Stories

My Father-in-law, Bill, was the most gentle of gentlemen.  He was a fine Christian, giving, supportive, and an example to all the guys my age at church.  I was the guy who fell in love with his daughter.

Once a part of his family, I learned there was another side to the man, his competitive side.

He loved sports, especially Auburn Football.  I have never seen a person get more involved in a game on TV.  There were times when we thought he might blow a gasket.  Auburn Football can do that to almost anyone.

I have never seen anyone take the card game Uno so seriously.  I always sat next to him, which meant I was supposed to wait until it reversed to play my Draw Two and Draw Four cards.  I was supposed to read his mind when playing a Wild card when the player was at Uno and about to go out.  He called me a "Dumb Ass" when I played a wild card and didn't call the color of the Draw Two he wanted to play.

He enjoyed giving me extra cards.

He loved playing tennis.  He, our Pastor, Ron, and COL Penn played several times each week.  Their fourth player couldn't make it this Saturday.  I was home on leave from the Army, so Bill told me I would play.  I said, Yes, Sir, but explained that I didn't play tennis.  That didn't seem to matter to Bill.

Colonel Penn and Ron teamed up.   I was Bill's partner, and I was horrible.  His constructive criticism and helpful pointers sounded more like abuse.  At one point, Bill called me over to him.

Damnit, Son, you're supposed to hit the God-Damn-Ball OVER the net."

I knew I would never play any sport with him again.

Nor, was I asked.