News from Tartarus

[Just Rob]

I know - we thought they were dead, but I have honed my speak with dead skills and have verified that they want to come back . . . er, they aren't dead. Scott sent me an email verifying that his autoresponder to queries about his demise is indeed functioning at work, so at least we know his email is still operative. He promises to post up soon.

Jared gave me a call to let me know how hectic his schedule is and said he will be posting up soon too. It is good to know that we don't have funerals or issues with male menopause to deal with for the absence of our dearly beloved friends. Life goes on!

[Greylen]

Ha! Very funny post, Rob. Good to hear you heard from them.

[Zanther]

I thought I would just attach my message here in Rob’s post.

Got a call from Lorin yesterday inquiring about me, he left a message suggesting I post up something…I then got an e-mail from Rob wondering if I was still alive. Note to all, yes I still am among the land of the living.

But as is sometimes the case in life I am feeling a bit thin. As in “too little butter spread over breadâ€

[Just Rob]

Oh, Scott! I feel so bad for you, and I'm so sorry for what you and your family are going through. It's not easy to understand someone until you walk a mile in their shoes, and it sounds like your burdens are especially heavy right now. I don't know that there is anything directly we can do to help relieve you of your burden right now, but at the very least you have our moral support. Anything more you need, you have only to ask.

I wonder if we have turned a corner. Have we gotten to the point where it isn't practical to expect that we can make a monthly or every 2 months get together? Families grow up and needs change and often increase. Maybe the band of brothers will have to resort to an occasional lunch or a family barbeque? I just don't know. I get a lot of benefit out of being able to just be with "the guys" when it happens - it helps center me and keep me with something outside of myself to look forward to. But maybe that just won't be practical anymore. Maybe having a bunch of 40/near 40 year-old guys get together for a full night of D&D won't be an option when there are so many wives, kids, and activities competing for attention?

Sorry, guys. You know me. Just being bi-polar again. Probably making a big deal out of nothing. I just had to get this out. Ignore it if you think it doesn't need any comment. I'm used to that. I hate being insensitive.

Again, sorry for what you're going through, Scott (and Jared). I really feel for you and wish I knew something I could do to help make it better.

[Greylen]

Hey Scott, it is good to hear from you. I'm sorry to hear of the troubles your having and I hope you know any of us would be there in a heartbeat if you need it.

We'll look forward to your coming back in the meantime.

Rob, everyone IS busy. A lot of things competing for our attention, but we shouldn't just give up our striving to get together. Once we do that, it's far too easy to just let everything else take over.

I get a lot out of having everyone over once a month. D&D is just the vehicle to some fun and silliness that is different than anything else we all do each month.

So, we keep trying. We post up and keep meeting whenever possible.

[Zanther]

I whole heartly agree with Lorin..

[Boric Glanduum]

Scott...I echo what Rob said: know that you've got us out here and we have your back. Know that our prayers and thoughts are with you. If you need anything, just feel free to call and ask.

As for the rest, I need to echo Lorin's sentiment. Everyone is busy, but there just happen to be those months when all the stars align and it's just impossible to get together. I think the idea has been floated that those that CAN get together just get together for a night of root beer, pretzels, and some other kind of game (perhaps even a one-off D&D adventure) so that steam can still be blown. We as 40-somethings are certainly busy and live stress-filled lives, but speaking for myself, this guys' night out is one of the only things I have "for myself" every month; it's my one shot at selfishness, so to speak, and I will hang on to that like grim death.

[Greylen]

[Ghostwheel]

[Boric Glanduum]