WSOB Morning Surprise: Shoes, Laughter, and One Last Dance

WSOB Morning Surprise: Shoes, Laughter, and One Last Dance

Let’s set the scene: hotel hallway, early morning, quiet before the storm.

I met Marci—Lindsay’s mom—in the lobby just before wake-up time. She had flown in early to surprise her daughter on the final day of the World Series of Bowling. We made our way up to the room, hearts racing with excitement (and a little mischief). I had the room key, so no need to knock—I just pulled out my camera, hit record, and opened the door.

It was dark inside. Real dark. And within two steps, I tripped over Lindsay’s shoes.

Boom. So much for stealth.

I fumbled, half-whispering, half-announcing, “I just tripped over your shoes! I could turn this light on.”

From the bed, Linsay—still mostly asleep—murmured, “Oh, I’m sorry,” and turned to face me.

That’s when it happened.

Marci, smooth as ever, crept around to the far side of the bed and climbed in beside her daughter. Linsay, still trying to shake off the sleep, turned around—

“What the heck?” she said, eyes wide.

And there was Mom.

Surprise: complete.

Caught on video: absolutely.

Laughter: instant.

Bella, who had been in the bathroom, came out to join the fun, and within seconds, the room was full of laughter and storytelling. Lindsay was trying to piece together who knew what—because everybody knew.

Zach, Lindsay's brother and Marci’s son, left early this morning and is already on the road. He’s driving straight to the bowling alley to meet us there. Soon the whole crew will be back together again.

From Bella and Linsay’s first Youth Open when they were just 10 years old to now—16 and still side-by-side—their journey has been something special. Today marks the final day of the WSOB. One last day to lace up, show up, and roll with purpose.

And while we don’t know who will end up on the step ladder finals just yet, we do know this: it’s been one heck of a ride.

Let’s finish it well.