Once again I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Wetzel County Relay for Life Softball Tournament. I readily admit I am not a softball player. I am not in shape and I don’t even know the rules of the game very well. But I do know how to have fun, cheer for my team, and at least fill a slot on the Wetzel Chronicle team.

At the end of Saturday we were undefeated in our pool bracket. Truth be known, it was the bracket for the teams that weren’t expected to do so well. So we went into the playoffs knowing full well we were the best of the worst.

When we faced the Pain Train Sunday afternoon the result wasn’t pretty. They were ready to win-and they did. I think we all knew the outcome before we even began-at least after the first inning. But you know what? That didn’t stop either team from having fun.

In fact, one of my best laughs during the weekend came in our dugout during that contest. Someone asked who we were playing. I said, “The Pain Train.” “Who are they; where are they from?” “They’re from the gym,” I replied. “Jim who?”

All I could do was laugh and say, “Our team doesn’t even know what a gym is!”

That brought to mind a related story in my life a few weeks ago. I happened to be home one afternoon, turned on the television, and watched some of the Oprah Winfrey Show. They had people from The Biggest Loser talking about their successes and failures. One stay-at-home mother was telling how she kept the weight off. She advocated doing exercises on playground equipment while your children play. “Why not take advantage of free equipment?” she asked.

Here’s why. . . a few days later I was at Bruce Park with my daughter and 10-year-old nephew. They were busy playing and no one was on the monkey bars. I decided I could hang from a bar and do some stomach crunches. Sam caught me flailing about and said in the most droll voice possible, “What…are you doing…?” “Exercising,” I replied. “You’re too old!” some unknown boy yelled out. I got off of the equipment and tried to act like a normal mother.