Post by wolfmanjack on Apr 8, 2017 20:56:29 GMT -5
Over a decade ago I started playing Day of Defeat. It was my son who introduced the game to me. Over time I had a sense of what I liked and didnt like about the game. After a few years I decided to make my own server, with the rules of the game that I felt made it fun, challenging, and required people to work together. Slowly but surely, like minded folks came to the server and decided it was what they wanted too.
One of the first to show up (and hang around) was GTO. GTO's voice was usually warm and inviting. He was always welcoming new folks on the server, and gently but persuasively guided them on the rules of the game. It wasn't long before I made him an admin. We became close friends early on, and have remained so to this day. Shortly thereafter a new player, a young but fiercely competitive Kid showed up and started to play as well. Kid was a bond all of us had. GTO would beam with pride knowing that his Kid had a group of players that would protect and defend her against all of the potential "characters" that might prey on a young girl on the internet. He had a good sense of character. Even more remarkable since he hadn't met any of us personally. He simply judged us by our actions and words on the game, and I would bet he rarely got it wrong, if ever.
It amazes me that friendships and bonds can occur, and endure, between people whom we have never met face to face. But I can honestly say, having never met GTO, that I know him, and consider him one of my closest friends. I also feel the same about his daughter, a little girl I heard grow into a strong and proud woman over the years. While I am not a great fan of the internet, I am eternally grateful for having had the honor and privilege of being a small part of their lives because of it.
As you know by now, GTO has fallen today. I will miss him terribly. It was always a special treat to play with him and the Kid. It is something I will keep close to my heart every time I log onto the server in the future. I salute you GTO!
And now I can hear GTO telling me...
Ohhhh Yoooouuuuu shudddup!
OK Chief Im done. Rest peacefully my friend. You have touched the hearts and souls of so many.
Wolfman Jack