New Friends

by Ed Meyer

posted on October 6, 2009 in General Discussion | No Comments >>

You have heard me talk about playing in contests. I love to play, but as much for me, it is about meeting friends who share your love for the game. This is the part that makes everyone a winner.

Meet Paul. He was a banking executive who loved to play the ponies. He was climbing the corporate ladder, and doing everything by the book. He just bought a new home and had two beautiful children. All was well, until the final day in November six years ago.  His home caught fire in the middle of the night, and he was out of town giving a lecture on the business of lending. Without going into further detail, his life changed in a blink of an eye. He left his job and home. He left them behind, where his life once was. He traveled to Las Vegas ,where he eventually became  a Race Book manager. He always loved numbers, and a friend picked him up to mix his loves…. He has never returned to his old home, and if relatives want to see him, he pays for them to fly out his way. He has won three major tournaments, and even has met a beautiful gal, who sat next to him for these three days. He seemed happy, but even at times he had a distant look in his eye. I guess some feelings will never go away no matter how far you travel… Best of luck, Paul…

Bill – An insurance man by trade, for over forty years. He raised a beautiful family, and was so proud that all went to college. He always plays, but has never won. He spoke with a smile, and never got down no matter how bad he played. He was first to get there every morning, and last to leave. He said he spent two hours each night talking to his wife. This was the only time they ever left each other. She stayed with his son, and the phone reached through the distance. I liked Bill. He made me feel good no matter how bad things were on any day. I think he was not talking about the contest, but rather our lives. Hope to see you soon, Bill…..

Mike and Mike… A father/son combo from Chicago.  They qualify every year and play in over thirty contests. They were as Chicago as the Sox or the Cubs. They talked sports and constantly made calls to bookies back home. They loved to bet on the phone, and the way they spoke… Fuhgettaboutit’….. It was fun just hearing them complain and yell when they won. They were two apples from the same tree… See ya’ around guys…

The best part of our sport is the unique people involved. They make it like no other.. You have to try one if only to meet the people around. They are just like you, and the stories make the trip worthwhile…