.I. Joe. Being half blind I was told it would never happen. I signed a waiver, joined the Army and when they occasion came, altered my personnel fole so my eye wouldn't hold me back. A boy who wasn't suppose to be allowed in the service, became a Green Beret earning several medals including two Sodlier's medals, three Purple Hearts and three Bronze Stars. Not too bad for somebody who can't do this and can't do that. I've never, ever listened to what people told me I couldn't do. I'm scared to death of heights (control issues) yet I completed Airborne training and made 148 jumps. After the first six I learned to love it.
Bowling Options!!!!
other then being a jerk and a slow learner due to being a jerk I have it easy bowling. I'm happy I took the time to read the post on here changed my out look on the game I think next league night ill stay focused and positive. Anything is possible work as hard as you can and keep your head up.
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