The story about Mary Oshlag is heart-rending.  That should be not all that hard to fix. A letter from a managing neurologist documenting degree of mental impairment should enable someone like Mary to continue playing as long as they can.  An ongoing ad hoc board could rule in each case.  Of course, some of the novices may gripe because of the number of points held, but the ACBL should hold firm. Compassion should come first.

 

          There is an edge to my opinion. My little Mary-wife had multi-infarct dementia. When she got her diagnosis, she knew it was an eventual death sentence.  Calmly, she turned to me and said, “When I get bad, you aren’t going to throw me away, are you?”  “No", I replied, “You want to stay home, you stay home." And the Lord enabled it to happen. She stayed among the people and things she loved.  Sunday will be the 3-year anniversary of her translation into heaven.  The angels came while she was sleeping.

 

Mary’s story will have an unfortunate end. Denied the right to play, she will deteriorate further and faster. As we treat others. 

 

          Gil Micheletti

          Houston, Texas