How Do You Like My New Basketball?

How Do You Like My New Basketball?

During my grandchildren’s Christmas break, I picked up three of them for a visit. Twelve-year-old Kenny approached my car with a colorful basketball under his arm. I didn’t pay much attention to the ball, as grandmothers are wont to do; I was just happy he and his sisters were coming over for a visit at our home before starting back to school.

The weather was ideal, so upon arriving at our house, Kenny asked if I’d like to shoot some hoops with him in the backyard. My husband was busy grilling, so I assumed I was second choice. Nevertheless, I happily agreed to play with him.

After a few shots and dribbles, he asked if I’d like to play “P-I-G”. He explained the rules for the game. Of course, it didn’t take too long before I was out the first round. But we kept going. This Nana would show her grandson what she’s made of! Well, so much for that pompous attitude. We played a number of rounds, but I never could beat him. Who could? He threw the ball backwards twice—and made the basket, swoosh. Once, he threw a three-pointer from the side, another swoosh. When he stood BEHIND the pole and fired his shot up and over the backboard, I thought, no way will he make that. But it was a slam-dunk. Really? Who shoots like this?

When Kenny declared winner, winner, chicken dinner, we ended the game, all in fun.

As I started to walk into the house, Kenny asked, “Nana, how do you like my new basketball?”

I looked at it. Really looked at it for the first time, even though I’d dribbled and tossed it for the past 30 minutes. Purple, pink, and white. Not the usual colors.

“Where’d you get this? Was it a Christmas gift?”

“No, a shuttle driver gave it to me at the airport.”

“What?”

Kenny proudly explained. When their family returned from Arizona back to Colorado from a Christmas trip, they boarded a shuttle bus to get to their car. Kenny said the young driver, sporting a black beanie, was quite happy and funny, making everyone laugh, spreading cheer. The driver even persuaded his folks to repeat fun chants after him. When it came time for Kenny to step off the shuttle, the driver stopped him. “Hey young man, take this basketball. A gift from me. Don’t lose it and use it a lot.”

Surprised, and even startled, Kenny cradled the ball and thanked the driver. “Yes, sir. I won’t lose it, and I’ll use it a lot. I promise to keep this ball in a special place.”

“So, Nana, that’s how I got this basketball. And I’ve been practicing a lot. That’s why I’m getting better!”

Wow, I thought to myself. What a generous shuttle driver. There is good in the world. So happy my grandson could be the recipient of his kindness. I have a feeling Kenny will keep this basketball well into adulthood, and he’ll have a story to go with it! As we enter into a new year, I hope we can all spread cheer, extend kindness, and offer generosity whenever we have the chance like this shuttle driver.

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Happy New Year!