Hilltopper Posted September 15, 2002 Share Posted September 15, 2002 Some of you may remember a post I made probably around April about my buddy struggling against colon cancer and that CMBO was the only thing that really kept his mind engaged. He was very worried he'd never see the "East Front" version of the game. Well, he won't as he passed away on July 4th. We really loved CMBO and it was even more important for the two of us to play as it was the only thing he could look forward to. He had to quit his job, etc, and this was the only thing he had for entertainment. The game was very theraputic to him. And I appreciate the designers of the game creating this program. It gave us a reason to interact on something other than his condition. We had been friends and "war gamers" since we were 13 years of age. He was 45. So pratically we've known each other for life. I guess those who created this game never really considered how it could provide some relief and distractions to someone in serious need of it. Funny how life turns out like that. I thank you all deeply for this. I've not played CMBO since because it's a bit painful, but I still have all his PBEM games we were playing saved. I can't bring myself to delete them. I sure wish he could have seen the new game. He'd ask me just about every day if it was "out". And usually add "I'll never see it" when I told him it was coming. I guess I'll order this one...eventually. One of these days. But I think it will be awhile. I don't know yet. I can't even tell you why I'm posting this. Mainly, I guess, is to thank the company for developing CMBO. It truly is a remarkable game. The game was certainly a conduit strengthening the bond I had with my friend during a time he needed a distraction and a challenge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbott Posted September 15, 2002 Share Posted September 15, 2002 God bless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopper Posted September 15, 2002 Author Share Posted September 15, 2002 Thank you, Abbott...I appreciate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUSSIEJEFF Posted September 15, 2002 Share Posted September 15, 2002 Sorry to hear of the sad loss of your life long friend, Hilltopper. It must be an emotional time for you now with the eagerly anticipated CMBB soon to be released. But it is comforting to see that you can come back into this wonderful CM online community and express yourself. We are all a "band of brothers" here and I'm sure everyone else feels the same. Best wishes for you in the future and chin up. I'm sure your mate would have wanted that for you ... If you ever feel like dabbling in a PBEM in the future, I'll take you up on that. Kindest regards, Jeff [ September 14, 2002, 11:21 PM: Message edited by: AussieJeff ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Kettler Posted September 15, 2002 Share Posted September 15, 2002 Hilltopper, Sorry about your friend. Did he at least get to see some CMBB screenshots before he passed? Sure hope so! As for the therapeutic and distractive value of the game, I totally concur. It's kept me from going stark, staring mad on several occasions, while driving me mad on others. But look on the bright side--heaven gets fully patched CMBB first! Regards, John Kettler [ September 14, 2002, 11:20 PM: Message edited by: John Kettler ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopper Posted September 15, 2002 Author Share Posted September 15, 2002 Thank you all for your kind words. I hope you don't think I'm wearing my emotions on my sleeve. This is the first time in a few months that I checked Battlefront.com out and noticed the CMBB is scheduled to ship on Sept. 20. It just kinda hit me between the eyes... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zukkov Posted September 15, 2002 Share Posted September 15, 2002 very sorry about your loss, ht. sometimes life throws you a curve ball that you just can't hit. but i'd say you should get the game as soon as you feel able, cuz now you and your buddy will be fighting on the same side! take care.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busboy Posted September 15, 2002 Share Posted September 15, 2002 God bless you sir. It is wonderful that something so "trivial" as a game can help to bring people closer together and make life a better place in general. <salute> Don't fear for your friend though, I have it from my sources that God gets the first round shipment of CMBB up there (perhaps he's in the Beta?) I'm quite sure that if CMBB would be part of your friend's paradise, he won't be without it. Unfortunately my PBEM lines to Valhala aren't quite up to snuff, and my tech support of bloody awful. I'm reading the manuel cover to cover too, just finished 2nd Kings, and still nothing! I guess they need a "Bibile for Dummies." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gunnergoz Posted September 15, 2002 Share Posted September 15, 2002 I really care about and for the folks in this community. Thanks for reminding me why I do. Best wishes from one who has been there... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tools4fools Posted September 15, 2002 Share Posted September 15, 2002 Sad to hear about your buddy. Go on, order CMBB and play it; Your buddy would want you to do so! All the best Marcus **** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAT Posted September 15, 2002 Share Posted September 15, 2002 Very moving post. You are a very special friend. You didn't tell us his name. I would like to know that. It kinda keeps him alive. Since he wanted to play, and now can't, maybe, since you knew his tactics and ways, you would someday want to play as him. If you do, just email and we can give your friend a game to remember. (He will beat me, I'm sure). Winning or losing, tho, isn't the point. I'll only ask you what it would be that he would want. What he would want for him, and what he would want for you. It seems that he certainly wouldn't want you to cease what you say he held so high. Take care, you've made many new friends today thru him. Powerful in life, Powerful in death. God Bless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commissar Posted September 15, 2002 Share Posted September 15, 2002 Next time you visit his grave, why don't you leave a copy of CMBB? I think your friend will like that a lot better than flowers that wilt and die quickly. What better tribute to a grog is there than a copy of his favorite game (would be anyway)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papa Khann Posted September 15, 2002 Share Posted September 15, 2002 Hilltopper, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Unfortunately I know something about what you've gone through and are going through, so I feel for you. For what it's worth, I think that you should give yourself all the time you need, and if the day comes when it's not too painful to return to Combat Mission, you should try it again. I think maybe your friend would want you to. Hang in there, Hilltopper. Papa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cull Posted September 15, 2002 Share Posted September 15, 2002 A true grog post if there ever was one. Get the new game when the time is right. In the meantime, I'll play one for the both of you. Best wishes, and drive on... Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seahawk-vfa201 Posted September 15, 2002 Share Posted September 15, 2002 May your friend rest in peace. You gave him a special value in life: true friendship. He left you with memories to cherish. Amazing how the Lord is able to find the tiniest insignificant facts of life to allow us to express our love to our dear ones. God bless PS The next time you'll find yourself playing I am sure your friend will be there smiling at you. Who knows, maybe some untold special tactic you never tried suddenly becomes clear in your mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Murray Posted September 15, 2002 Share Posted September 15, 2002 Sorry to hear about your friend. I lost my best friend ( we'd grown up together; pretty much ) due to illness about 10 years ago. I still miss him a great deal. He would have loved both CMBO & CMBB ( he liked games that make you think ). I'm not going to say that I know how it feels ( it's different for everyone ). All I can say is that you have my sympathy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incognito Posted September 15, 2002 Share Posted September 15, 2002 Man... **** happens! That includes death. But sorrow is useless instead honor he's memory with yuor future deeds. If he ever had unique tactic write it so he's work may live on even after creator has fade away. Win a tourney for him since he can't anymore or something. Besides it makes great fun! If thou thinks that abandoning CM servers he's memory best then that's yuor call, yuo knew him I didn't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Emrys Posted September 15, 2002 Share Posted September 15, 2002 Hilltopper, Sad news about your friend. It reminds me of what is said about the good die young. I too have lost friends far earlier than their time should have been. Thanks for sharing something real with us. Michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopper Posted September 16, 2002 Author Share Posted September 16, 2002 Thank you all for your kind words, thoughts and email. I sincerely appreciate it all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kwazydog Posted September 16, 2002 Share Posted September 16, 2002 Hilltopper, I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I am glad to hear that CM bought him some joy during his illness. Sometimes the small things can make such a big difference. Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pak40 Posted September 16, 2002 Share Posted September 16, 2002 Sorry for your loss. It sounds like it was a great friendship. Time will heal all wounds, and when they're healed and you feel like playing CMBB, you've got a lot of guys on this board that will be your next wargame buddy. Don't hesitate to email me for a game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Priest Posted September 16, 2002 Share Posted September 16, 2002 God Bless. I agree with the poster above, leave a copy for your buddy and get one for yourself. No time better than now to practice up for you will meet again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negrin Posted September 16, 2002 Share Posted September 16, 2002 Hilltopper: your friend was very fortunate to have such a wonderful and caring companion as you!My father passed away from the same dreaded illness over 20 years ago.It still hurts!God bless both you and your friend. Take care.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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