Receiving the BLESSING
by Melanie Hemry
Bonnie O’Neill stared out the window of the Massanutten Ski Resort in Virginia. Sleet battered the glass. The slopes had turned to ice. So much for the rest of their skiing holiday. Bonnie and a friend had come earlier in the week and enjoyed skiing. Now Friday, their husbands were due to join them for the weekend.
Bonnie didn’t enjoy being sedentary. She loved all sports. She danced, and even flew single engine planes. She had also taken care of her invalid mother for years.
“Why don’t we go for a swim and then use the gym?” her friend suggested.
“That’s a great idea!”
Afterward, her friend asked if she’d ever played racquetball.
“No,” Bonnie replied, “but I’m a fast learner if you tell me what to do.”
They got racquets and entered the court.
“OK,” her friend explained, “I’m going to serve. As soon as the ball comes to you, just slam it.”
She served the ball, and Bonnie slammed it back. As her friend hit the ball against the wall, Bonnie turned toward it.
The ball hit Bonnie between the eyes. She crumpled to her knees in
excruciating pain.
“Are you all right?” her friend yelled, running to Bonnie.
Not wanting to admit the severity of her pain, Bonnie said, “I’ll be fine, but I don’t think I can do this any longer.”
BVOV : 25
