Tom...friend, comrade and fellow spirit in these trying times of stress in all forms and from all quarters...know that for me, your terms are quite acceptable. I am content to await your return of game plays when you are of a mind and able to do so...that is no problem. I will know why you are absent.
Frankly, my own sentiments about membership (stated on other occasions) are similar to yours. The games themselves are not as important to me as I once thought they were (I have enough pretty ribbons [:)]). I have come to the point where I am now bothered only by the gamey players, for whom the games and winning are all that it seems to be about. I now know that what appeals to me most are the friendships made, and the spirit of history and comradeship offered which I have found here, and am grateful for. Some might say this is lame or to "get a life." However,in this last year of my renewed membership, I have also had the good fortune to receive kind support and understanding during a trying time myself, from many of the men in this club, including you.
So General Phillips...Tom...I will be here to battle, or chat with you whenever you are ready to do so, and course as long as my own personal life permits. <i>"Vio Con Dios"</i> also my friend,
At the risk of sounding so melodramtic, I remain, your comrade,
Tom Ciampa
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="3" face="book antiqua" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Hwkhuntswalking</i>
<br /><font face="Comic Sans MS"><b><font color="yellow"><center>Friends, Comrades, Opponents, Fellow Club Members, Gentlemen: Hail!</center></font id="yellow"></b>
Happily, my future, here, begins to take Form, coalescing from drifting mist in the Void, if you will.
Firstly, though I dare not presume this might be universally well-recieve'd, my presence here is Permanent.
So fear not, those of you to whom such news falls pleasantly upon their ears.
Secondly, & this cannot be overstated: My happening upon this gathering of Warriors called ACWGC, was a critical step in the process of preparing me to successfully negotiate the Flaming Hoop of Fire so recently consummated.
Those that were there that Sunny & Crisp February Morning, DH Smith & Nick Kunz, may well recall that Fire-eating Cadet Candidate, armed with my trademark brand of Sappy Sentimentality.
What has followed is a story long, wonderful & ongoing that sadly must be told elsewhere & subsequently.
Today I offer up my most profound & sincere gratitude to you ALL, for allowing me to join your company. More than mere, if pretty sounding words, it has & continues: an Honor.
That said, I find myself unable & unwilling to bury myself beneath a Mountain of games &, while I cannot yet state at what level of active competition I will eventually gravitate to, my intent & wish is to reduce my open games to Zero without conceding a solitary Field due to my being AWOL.
However, & here lies the Crux of my new approach: Only those protagonists for whom turn rate considerations hold no great value need apply.
The rest can take their Major Victories, with every blessing in my Heart, while I play the others.
Henceforward I will not be bound by any such considerations myself, replacing them with my firm & solemn promise to never "not" come back & to send word as soon as practicable, should anything unusual be afoot.
I can never truly convey the degree to which I am in the Debt of you Gentlemen, fettered & bound as I am by mere words.
If I ever get over my shyness, I might really show y'all somin' but for now, please allow me to simply close with: "Thank you so very much & Bio Con Dios!" <salute></font id="Comic Sans MS">
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