HERE’S TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS (THE STONE AGE)

Almost three years ago I wrote a blog called Tales from the Bridge Crypt, but there have been so many since then, to be truthful, I had forgotten.  Today, in reviewing my comments (which all appear on my same private page regardless of the time of the blog), I found  the following from the popular New York director and player, Alan Messer, a lovely gentleman and friend of Norman’s and mine from days gone by.  He must have been looking through some of my ancient blogs and this is what I found (written last night):

Submitted on 2011/04/03 at 11:30pm

Strange as it may seem, Stoney and I became buddies and teammates many years later. In fact, we won the NYC Reisinger knockout (1967 or ‘68). I visited Stoney briefly (he was playing Texas Holdem in Las Vegas) around 1998 or so. (/S/ Alan Messer)

Alan’s comment gave me pause for thought as Bobby and I just visited Stoney (the inimitable Tobias Stone)  in a facility called St. Joseph’s Rehab Center, 2035 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, Nv 89102.  He could not handle living alone in his apartment down near the Strip (at 92 years old) and with no family here, he was forced to get help at St. Joe’s.   Bobby and I saw him Tuesday and he was so happy when we walked in   His hearing and vision are failing but he is doing well with his walker and allied therapy.  However, with no family nearby and few friends left, it is obvious he is lonely and yearns for the good old days.

It would be so nice if any of you old bridge friends can take a brief moment and drop him a note; it would mean so much to him.   Being isolated, he feels like the forgotten man.   I might add – with all his other physical failings, his mind is still sharp so he would remember you and love hearing from old buddies of yesteryear.   Please take a moment today and send him a note of cheer.   It will go a long way.  Thank you.