« Thanks Claudia! | Main | I need a nickname! »
June 20, 2005
Passing of the chips...
People have asked why I haven't been posting any warm up stories for the World Series over the last few weeks. Unfortunately, it is for a very sad reason. My father had been ill since January and was in and out of the hospital for four months. He gave way to old age just a couple of weeks ago.
Oddly enough -- and fitting for this Blog -- I did get to play against him and my sister in his final poker game...
At 85 years old, he sat weak and worn and wearied in a wheelchair in his recovery center. We managed to pile up some chips on a little stand and play a small three handed holdem tournament. He was very quiet. It was hard to know how much mental activity he was up for. But you know what? He knew what he looked like, and in his final classic poker move, he used this against me. While pondering if I wanted to bet into him with my decent cards, or just let it go with a check, I noticed him reaching for his chips as if to bet. Of course, seeing this, I decided to check to see what he would bet. He immediately pulled his hand back and checked. I couldn't believe it. "Dad, did you just do that on purpose? You just reached for your chips just to make me check?" He just smiled one of his soft knowing smiles. Of course I had him, but I didn't make as much as I could. He did it on purpose in his classic fashion.
A few hands later he pulled the miracle card on the turn to nearly put me out of the tournament, but I came right back and got my own miracle on the river to catch back up. We left it even stacked (my sister having been eliminated) as his food arrived. He got tired after eating, and we never did finish the tournament. I wonder who would have won. We'll have to finish it some day.
In the hospital he had been very excited about knowing I'd be in the upcoming world series. He was telling all the nurses and doctors. But he didn't know that in his little way he would actually be making it there too. This may seem a little odd, but I feel it is perfectly fitting: I have had some of his ashes placed into a special memento that I will have with me at the World Series tables to cover my cards with.
Dad, let's do it together in July...
Posted by LarryW at June 20, 2005 04:58 PM
Comments
That's so appropriate! Kudos to the person who thought of that.
Posted by: Ammo at June 23, 2005 09:35 PM
Wow dad, that's touching. Even though it's the second time I heard the story, it moved me again. I think your dad's spirit will help you win the tournament, and I'll have my hopes up for you too (of course). Let's hope you make your dream come true and get to that final table.
Posted by: Max (Your Son) at June 26, 2005 03:04 PM
Thanks Max. That's a very sweet comment. You are a great son. Now go clean your room.
Your dad.
Posted by: Larry W at June 27, 2005 10:25 PM
That's really great. I just hope you don't get in to any arguments with him over your card play (a la "The Bowler's Daughter" in Mystery Men) or how to split the winnings. :O)
Posted by: Seath at July 7, 2005 09:31 PM