Players are there in time of need

To the editor:

On June 15 teams gathered to play in Cape Girardeau's annual 9-Ball Regional Pool Tournament. After the last match was over, we went to a local lounge to socialize. Not long afterward a dear friend and American Pool Association member collapsed. Help was there immediately administering CPR, calling 911 and helping console his teammates.

It was a dark moment in our lives when God took our friend, Richard Reeves, from us.

Richard was a true friend and loved to have a good time. Although he suffered from some serious health problems, Richard never let that stand in his way from doing what he loved to do: playing pool and hanging out with friends.

The Paragould-SEMO APA members would like to extend a special thanks to all of the APA members at the tournament for their support and understanding in our time of need. Thanks to everyone at the event who donated money to help with Richard's funeral expenses. Thanks to Tony Morrison of Cape Girardeau, who helped me with CPR until the ambulance personnel arrived. Thanks to the Ding Dong Daddys from Cape Girardeau for wanting to rename their team in honor of Richard. They will compete as Richard's Revenge in Las Vegas this year.

It's times like this that make you realize what a great league of players we have. The league players from Paragould will never forget each and every one of you.

JUDY LENDERMAN, Paragould, Ark.