a few years ago, my dear old Uncle Bob lost his wife Olivia due to a heart condition. He was so devastated; she was the love of his life. they were married for 60 years, and her death was mostly unexpected, and at the very least, untimely and premature. Uncle Bob has played pinball since the 50s. He played EMs while in the military in the Korean war, and I've taken him to the Museum of Pinball to play a few times. He has played at my home as well. He loves pinball.

however, while married to Olivia, she would never have let him Own a pinball game, or even go out to play on location. She henpecked Bob ruthlessly. She was kind of a hard-ass, and wasn't interested in supporting Bob's interests or personal hobbies, so pinball was out of the question. She would NEVER have let him keep a pinball game at their home, and I was fully aware of this unfortunate reality.

Just one week after Olivia passed away, I bought an EM game for Bob to put in his home to cheer him up. I got a "Big Shot" (Gottlieb) for him to enjoy. He was thrilled, and I was gratified to give him something to lift his spirits during his difficult grieving period. Now, Uncle Bob is his own man with his own pinball machine, and I am grateful to spread the love of pinball just a little bit, and help a loved one feel better, if only for a short while while playing pinball at his own home for the first time.

Uncle Bob is pictured below during our Christmas eve party...

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