I'm afraid we've suffered a loss

[berova]

Rel,

I want to offer my heartfelt condolences.

In a way, your story really is a wonderful tribute to Ted because its touched so many of us in the EnWorld family in some way. For me, you brought back such fond memories of my carefree childhood playing D&D. Also, who of us, don't know a 'Ted', who so appreciates the comraderie and companionship that comes with playing D&D that he doesn't mind too much losing so many of his characters?

Take good care.

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

Rel,

I'm sorry for the loss and wish I could do more for all involved. I do apprecate you telling us of his passing as their would be many of board members that would never have known that they have loss a friend or at least a member. I know writing that first post was hard to do. So many memories, and so much pain. As someone who has recently lost his mother (Almost a year ago now.) I share your pain. Your tears will come, time will go on, and the pain will never go away as time does not heal all wounds, but you do and will get use to the pain.

with deepest sympathy,
Adam

 

[Old One]

Truly Sorry...

Rel,

I am so sorry to hear about Ted. I had the fleeting honor, albeit briefly, to game with Ted in the "one-shot" Rel was kind enough to run when I was in the area last year. To have someone so close to you go so unexpectedly must be a huge shock, espicially at 33.

I am sure you and your crew will band together and support each other...my thoughts and prayers are with each of you.

~ Old One

 

[BiggusGeekus]

Very sad news.

Please take care.

 

[Mark]

My condolences.

 

[Rel]

I'd just like to say thanks once again for all your condolences. Those of us that knew Ted best gathered at a friend's house today. We brought his CD collection over and selected a dozen or so songs to be played at his memorial service. We also got together a huge pile of pictures of him for display at the service.

I thought that we may have spent the day crying a lot, thinking of our loss. But mostly we laughed as we looked through all those pictures and remembered all the good times we had. A great many of those pictures were taken while we were gaming in some form or fashion and Ted had either a big smile or a look of great concentration in almost all of them.

Our GM for the current campaign, Speaks With Stone, decided that we will forego playing the final session of the campaign. We already knew that it was going to be largely a denoumont compared to the huge climactic sessions we've had for the previous two weeks. We are all very glad that Ted was there for those and we all acknowledge that it just wouldn't be the same trying to push through the final session without him.

Instead, the GM is just going to write up the story and send it to us, explaining how everything works out in the end. None of us are looking forward to sitting down at the gaming table without him and we'll probably take several weeks off from playing. But today his girlfriend (who plays in another game I run) asked if she might become part of our regular group. We invited her in without hesitation.

It's always nice to have new players in a group. I guess it's sort of a gamer's version of "the circle of life".

Thanks again for all your replies and feel free to keep them coming if you like. I'm going to give his mother the URL for this thread so she can see how her son was cared for by this community.

 

[the Jester]

Rel, I'm sorry. I wish there was something I could do for you, but I know there isn't. At times like these words fail.

 

[Creamsteak]

My Condolences.

 

[Felix]

I had the good fortune while I was in New Orleans a few years back to witness a traditional funeral proccession. The jazz music on the way to the interring grieved for their loss, but on the return the music was joyful, remembering the light that their loved one brought to their lives.

It sounds like Ted lived life happily; remember him that way and don't be sad.

 

[Speaks With Stone]

Wow. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Rel mentioned he posted on here and I just now logged in. I'm a bit overwhelmed. I've been busy trying to stay busy.

Ted is my brother in the same way that Scott (Rel) is my brother. I've known them both longer than anyone not family and I've probably spent more time with them than anyone else period.

I am going to miss Ted terribly. I was very surprised at how easy it was to talk about him today and laugh over old stories, but sitting here now... I'm never going to forget him. Thank you all for your support.