Started Simple
It started as a simple home project.
All he wanted to do was put in a new front patio, maybe some shrubbery. But when he chiseled back the first layer of concrete, he saw something hiding in the foundation that should not have been there. Who in the world would hide something like this under a house? Maybe there was something inside?
Procrastination
David Olson had put off fixing up his Michigan house for far too long.
The final kick in the backside was when one of his kids toppled off the backstairs and hurt their wrist. Now, he not only had to bring down the stubborn rock steps, but he would have to dig down to fix the foundation under the house.
Make It Fun
It was okay though. It would be a nice family project.
The kids could play with the wheelbarrow and help out with small tasks. But when David cracked into the concrete, he noticed a strange lump. He brushed away the sand. Blue and black swirls glittered under the summer sun.
What’s This?
Maybe it was a strange rock?
He reached in a tugged at it with a loud grunt – it was really stuck in there! After some wiggling and muttering words his children should never hear, he finally got it out. Of all the things to have suck under your house ... he got this?!
Bowling Ball?!
It was one of those old ten-pin bowling balls – the kind without the holes for fingers.
However, that wasn’t the strangest thing. He only had to reach in another inch before he felt another solid object. Now, he felt like an archaeologist. No ... it couldn’t be!
Not Stopping
It was another one! David’s jaw went slack in amazement as they just kept coming!
Even his kids noticed something odd was going on. It took all afternoon, but buy the end of the day, he had dug two-feet lower than planned and pulled out just over 160 of them! Then his daughter asked something that made him hesitate.
Good Question
“What’s inside them, Daddy?” David immediately dropped the one he was holding.
It was a good question. Were the balls under there because there was something important inside? Also, was it even safe to crack their outer shell? He couldn’t just toss or give them away now. He had to find out.
Reaching Out
Thankfully, the company that made them had their name engraved on each one.
Even better? They still had a phone number and someone on the other end picked up! He explained the situation. Between this and his frantic Facebook post, he got two important answers.
Getting Answers
First, after the Brunswick Bowling Products went over their records, the told him they were more than safe to break open if he wanted to.
David breathed out a long sigh of relief. Former employees had also reached out and left comments on his post as to why there were there in the first place – and these were the most interesting!
Let’s See!
David made sure his kids and wife were standing far enough away as he brought the hammer down.
The loud crack made the kids squeal with delight. The guts of the sports ball made everyone laugh. Inside were billiard balls! But there was more to find out.
Clever Filler
It turned out that plant workers would take the dud bowling balls that were going to be thrown away and brought them home.
They were used as a cheap substitute for sand or rock whenever someone had a home project to do. It turned out the former homeowner had been just as handy as David. But what was he going to do with 160 of these things?! Funnily enough, one church was the first to ask for a few.
Giving Them Away
For some odd reason, the local house of worship had a bowling ball cannon.
David had no idea what it was used for, but he was at least sure they would be used for something good. Next was his stepfather, who also turned out to be just as creative as he was great at DIY. This was even cooler!
Interesting Ideas
The plan was to use them for “feet” on his furniture projects. Finally, David would keep the rest.
He had a brilliant idea to spray paint them in some nice fake-rock texture and use them as borders for his gardens or for some sort of sculpture. Next was an amusing GoFundMe page.
Needing Money
"If you have funds to 'Spare' and would like to help me find another excavation please help my cause," he wrote on Facebook.
"At this point, I could either let my story fade away into the past or I could grab it by the 'balls' and continue the story and spread of positive vibes."
Determined To Finish
All he wants is to finish the project he started, but with the potential for more of these pesky little orbs to be hidden under the entire house, he would need someone to come in and check ... and help him clear them out.
Only then could he get the patio he promised his family.