We were married on December 31. I don’t remember our vows. We wrote them together.
It seems such a long time ago… both the wedding and the moment when we both realized we were hurting each other by being together. And the Year of Hell began.
Tomorrow will be just another day. Nothing special. Just another day. The concept of a year is a human thing. An observation of the world around us, human beings imposing a sense of order on a chaotic, spinning world. A year really doesn’t mean anything at all. It’s just us and our indefatigable desire to see order in chaos.
But this Year is over. The Year of Hell. And I have some friends to thank for helping me make it through.
trekhead has been the very definition of friend. You look it up in the dictionary, and you’ll see his smiling Buddha face there. Patient, observant, and unafraid. My friend.
savageplanet is going away and taking his family with him. You brought me so much joy. Watching you and your beautiful family growing up. I’m gonna give your kids ten thousand hugs to carry with them on their journey. Jack and Emily and Ninja Baby Ben. I’ll miss you most.
smashandgrab knows what the Year of Hell is because he’s had one of his own. We made it out, dude.
All of my friends at Neopets have given me a reason to keep on walking. And trust me, there were times when I wanted to lay down. Dark, dark times. evilzug finds a way to make me laugh every day. danthedragon inspires me with her simple smile and joy. xianvox and oyzis remind me what it’s like to be young and in love (and that I don’t need a partner to dance).
oninomaggie is an old friend who didn’t give up on me, no matter what secrets she knew (and she knows most of them — not all — but most).
Dancing with kesyrah showed me that I could still dance.
The Kids inspire me with their drive, devotion, and blind adoration. And by drive, I mean, driving two hours every week to play in my games. Woton has a special place for you in Valhalla.
memento_mori keeps me honest and reminds me why I love games. 2004 is a Wicked Dead year!
jetgrrl01‘s boundless enthusiasm inspires me even from the other side of the continent.
kosh86 is my Number One Fanboy. And dammit, there will be a Nate in SAVE. š
djskellington won’t let me rest until I publish CAT. (And, it’s on the way, my friend.)
fallentyrant is someone I’d like to get to know better.
crapdaddy sets a standard for roleplaying that won’t let me shoot for anything lower.
gimpedapathy won’t let me start a day without a “Good morning!” shoutout that I try never to take for granted.
erthymamma: I made it through; so can you.
sweetchili is, and always will be my beloved sister who always knows when I’m stumbling and never lets me fall.
And latentblue is my Lady Percival who’s joy showed me that the grail was always in my hands; mine eyes just could not see it.
Of course, there’s also Cowboy Ron who shall share a kitchen with me in January. (The John and Ron Sunday Afternoon Picnic is on it’s way!)
And everybody else I’ve forgotten in this early hour as I prepare for work, suddenly inspired to say something.
For the first time in a long time, I’m not thinking about my life before the Year started. I’m looking forward. Ready for a different life that I did not expect or anticipate.
“The way out is the way in.” — Rush
“If it’s worth the goin’, then it’s worth the ride.” — Tom Waits
I’m ready. Thanks to all of you.
Take care. I love you all.
— John
UPDATE: New Neopedia!
The Snow Faerie!
