Away for a While

Zudrak · Post by **Zudrak** » Wed May 23, 2007 6:18 pm

Hey everyone,

I don't want to depress anyone or be a downer, what with this being a gaming forum, but my wife, Mary, died on Monday, May 21, at 11:15 AM after a 2-year plus fight with cancer of an unknown primary at the age of 31. She was unafraid of dying and finally let go after her liver and kidneys failed. She did try to continue fighting as her blood pressure dropped, but I was told by the doctors that there was nothing more they could do. So, I whispered in her ear and told her to go. I said that Jesus our Savior would be waiting with open arms to tell her, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Her last words to me were "I love you".

Mary was told constantly by various friends and relatives that she was always an inspiration and even to friends of friends who didnt know her personally. She always just shrugged it off and said, "Well, Im glad that this has helped other people find Jesus." Thats really all she wanted -- to share with people the strength and faith that God gives to her. Although she was constantly battling the cancer, she remained steadfast in her beliefs and thats all she ever exuded.

I want to thank everyone here that posted their encouragements and promises of thoughts and prayers. Special thanks go to one Mr. Gary Gygax who consistently was the first person to respond to my emails sent out to those who wished to have updates on Mary's condition.

I am heartened knowing she is not suffering any longer and that she and her step-mom are on "the other shore", as the hymn says -- where they are most probably listening to Elvis sing "How Great Thou Art" and "Rock-a-hula Baby".
I look forward to rejoining the various fora that I visit in due time as my mom-in-law and son are still going to Toronto next week for a vacation, like my wife wished. I thank the Trolls for their various emails of sympathy and encouragement over the last 2 years. I look forward to more gaming with my family in the future as it is a social game that can allow all of us to gather and heal as one.

Happy gaming,

Michael Gross / Zudrak
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"I shun him."

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"Knowledge, logic, reason, and common sense serve better than a dozen rule books."

-- E. Gary Gygax

Prince of Happiness · Post by **Prince of Happiness** » Wed May 23, 2007 6:29 pm

Sweet God...get your rest Michael, and my best for Mary, she has lived with the strength of saints.

serleran · Post by **serleran** » Wed May 23, 2007 6:31 pm

I offer all the condolences I can, and must say: I am glad you were able to have the strength to stand at her side, and tell her all you needed. Those last words are very powerful, and will linger for all time. You've got friends here, if you need them, and we will wait for your return. Do not rush it.

Lurker · Post by **Lurker** » Wed May 23, 2007 6:56 pm

Michael

My condolences to your loss & prayers for you & your son......
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Omote · Post by **Omote** » Wed May 23, 2007 7:22 pm

Wow, Zu... wow. God speed Mary, and may the Lord God bless you and your family in this difficult times. Best wishes in all things.
O-
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Jyrdan Fairblade · Post by **Jyrdan Fairblade** » Wed May 23, 2007 7:27 pm

Michael,

You have my deepest condolences, es tut mir vei (Yiddish/German for I am sorry).

Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Wed May 23, 2007 10:32 pm

Just heal, Michael. Both you and your family. It does sound like she was an incredible woman.

Moorcrys · Post by **Moorcrys** » Wed May 23, 2007 11:44 pm

Deepest condolences and prayers for the both of you and your families Z. I'm so sorry.
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Moorcrys

Tadhg · Post by **Tadhg** » Thu May 24, 2007 1:10 am

Very stunned and surprised. I knew your wife was battling this terrible disease, but thought she has made progress against it. I'm so very sorry to hear this, Zu. I had to go away and compose myself before posting.

I can only say, G-d Bless Mary - עליה השלום (aleha ha'shalom), may she rest in peace and dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

My condolences to you and your son and mother-in-law and your entire families.

Rigon · Post by **Rigon** » Thu May 24, 2007 2:28 am

My deepest and most heart-felt condolences, Zu. Rest assured that Mary is better hands.

R-
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Nifelhein · Post by **Nifelhein** » Thu May 24, 2007 1:13 pm

My most sincere and deep condolences, Zu.
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moriarty777 · Post by **moriarty777** » Thu May 24, 2007 2:09 pm

I can only repeat what others have already said -- my deepest condolences with regards to your loss.

Moriarty the Red
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Catweazle · Post by **Catweazle** » Sun May 27, 2007 10:19 pm

Times like this make me hesitate to put finger to key. Words always seem trite and shallow; empty mouthings of overused phrases for the sake of form rather than genuine expression.

But with thousands of miles of ocean between us, they're all I have to give.

For whatever little it's worth, my thoughts are with you.
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History teaches us that men behave wisely once they've exhausted all other alternatives.