WON ONE!

I got a nice compliment from Lisa Tenner on the way to dinner last night. She was congratulating me on my tournament victory and said that the word that comes to mind when seeing me is “determination.” Those players I coach know how strong I push determination, so her attaching that attribute to me was of special recognition. It signifies a quality or trait that one is able to choose their course of action and see it through in spite of the obstacles that are in their way. 

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going” is a phrase my mom use to say that I suddenly recall right now. She was a tough woman. She had to be to survive. Mom grew up orphaned by a father who abandoned the family and a mother who couldn’t afford to keep the family together. Consequently she grew up self-educated and in and out of foster homes. In spite of it all she was determined to fashion a good life, not only for herself, but also for her own family. And that’s what she did. She married my father and was with him for over 35 years and raising a family of four kids on very little. Often times she took side jobs as a piano teacher, a substitute teacher, a nurse or whatever to make ends meet. My mom was a hard worker and a great lady who taught me acceptance, respect and compassion for others.

I started to choke up last night and I must admit, shed some tears in my post tournament interview. I was obviously elated for the victory, but mostly I was touched and overcome with emotion by the gratefulness I felt towards everyone who has shared and showed me such love and support along the way.

Poker is a tough sport man. There are so many ups and downs that happen at the turn of a card. The unpredictability and variance in the game kills so many. For me it’s like being on a thrill ride. Perhaps I’m just a kid at heart.  I don’t know if you have to be young to play this game, but you certainly have to be young at heart to win at it.

There was a veteran man (in his late 60’s perhaps) named Art on the final table. He looked a bit like Cornel Sanders with his stark white goatee. Anyway, in spite of some of his physical challenges, he played like he was one of these 21-year-old young guns. He was constantly betting, check-raising and 3-betting his opponents and putting them on the defensive. Instead of playing more cautious, timid and in fear (which sometimes comes with age), he turned it around and played on his opponent’s fears. He did end up over playing his last hand and going out in 3^rd place. I have great respect for him.

A special thank you to Linda, Jan, Mark, Lisa, Randi, Zack and the whole card player cruises team for running such a great event. Fred and Maria Ho were also very funny in commentating the final table and deserve mention for making it very entertaining for the audience. I was very lucky to prevail and bring home the bone when faced with such tough competition. It was great playing with you all. Thanks for the game!

Enjoy the Journey!

Kenna