Y'all might hate me but never hate...

[Reginald Rutledge]

my wife Rose.

Sometimes I think I am sittin' on a gold mine with this woman I've got a MF wife. I look at what she does to support my business and the game. No disrespect to the Landsman's Delayne or any other vendor's wife but y'all just got to know that Rose probably does more for this game than I ever have.

My wife is a corporate executive for AT&T. She does very well in her profession but she does more for the game than most of the fellows who even play the game. This last weekend was another one of those weekends that gave proof to the fact that I was the lucky one in the relationship, not her.

This is one of those women with rare beauty, intellect, compassion, and "slap-stick" humor. She's been one of those who have counseled guys in the game, talked strategy with coaches, and know the business side of the game. When the Seawall Brawl took place, the organizers of it knew to call Rose and persuade her to talk me into going because I had no interest. She has taken insult from guys who have stayed at our house for Texas Shootout competitions and never held ill-will towards them. She's taken time from her schedule and hauled guys to-and-fro the airports. It's never been a problem. She's organized events for MF'ers and have even offered up her room at hotels for guys to sleep in.

This weekend was to be my last weekend in the game. I am tired of the game, of people, and most of all the "win at all cost" attitude. My wife loves the game more than I do. She told me to think about it before I decide to go. She knows I've got everything that I wanted in the game. I love solitaire. I love being alone. Honestly, I am not a people-person. It's Rose who brings all that out in me-the goodness. I had this big announcement speech planned to leave the game. Only three people knew I was to leave (Mozeek, Greg Hardmon, and Dru Sparks). They know my pain in the games and they talk with Rose from time-to-time.

But Rose already had her plans set for another year of this in 2011. She loves the people. To her, many MF'ers are like family. She look at a JoelP as my brother and treat him as such. She goes out of the way for a MantarayeDre because she truly loves this guy. Jim Davis and Rose are best of friends. She calls on Mozeek to lend a helping hand and get support. She slams on RJ to keep him grounded. She talks to "Mr. National" about all sports as they share that commonality. She treats a Michael Robertson as her own son as he is a big part of our family. She shows you a side of her for other MF wives to use as a reason to keep your man active in the game.

As I write this post, my wife is up stairs asleep, knowing in about 5 hours, she's got a big meeting with her subordinates to coordinate the business of AT&T. And this is all from a woman who recently lost her precious daughter, Rhianna. She is truly amazing and has been so good for the game. Anyone who has known her for even the briefest of times have had their lives changed by her presence.

This is one time I have no problem tooting my horn, but it's really not my horn. I am just lucky to have lived in the presence of a great MF'er for the past 39 years. I've never know a person who has wielded unconditional support of the game quite like Rose Rutledge.

I will definitely nominate her for the MFCA Hall of Fame. I know many of you would not do something like this but there are people who work far more "behind the scenes" than you will ever know. I don't care if any organization votes her in or not but she does more for this game than I ever have.

Reg