Mah Jongg and Me
Mah Jongg is not just a game. It has become a part of my life that allows me to entertain my Mah Jongg-playing friends, cook great meals to serve to them and test my mental skills during our game play (which, hopefully, is often).
“I may not have grown up playing mahj but I will definitely grow old playing it….”
Mah Jongg and Me 
I am 66 and just started playing MJ five years ago. When I was first married in 1971, my mother-in-law bought me a beautiful set in Fortunoffs on Long Island NY. I was working full time and did not have the time or inclination to play. I stored the set in our garage. By the way, neither my mother nor my grandmother played. We moved twice since then and my set went from garage to garage.
I raised two fine sons and also continued working, sometimes part time and back to full time as they started school. The MJ set remained in the garage.
In 2001, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and due to its complications, I retired. When I felt well enough several years later, I joined a women’s gym. After the first few years, I started a casual relationship with some of the women. They asked if I played MJ, and when I said, no, they invited me to watch them and learn the game. Eager for a new social life, post retirement and cancer, I eagerly agreed.
The rest is history, I play twice a week and love it. Oh, by the way, my old MJ set is still beautiful. I just had to get a new box as the 40 yr old hinges had to be pried open.
In a few years, I intend to teach my granddaughters!
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Dear Alyce – what a lovely message from you. And 14 years later, you are still healthy! Perhaps that is the best part of your message!!! When you have a chance, please send a photo of your set from Fortunoffs, perhaps during game play – I would love to post your beautiful story with a picture of that special set.
Ann xxo
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I will do that at our game next week.
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This is a wonderful and inspiring story. I have a student that was diagnosed w lung cancer. In her last year of life, she and three of her friends took my Beginner’s Mah Jongg class. They played together until she passed. It was a great honor that she chose me as the place to put her energy in her last year. Mah Jongg is the best for memories and present time, for friends and for growing old together.
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Toby – this brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful message from you. Did you read the reply above from Alyce? So touching.
Aren’t we all so fortunate to have this game and all the wonderful people and memories that go with it? Ann xxo
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Some five years ago, my friend Linda and I started to make the library in our synagogue available for people to come play mah jongg on Thursday afternoons. Each week we now welcome some 75 women from Long Island to meet other players, socialize with new and old friends, and have a cup of coffee and some cake. We taught one of the lovely ladies how to play mah jongg when she was 90. Last week, on her 92nd birthday her daughter brought in rugalach for all. There are recent widows, younger women, and women who just need to be with other people for a pleasant afternoon. There is no doubt in our minds that we are making a difference.
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Martha – thanks for this lovely comment. I hope to be coming out to one of your events in the very near future! Just let me know what works for all of you.
Ann xxo
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