My wife hasn't seen it yet

[Ledsel]

That was done to allow the lever to move farther in reverse. Most likely due to linkage out of ajustment or worn linkage. Some times it's just a matter of adjusting the rear engine tie rods. What happens is it will slip out of reverse and if that happens a few times it will never stay in anymore. A very common problem with old vehicles. You always have to make sure that it is all the way in gear. also reverse is a very weak gear in a transmision due to the idler gear that is involved. If at all possible never try to pull something unstuck eg. another vehicle out using reverse. try and pull frontwards.