Careless Cad

Back in 1983, I went to our ward’s youth conference. I had recently graduated from high school so I wasn't technically in the youth program any more, but the leaders wanted me to go and it sounded kinda fun. Dad was the bishop and my buddy Scott was 17 and still in the program. Besides, there were the young vixens to consider as well. There were some cute ones!

One girl was there that I had not considered: a timid new “Beehive.” She was the first-born in her family so the whole “youth” scene was new to her. Her name was Ingrid and she was of very slight build and at the camp she literally shadowed her leaders.

Our age difference prevented any romantic-type attraction but as a sign of my vainness I figured that any kindness I showed to her would mean a lot to her. I'm a giver, what can I say? I’m not suggesting that she liked me, but there is a certain mystique that any 18-year-old has in the eyes of a 12-year-old.

Anyway, Saturday morning Scott and I were in the main lodge and Ingrid happened to be there, with an adult leader, of course. We invited to them to play mixed doubles ping-pong. The leader (who was closer to my age than Ingrid was) seemed pleased that we were paying any attention to her young protégé and eagerly accepted.

I teamed with Ingrid and I although I was never really good at the game, I fancied myself somewhat handy with the paddle. However, all the ping-pong self-confidence and “mentor” kindness ended in an instant. Here is what happened: I was on the right side of the table and got a somewhat high, slow bounce to my right side to return. Maybe to show-off a bit (but probably just my competitive nature at that age), I decided that I would really put some zip on this “floater.” I  did to hit it hard, but with a lot of topspin to drive it down. I don’t recall if the shot was good because immediately after I hit it, I learned that my teammate was standing closer to me than I thought and with the follow through I smacked her right across the face. SLAP! I really hit her hard; it’s a wonder she didn’t fall down. (As a reflection on the power of my mighty forehand, I kind of wish she had. Just kidding.)

She was stunned. No, no, no! I was supposed to be the nice guy, the big brother type not the reckless table-tennis dude! But it was true. I had just hit an 80 pound girl upside the head. She stammered that she was fine but I knew it stung. Losing whatever pedestal I may have been on her eyes stung me too (but not as bad.)

This is my one and only Ingrid story. Honest. In an incredible irony, earlier this evening (but after I’d written this) I learned from my cousin that Ingrid is being named American Mothers Inc. “Utah Young Mother of the Year.” She is what? Mid 30s? And has eight children. I hope I’m the only one that has ever nailed her with a ping-pong paddle but somehow I don’t think I’ll be mentioned in her acceptance speech.