Nine years ago today my gaming group lost one of core members. Not that we actively gamed anymore at that time... that kind of ended when I (as the main DM /GM) graduated the Police Academy in 97 and had to work every weekend for six months. Even tho we had stopped gaming, the friendships that we made back in 84 were stronger then the games themselves...we were, and still are, very tight.On 9-11, 4 of the 6 members of that gaming group worked at the World Trade Center (either the towers or Building 7). I was the one member that didn't, but I was there by the time the first tower was coming down. We lost one of our brothers that day, the one who was to be the best man in a November wedding - the rest of the group was to be the groom and the ushers. We were more like extended family then friends.
Our loss was but one of thousands our nation lost that day. It doesn't make our loss, his family's loss, any more or less. It is, however, another reason I will never forget, nor forgive, what happened to this nation on that September day nine years ago. In my profession, I am no stranger to death. I am no stranger to senseless destruction. 9-11 was the first time it became personal to me, and that was before I knew I had lost a dear friend.
Strange, how for me, 9-11 and gaming will always be intertwined. If I can ever get my Gamer's ADD mind focused enough to actually write something publishable, Paul Benedetti will be more then deserving of the dedication.
God Bless you lad. Enjoy your rest.
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That's pretty heavy, Tenkar. I am terribly sorry that you had to experience that.
ReplyDeleteOne day Christian, if you want, I'll give you the details of that day from my end. Far from game related, so probably not blog appropriate, but I learned a crapload about myself and my fellow man... most of it overwhelmingly good... thank God ;)
ReplyDeleteMy heartfelt condolences for your loss. Thank you for sharing. I shall never forget that day.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words Jim.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
ReplyDeleteTenkar I read your post yesterday but words failed me when I went to comment. I'm sorry you had to experience that, I didn't know anyone directly involved in the events of that fateful day so I can't imagine how that feels for you or anyone else. Thank you for your post.
ReplyDeleteBill, no worries. When the sad memories get me down, I think about how the average citizens of NYC stood up to help each other.
ReplyDeleteRacing down to the towers I saw a homeless man and a business man directing traffic at Houston and Second Ave to let emergency vehicles through (this is before either tower fell but after the second one was hit)... it wasn't their job, it wasn't their training, but they stepped forward... that image and others carry me when I need them.
Excellent post Tenkar and a great story about the people of NYC. The greatest thing we can do for those we have lost is to remember them well and continue onward in their memory. With this post, you have done both admirably well. I am sure your friend Paul is smiling upon you.
ReplyDeletethanks m.s.
ReplyDeletei do try. of course, my son decided to watch the WTC movie with Nicholas Cage tonight - I just made him use headphone... i'm not ready for the reenactment just yet