When Billy Hardwick was 18 years old his dad came to watch him bowl for the first time. He opened with strikes in the first and second frames. On the third frame he knocked down 9 pins and left the 10 pin standing. At that point Billy’s dad stood up, looked at his son and said “You stink!” Then he walked out. This was said in front of all the competitors, fans and staff. 42 years later when Billy was 60 me mentioned to his dad how much that incident had hurt his feelings. His dad replied “You’re a bigger baby than I thought.”
Billy Hardwick went on to be named bowler of the year in 1963, 1964 and 1965. He is in the ABC and PBA Halls of Fame. To say he was an exceptional bowler is a gross understatement.
How amazing that after winning bowler of the year 3 times, 18 PBA titles and making it into two sports halls of fame, he still remembers the hurt and embarrassment he felt all those years ago. I heard him interviewed when he was 70 years old and you can still hear the hurt in his voice from something that took place 52 years prior!
Your kids are listening. They are listening to EVERYTHING! I recently heard that it takes 14 positive comments to overcome 1 negative one. I think when it comes from a parent you can easily double that number.
God Bless
- Ryan
Do you have the courage to ask your kids (or spouse) if you've hurt their feelings? If you have, can you say you're sorry?
