I'm a big believer in the idea that really bad things happen in threes. After visiting Al Gross the other day, this gives this theory some credence.
The first bad thing that happened to Al was his stroke. I found out that it had actually happened near the end of April. I thought I had visited him after April, but it appears I had lost track of time. His stroke has left him paralyzed on the left side. He is unable to move his left arm or left leg at all. The right Artery in his neck is 100% blocked, and the left Artery is 80% blocked. On the good side, his memory seems to be fully intact and he is as sharp as ever. Unfortunately, his delivery is slowed down because of the stroke.
The second bad thing that happened to Al was that his Ex-Wife (who was married to him at the time this happened) and his step-son (Robert Armstrong) tried to take over the business, and cheat Al out of everything. They even went so far as to get a restraining order against Al’s son David so David couldn’t take over the business while Al was recovering. His Ex-Wife and Step-Son changed all the locks on Al’s House, and all the Video games he has on location. They also went around to every game he had on location and emptied the machines of what ever money that was in them.
If that wasn’t bad enough, they took several games and tried selling them in the paper as "The NEW Gross Games". However, that wasn’t the worst thing. The worst thing was when his Ex-Wife went around to everyone that Al knew, and told them that he was DEAD! It is simply amazing that there are people out there that could do something as bad as this to someone as nice as Al. It makes me sick. The other numerous bad things that they have done to Al aren’t even worth mentioning here as they pale in comparison.
If you are in the Phoenix area, please do not do business with Al’s STEP SON (Robert Armstrong) or any business claming to be the "NEW Gross Games". The old Gross Games is still in operation and is being run by good people.
The good news is that Al has a great son (David) who has helped Al get through this. David has taken over the business, his wife and daughter help run the shop, and they make sure he is well taken care of.
The third bad thing to happen to Al is his Cat "Video", which he kept down at the warehouse, was hit by a car and killed.
Even with all the bad things that has happened to Al, he is still the same old Al, that we all know and love. He shows up to the shop at least once a week and still tries to work on games. All I have to say is, that If this didn't get Al to retire, nothing will!
He is going to physical therapy which will hopefully get him in good enough shape so that he can at least walk and stand without help. Lets hope Al makes a speedy recovery!
I would like to thank all those who have sent cards already to Al, they are greatly appreciated by Al and his family. If you are just reading this for the first time and would like to send Al a "Get Well" card, you can send it to:
Al Gross
303 West Mohave Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003