I met Renée in 1982. I had just taken my first job as a poker dealer at the Maxim. Renée had started dealing there shortly before I did, so we worked some of the same shifts. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to know her very well at the time. She left shortly thereafter, to become a professional poker player.
Renée at WSOP
We didn’t reconnect and become good friends until sometime in the 90’s. Since I had last seen Renée, she had gotten married, had a son, and lost her husband Jan, to cancer. Once again our lives took different paths when she moved to California. Fortunately for the Internet, staying in touch has become so much easier and we have remained good friends ever since.
Today Renée is happily married to Lowell, who is also a terrific guy. Her son Chaz is all grown up. I could tell you about Renée, but I think this interview that she did while playing poker in Europe is great. Renée on YouTube You can also check out her impressive poker stats at Poker Pages.
Renée is not only beautiful and accomplished, she also has a warm and wonderful personality. I’m happy to be able to call her my friend.
Billie,
The things you said about Rene’e are so true. She is as beautiful inside as she is outside!(and so are you!!).
Thank you again for being such a good friend!
See you soon,
Lowell
Lowell,
As I’ve told Renée before, she couldn’t have found a greater guy. You make her very happy and as her friend, that makes me very happy.
We look forward to seeing both of you soon.
Billie
Dear Billie,
I had the pleasure of meeting Renee and Lowell about 3 years ago in San Diego. Although they are both wonderful human beings I’d like to talk a little about Renee. As beautiful inside as out is right on the mark. Smart, witty and sharp as a tack. A total class act whether at the table or not, she is a wonderful ambassador to the game of poker.
My personal experience with Renee is centered around my pondering a carreer in Tournament poker. Her words of encouragement led me to Las Vegas where I had the run of a lifetime.
I believe all that meet her benefit from her spirit, inspiration and open heart. Thank YOU Renee.
Jim
Jim,
I couldn’t agree more !!!!
Billie
Hello Jim,
Thank you for the very sweet and kind words. Hope all is wonderful with you! Drop me a note
sometime on Facebook at:
facebook.com/ReneeWexler.
Or even at my old email address on AOL.
All the best,
Renée
Hi Billie,
I have just read your story and couldn’t stop until I read everything that you have written. I can’t wait until you find time to add more, and am so surprised by your experiences. We only spoke to each other for a brief time during your marriage to my brother in law, and after reading your story I have come to realize that I really knew nothing about your story. I must say you are living proof that you can overcome anything and still make the best of your life. You are an inspiration to most and I can’t thank you enough for all of the things you have done for us. Thanks again and looking forward to the rest of your story, and really we must keep in touch because you are truly a wonderful person and have accomplished so much. The best part is that you are happy and knew you were going to be happy with your current husband and what a great feeling for you. And I could never thank you enough for all of the help you offered us 3 years ago, you were a god send and we couldn’t of finished without you. I guess I could go on and on but I will close for now. Best of luck on your new adventure and lets really do our best to stay in touch. Warmest Wishes and Respect, Andrea Jackson
My Dear Andrea,
I want to thank you for the wonderful response. A lot of people were not aware of my background and were surprised to learn about some of the things that I have written about. I did have some concerns that I might alienate some people but I have only gotten positive feedback, so far. Of course, I have much, much more to write. (Which I will be doing as soon as I get to Saipan) It’s really unfortunate that Greg and I didn’t live closer to all of you, when we were together. Things may have turned out differently. I know one thing for sure, I would have become close with you and the rest of his family. You have all been so warm and receptive to me and I appreciate that. If he is up there watching down, I am sure he is smiling right now. I look forwarding to keeping in touch with you and maybe one of these days we will be able to meet up again in person. It’s been a long time.
Many Hugs,
Billie