Chad Brown.

Chad is on the last leg of his journey through this life.  I didn’t know him well.  I dealt to him periodically over the years and he was always a gentleman and there to play poker without all the drama and tension that some players create. 

Chad’s Team PokerStars Blog Post in February explains his deteriorating health and what he’s been facing. Reading the blog post makes one very aware of the fact that he is putting the reader at ease instead of crying out in anguish and sadness at his plight, he’s making the rest of us feel better about how sick he really is.  WTG Chad!  That’s the guy I remember dealing to.

On Saturday the WSOP awarded an honorary gold bracelet to Chad for his contributions to the poker world.

Today, if you visit Chad’s Facebook Page, you’ll find updates on his condition and news from everyone around the globe that’s stopping in to wish him well and send him peacefully on his final journey.

The poker world.  It’s a strange place.  We meet others with like beliefs and dreams that help us meld strong relationships and friendship across the green felt — and some that we absolutely can’t stand.  Along the journey through life and poker, hopefully we grow into something better than we were when we took the first hand.

The need to reflect is on the journey, not on the end. Take a moment.

*****

UPDATE: Chad has left the game.  Please visit the PokerStars Blog for a great read on Chad.