A Grandfather’s Story
Story by Houpei Wei I want to share the story of my grandson Kevin. He was three...
Story by Harvey Bernstein (BBO: hjb0416)
A number of years ago, maybe in the late ’80s, I got a phone call, and my cousin, Howard Rothman, told me that he wanted to start playing bridge again, real bridge. I agreed to fly down to Florida (Orlando) for a National Tournament and get him started. He picked me up at the airport, and we shared a hotel room and played for three days straight. The first game was a disaster. Howard made mistakes that I did not know could be made. The director eventually told us that he might just bring a chair to our table instead of coming back and forth. We took it all as a learning experience and moved on. The last event we played in was the third evening, and we came in first. Howard won his first master point, and you could have scraped him off the ceiling. He was ready to go.
Some years later, while my wife, Irene, and I were spending a month in Fort Myers, Florida, Howard called and told me that there was a tournament in Naples, about an hour south of us. He knew I did not like to drive long distances, so he said he would drive down, pick me up, and go to Naples. He only needed about two more Gold Points to become a Life Master. I was fine with it. It was a two-session event, and we had a good (but not great) first session. In the evening session we bore down and wound up 4th or 5th out of about 120 pairs. We won enough Gold Points for Howard to become a Life Master.
That’s the way he was. When he set his mind on something, he just kept at it until he got where he wanted to be.
When the pandemic started in 2019, Howard and a friend met my wife and me online every Monday and Thursday evening from 7:30 until 9. There were, of course, evenings when we could not meet, but we managed to meet up most scheduled times during the entire pandemic. At the start of the pandemic we met three times a week, but when things started getting somewhat back to normal, we changed to twice a week. I want to say that this was one of the activities that kept us sane during crazy times.
On August 4, 2023, we were together at a reunion in Toledo, Ohio, and we had a good time with many friends.
Howard passed away on the morning of August 16, 2023. This was just ten days after we said goodbye in Toledo as they prepared to fly back to Florida. That evening he had severe stomach pain, and the trip to the emergency room revealed an inflamed gallbladder. The doctors removed it on Monday, but the complications from the procedure ultimately led to his passing, way too early at 77.
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Great story showing exactly how great memories are made playing bridge. Hope your cousin is playing lots of bridge in heaven
Such a wonderful story! So sorry and my condolences for his passing. I really do enjoy hearing wonderful, inspiring experiences such as your and his. Glad you are here to share his.
Love your story, thanks for sharing! it's great inspiration for me. I started duplicate at age 68 in 2014; although I have over 1300 master points I still need 14 gold for life master and am no longer able to travel to regionals so it seems an impossible goal.
Harvey, thanks for sharing this loving story.
Myra
What a beautiful story… Oh and the history of friendship with Howard with precious… I’m so sorry he passed away so soon… Thank you for sharing this.
Howard was a weekly partner with me for several years. I remember him as a complete gentleman, seldom complaining about much of anything. He was also an excellent director.
We still miss you Howard. Rest in peace
Harvey, I am sorry that you have lost your cousin and enthusiastic bridge partner.
My condolences.
That is a wonderful memory to share, and for you to know that you were a big part of his journey to become a life master, a goal he had set for himself.
Nice story. During the pandemic we too were in a 3 table bridge group once a week. That and BBO kept us sane. Happy to be back to our regular groups 3 days a week. I'm 84 and my husband is 89. These are "friendly" but competitive duplicate groups, but not ACBL sanctioned.
These stories are a great idea. Thanks
Thank you for sharing you and your cousin’s story. 77 was too young, but he sounded like a great guy.
I needed this story. I played my first game and I was so nervous that I made so may mistakes. Thought of giving it up but no guts, no glory! I am struggling but optimistic that some day I’ll get a Master point!
Such a heart-warming story. I am sure you miss your cousin to this day. Thank you for sharing...
Four ACES!!!!!!
My condolences
I really enjoy these stories - thank you to the writer and the person whose idea it was initially
Thank you for that great story. Howard was my good friend. He will be missed.