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Where There’s A WILL, There’s A Way

by Dave Friant
here are millions of people out there ignoring
disabilities and accomplishing incredible feats. I An overwhelming amount of
“Tlearned you can learn to do things differently, but do support and assistance from friends,
them just as well. Never allow the circumstances of your life to neighbors, and fellow bowlers has
become an excuse.“ - Jim Abbott * served as a remedy for the gloom that accompanied the devastating
news. Folks have pitched in with tangible acts of helpfulness. “I’m
William “Will” Syner has been a Texan for the entirety of his 63 amazed at the kindness that comes about during difficult times.
years of life. Born in El Paso, he is currently a single divorcee Those feelings are already there, and become active when situations
residing in Keller. Syner retired in 2015 as an A & P Mechanic for call for it,” says Syner. Major help with the installation of an access
American Airlines. ramp at his apartment and a sit-down shower top the list.
Bowling has been an off and on part of Syner’s recreational life Ann Dronen has been the single-most supportive “other” in his life
since his early teenage years. It’s a sport where focused attention since the amputation. She has known Syner through bowling for
to technique and comradery with teammates and opponents makes three years and provided transportation to doctor appointments and
for enjoyable outings. Above average in terms of skill level, he rehabilitation sessions during the spring and summer. Dronen is
became a competitive league bowler amazed when reflecting on how
in 2011 within the western part of Syner has handled the matter of
the Metroplex. having a leg removed. “He had an
In early January 2019, Syner ‘it has to be done, let’s get it over
encountered a medical situation that with’ approach to the matter. Since
has since changed his life. What the operation, I have rarely seen him
appeared initially to be a harmless without a smile,’’ says Dronen.
foot injury from stepping on a carpet Bowling upon his return to the
tack turned into a wound that failed lanes in August has been via a
to heal properly. A vascular doctor wheelchair. At the time of this
was called in and diagnosed the case writing, Syner anticipates a return
as a severe circulatory condition to “regular” bowling in February
known as Peripheral Vascular with his prosthetic leg. He is
Disease (PVD). Two weeks after currently competing in three
an unsuccessful artery surgery, Will leagues; wheeling himself to the
received the news that amputation of foul line with ball-in-hand and
his right leg three inches above his carefully attempting to roll it with
knee was necessary. The surgery some degree of accuracy. With the
took place on May 19. aid of a local professional bowler/
Okay. Now what? Quality of life instructor, Will has been the recipient
issues suddenly become front and of a few tips on this variation to
center. Might all the favorable standard bowling. The average is
aspects of his existence come understandably down from his pre-
screeching to a grinding halt and become merely rearview mirror surgery days, but progress is being made. He recalls an occasion
recollections? Would dependence on whoever steps up to the plate during the summer when a youngster came up to him while he was
for assistance provision be the order of the day for the foreseeable bowling and mentioned how inspirational it was to watch him bowl.
future? “I’m so glad that my situation can help people,” says Will.
Periods of hopelessness to varying degrees is always a part of limb Medical realities in life which on occasion present themselves with
removal recoveries. It is to be expected. Syner recalls an occasion little or no warning are unquestionably challenges. There seems
when he looked under the hospital bed covers at the bandaged area to be scarcely enough time to harness the resolve necessary to get
which was once his leg. He did shed some tears, but the affirmative on with life. Some folks are unable to find hope or the spiritual
manner in which he handled the amputation was “beyond belief” resources necessary to rebound from the obstacles thrown their way.
as described by one of the attending nurses. The doctors and Others rise to the occasions with renewed strength and approaches
rehabilitation personnel emphasize the impact of a positive attitude. to their new seasons in life.
Syner has adopted that approach. Will Syner is a committed participant in the latter category.
Syner is content to move on with this new chapter. “I can’t see *Abbott is a former professional baseball player who pitched as a
being mad at God or anyone else. I ask God for help every night. “lefty” with several major league teams during his 10-year career.
I’ve always been a glass half full guy. You can cry about your He overcame the disability of a missing right hand at birth and
situation or get up and make the best of it,” says Syner. currently travels the country as a motivational speaker. •

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