POKER INFO - PROILE - Stu Ungar

Dear Poker Mom, It is so true!! Thank you for the nice things you have said about my parents. Yes, my mother is wonderful! She has always stuck by my side. That's what you sound like with your son. Tell him from me that he could always play poker if that's what he chooses to do but he shouldn't let that genius brain be limited to only to poker. Take Care. Stefanie

Stefanie,Thank you so much. A message from you will go a long way with my son. He calls frequently. I get told that I'm loved, he gets told that he's loved and then he just wants to talk to his Dad. Poker is a real "guy thing". I did have a talk with him before he left about exactly what you said. His talents are G-d given and should not be limited or squandered. I believe he knows that. By stepping aside and not fighting it, he left for Vegas with a clear heart and head. That's the best I could provide and I did. He is supporting himself and making money at something he loves. I hope you see something extra beautiful today. Thanks again, Polly

Hey Stefanie have you gotten an itenerary yet for book tour and Atlanta visit? Looking forward to meeting you and your Mom. Saw the videos of U 2 fom Poker Player Interviews. One thing struck me extra hard... The faith your mother showed in your father and for you. I see the same thing that poker Mom mentions above it makes all the difference in the world to have that. I once read somewhere one of your father's comments. I read where he once said poker is the only job that when you show up everyone is wanting to beat you and leave you in an alley somewhere (something like that?). I love that quote...it is a lot like life... exceptfor the wonderful people God puts in your path who want to see you succeed and have faith in you. That is why I had a hard time with Poker for a living. Like your father no game was big enough and no one will ever admit how good you are no matter how much you win (always you got lucky...which is often meant as an insult versus skill) players always look for a way to get you "on tilt" so your mind doesn't work right. Your Dad understood this well and no matter how good you are no one gives you credit. It is only those that love and believe in us that gives us faith and hope to continue on. Good job Poker Mom and keep up the good work Stefanie. Please let me know whenu guys will be in town and say hello to your Mom 4 me. Thanks again 4 ur faith and maturity in christ. Kent

Kent,Thanks for the kind words. I have raised 7 children, although the one in Vegas is my only biological child. I believe that if you can't love them with every fiber of your being, you should go and figure out how to. I grew up without parents. I learned that nurturing children healed my own wounds. I also realized that I was loved if I can love this deeply. I'll never understand how my son came to the conclusion he did about poker. I just have to trust that he understands it and will explain it someday. I hope he gets his bracelet. Everyone deserves a dream. btw, he does not consider himself a gambler in any way. He bristles at that label. When did you stop playing? Poker Mom

When is that website expected to be up? It looks like it's well done so far.

Poker Mom you sound like a wonderful mother your son is lucky to have you. I still play poker just at a different level. Did you see the movie rounders? I used to call that the story of my life. At an early age I started and sold a company. I was called "gifted" in math as well and was and obtained 2.2 million dollars at age 22yrs old... I decided to live the life of a professional card player after growing up in a bridge playing family and having a love of cards from my mother like Stu Unger. Gin was always my favorite game...however, anythhing qith odds fascinated me andthe thrill of hitting or beating the odds was what made me feel alive "risking it all"... I eventually ended up with drugs as a result of my vegas lifestyle and woke up one day in recovery and broke... I found God again at age 24 (after being born again at 17 which was the greatest time in my life as Stefanie has pointed out above) I found business and personal success with Gods help and turned away which led to a hufe downfall and my parent's were thwere for me all the way. After I got "clean" and stayed clean for 16 yrs at which time I got married...had a son with a christian woman and became a nurse. I continued to pursue my dream of winning a bracelete and played cards regularly but a limits I could control and have made good money over the years...but just never broke through to get to a final table at WSOP... No matter how good you are the odds flip at times and well the cards didn't go my way. I never got back as close to God as I had been and always felt guilty for turning away. I am 42 now and quit playing tpurnament poker about 6 months ago and I have focused on getting back to people that care about me and away from the rush of "winning" and back to the great feeling I got from helping others which is why I wanted to be a nurse. I still play low limit cash and for fun. I am a Intensive Care pediatric nurse and take care of very ill children when they go home from hospital with critical illnesses and this helps me. I got divorced in 2000 and last year my ex wife took my son and moved away (without telling me) and I have only spoke to him a couple times via phone... We were very close and this has been my toughest loss by far. I have been trying to fill the void left in my life by helping others and have always been fascinated by Stu Ungers stoy and stumbled across Stefanie here and she has been a great help to me. I am just trying to get my faith back and put one foot in front of the other right now. I have found there is much more to life than winning. Thanks again for your comments and tell your son I wish him luck (even if he doesn't think he needs it) it can be done. Just ask any Pro Some times it just comes down to a turn of the cards like the flip of a coin I hope it goes his way... with great discipline and the support of a great family. I hope he realizes he is already a winner to have you for a mother. God bless you. Kent

Kent,What you wrote is inspiring and heart breaking at the same time. I hope you find the path that lets you connect with your son again. Always keep trying. I think my son appreciates me more than I ever thought he would. He has a lot of people pulling for him. Thank you for being part of the good luck wishers...and you're right, he doesn't think about the luck. It's all about the learning and polishing and tweaking and reading of the game. He's decided to get an apartment in Vegas. The inexpensive hotels and motels and filled with crack addicts and prostitutes. I know now he's staying in Vegas for a while at least. I guess I'm glad he doesn't want to be with the transient crowd. He said the strongest thing he uses are red bull caffeine drinks when he's in a tournament. He has studied more about poker than anything else. He's also become very disciplined. I can't believe there are actually good things about this!!! Also, I couldn't agree with you more about winning. It can be so empty and it is temporary. There is no greater feeling than making a child smile. THAT is a high. Take care, Polly