Learning Bridge Without a Map
Story by BBO: Souvik0612 I began my bridge journey on BBO. I live in a village i...
Story by Milly (BBO: PlayTime4)
Fifty-two years ago today was a Sunday afternoon which found me playing Party Bridge with other singles who not only enjoyed the game but the social aspects of it as well. At age 33 in 1972, any husband prospects looked quite dim while travel, my teaching profession, taking guitar lessons, and Bridge friends kept me happily busy.
Buzzing back to my apartment in my new little Audi to practice guitar for Monday’s lesson, one of my fellow bridge players sauntered over to my carport to inquire if I might like to go for a glass of wine. We had never been partners at any of the sessions so my immediate reaction was to decline saying I needed the evening to get ready for Monday. He continued to “chat me up” with intermittent queries about that glass of wine. Finally deciding that he sounded interesting enough to invest an hour or so, we went to the local Jolly Roger on the bay where, yes indeed, he turned out to be so interesting that we closed the lounge and became almost attached at the hip for the next year and a half.
Fast forward to 1974. One of my good friends was living in England temporarily and invited me to visit them during summer break. By this time, thinking our relationship was simply a Bridge to Nowhere, I said good-bye intending to move on upon my return. Somehow, my ‘ex’ managed to meet my flight with Olivia Newton John’s new release album entitled, “I Love You, I Honestly Love You”, feelings he had never uttered until that moment. We were married 10 days later and celebrated our Golden Anniversary last August 11, 2024.
We had a chance to thank Olivia Newton John for “A Love Story” emanating from that album when she did a concert on my birthday in 2016. Of ALL the requests for her signature, she only signed 2 items…the Mayor’s album and ours with the following inscription: To Milly & Gary, Happy 42nd – What a beautiful story! Love & Light, Olivia. We’ve continued to enjoy playing bridge and have crossed a lot of bridges together over the years, but the BEST one was that Sunday afternoon game of Bridge which brought us together.
On Valentine's Day, February 14, 2025, enjoy free bridge games and sweet gifts as we celebrate the romance of bridge. Learn more about Valentine's Pairs event here.
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Hello Aunt Milly and Uncle Gary, I remember how beautiful and handsome you two looked at your wedding, and how Grampa hung onto Milly's hand a long time before giving her away. Lovely story. I hope we might play a game with you sometime soon. Cheers, Lynn
It was a lovely story. Thanks for sharing and giving us good smile on our faces.
My husband taught me bridge in 1960. WE married in 1959 so this June 4th it will be 66 years married and my hubby plays 3 days a week, and I did play but just subbing if they need me. It is a great game that we taught to out grandson when he was 7 years old He is 25 now and going strong with his group. He taught it in college and to his brothers (3) and his father. We play every time we visit him in Tx.
"All in the Family" is so true! We played a game called "500" growing up without TV. It was a forerunner of Bridge and made hours of fun for the 7 of us plus aunts and uncles. Thanks for your comment, Sharon.
What a beautiful story .As a bridge player , I can totally relate to it . Love, friendship and commitment. Wishing you both continued happiness and joy.
Thank you, Sarita...glad you enjoyed it. :>)
I found the story to be touching and inspirational. Congratulations!
Thank you, Marcia!
Thank you, Marcia!
Beautiful story, thank you for sharing x
It was my pleasure, Robin. Glad you enjoyed it.
So nice and refreshing
Thank you Jai. Yes, the world has changed a bit in the last 50+ years but the game of Bridge is still rewarding!!