Mom Tried to Retire After One Pickleball Rally
Brian Armer
Mom announced her retirement from pickleball after one rally. Her return hit the net, bounced back toward her shoes, and somehow the wind got blamed. Across the court, Beth laughed so hard she missed the next serve. “You can’t retire yet,” she said. “We haven’t even worked out how to keep score.”
“Then nobody can prove I’m losing.” Mom retrieved the ball and tucked it into her pocket.
They had nearly canceled that morning. Beth had called to say she was behind on everything, and Mom had immediately offered to move their game to another week. Neither mentioned how many times they had already done that. Beth had been about to agree when she heard the television in the background. “Have you got your shoes on?” she asked.
Mom paused. “Maybe.”
“I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
Now they were on a public court with a borrowed paddle and no particular talent between them. Mom celebrated a shot that landed well outside the line. Beth let her have the celebration before pointing out the problem. On the next rally, they both forgot the score. A player passing the gate offered to help, but Mom waved him on. “We’re doing very well without it.”
Eventually they sat in the shade. Beth reached for her phone, then turned it face down on the bench. Mom was examining the paddle as though it might explain her performance. “I think this one’s defective,” she said.
“You picked it.”
“I’m beginning to question my judgment.”
Beth laughed. Mom looked up, and for a moment neither of them said anything. It had been a long time since they had spent a morning together that wasn’t fitted around an errand.
“Next Saturday?” Mom asked.
“Let me check.” Beth picked up her phone and opened the calendar. The morning was empty. For once, she didn’t start thinking about what she ought to put there. She typed Pickleball with Mom and showed her the screen.
Mom leaned closer. “Put down that I’m coming out of retirement.”
“That’ll cost you a rematch.”
Mom stood, picked up the ball, and headed back toward the court. “Then we’d better practice.” Beth left her phone on the bench and followed.
No shower at the courts? Bring purposeful skin care along for the time before you can wash. A skin spray prepared with Zombie Infusion puts its natural ingredients’ antimicrobial chemistry within reach after play. Care at the courts, then your regular wash when you get home.