How E. Gary Gygax changed my life.

[Harmon]

Many years ago I was being groomed for a life of drugs and booze, I could barely read, had no clue what a map was- my life changed because my brother introduced me to this strange world.

Where I would be now I don't have to wonder to hard, I know I would either be in prison or more likes dead.

Gary fathered something that saved me, helped me and gave me a life better then the one that my father had planned for me.

In this life I have a family, some friends, and a pretty good feeling about what I have done and where I am going.

Thank you, so very much Gary.

 

[diaglo]

thanks mang for posting this.

i would be the cousin in your story if we were related. but i know the feelings.

 

[JediSoth]

Like many others, I can't think of any friends I have now that I didn't meet in some way because of Dungeons & Dragons (except my wife).

My love of the fantasy genre and of writing came from D&D.
My fascination with mythology and ancient cultures came from D&D.
My ultimate pursuit of a bachelor's degree in English (with concentration in creative writing) came from D&D

Just looking around the bits of my life, how much of it is because of D&D?
My coaster at work from True Dungeon...that was inspired by D&D
My computer room has a book shelf with nothing but D&D books.
More computer games than I can count have D&D as an influence
Decorations in my house, swords, Larry Elmore posters, D&D influenced.

It was, and remains, a big influence on my life. I've been playing his game for over 26 years, and I suspect will still be playing it 26 years from now.

JediSoth

 

[Thunderfoot]

Thank You all for the kind words.
To Rodrigo and diaglo (my brothers in arms), I feel a special toast at GenCon is in order...I expect to see you there, for those I haven't met, I hope to do so soon, and even in this time of sorrow feel the bonds strengthening us all. And to all of us that have had our lives touched by Gary, the game and even this forum, may we never forget all the things that we've learned; even one person can change the world, even if he/she hadn't meant to.

Monte, I am honored that you read and responded. I read your post on your site today, and I can only wish I was half the writer that you are so that I might have made my post even more articulate. I doubt you'll remember this when next our paths cross at the ENnies (usually you're somewhat busy.. )but thank you, it means a lot to me.

 

[Fifth Element]

Well, AD&D taught me what 'miscellaneous' means when I was young. I expect I owe much of my vocabulary to the game.