I was supposed to run the second part of a two part adventure this past Saturday Night, but as has been the usual ritual lately, weekends seem best if they could be avoided. I woke to my cell phone ringing twice with a "private number", which 4 out of 5 times means work is calling, and as I was off, I was not picking up. Thirty minutes later I received a text message - one of my detectives, out sick with stage 4 cancer since July of 2012, passed in the early hours of Saturday morning. It was a shock to the family, as she had been hopeful that the third treatment would be the one to finally work.
I was supposed to have been away for the three day weekend, but the threat of snow in the Poconos kept us home. We spent part of Saturday afternoon with the family. I've been through this before, and it's always a shame that the only reason I get to meet such amazing people is because they lost a loved one that happened to be a member of the department.
My wife and I just lost her mother to a long fight with cancer back in the fall, so we know very well what the family is going through now and what they will go through later. Damn shame but at least the suffering is over. Shit like this makes me even feel even more guilty for surviving my bout with cancer. No, doesn't have to make sense, it is what it is.
Anyhow, I asked if the other DM in the group could handle Saturday night's session, as I still wanted to play, but my head wasn't in it to DM and God himself knew I needed a few beers. Thanks Joe for stepping up - I needed it.
The wake is Friday Night (need to cancel the monthly S&W session) and the funeral is Saturday.
Ozzie, you fought the good fight. Rest now, you earned it.
Tower in the Wasteland v2
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I recently asked my patrons what posts deserved a sequel and Tower in the
Wasteland was one of the first replies. So here's an updated version of
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1 hour ago
There are many things more important than gaming. Being with coworkers and their families during a time of loss is one of them.
ReplyDeletewithout a doubt.
Deletethis is the first time I've lost someone that worked for me, not just with me.
seems to add a level of additional responsibility
Sorry to hear it, Erik.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss, Erik. He lives on so long as he is remembered.
ReplyDeleteshe ;)
Deleteand she pushed me to be the best supervisor I could be. she never let me slack
she will be missed
(blush) Sorry. If I would have carefully read your post I'd have noticed the gender-neutral language. I assure you I meant no disrespect to your fallen comrade or her memory (not that you've indicated any offense).
Deleteheh, no offense taken
DeleteOzzie came on the job later in life.
Half in jest she was often referred to as Ms. instead of Detective
icing for the cake:
ReplyDeletejust got back from the animal hospital - family dachshund had two seizures tonight, and was still twitching when we got her to the vet
it's going to be a long week
Oh man Erik, condolences to your friend and co worker. And best wishes to your pup. May she bounce back and get back to driving you nuts soon.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tim. I'm not sure if we are going to get a 9-11 Line of Duty designation for her death, as she worked the WTC in the days after the attack, but we're sure gonna try.
DeleteAs for the pup (Chloe) she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in Nov of 2012 and had her first seizure fall of 2013. I know every day with her is a blessing - sweetest dog I've ever known in my life.
All in God's hands - well, that and the vet :)
I am so terribly sorry. Thank you for sharing. It's good to know that such people graced this world.
ReplyDeleteStay strong. Your co-workers family will need that strength right now. I come from a firefighter family so I know how close the bonds of your work family are.
ReplyDeleteAnd I hope the puppy gets better too. Much love from a fellow gamer and great admirer of your site.
Thin blue line got a little thinner. Will keep everyone up there in our prayers.
ReplyDeletesorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteHeaven must have had an urgent need for a kick-ass Detective. Condolences your way.
ReplyDeleteOh man, please don't feel guilty. Cancer is a horrible fucking disease and anyone who survives it is a victory for all of us.
ReplyDeleteRIP your colleague.