This is the speech I was going to deliver during the raffle on Saturday night. But, due to some slow service at Chili's, I was unable to do so. I'm in no way a professional speech writer, so take it as it is. Something I've needed to say for a while. The LAN was absolutely phenomenal and special thank to all who made it possible, you know who you are and you all totally pwn.

I don't really know what more to add. I wish I could write something completely Oscar worthy. It comes from our heart, and that's all I can really say. We truly love you all and there is no way on earth to express the gratitude we hold for the site.

I just wanted to mention that those who are members of this site, strictly for gaming, you folks need to take the blinders off and get in touch with some reality. You need to shed the "I'm a leet gamer" visage (sp) and wake up and smell the roses. This site is so much more that you could realize, if you would just step back from the controller, tell yourself "It's just a game.", and really get to know more people on the site. This is a community of gamers, yes, but it is family to me, to my wife and to my family. When I see people belittle others in a forum, whether it be competitive or not, it really ticks me off and hurts my feelings. This family has given more to me than I could have ever asked for and for those who to try and drive a wedge into something that has been worked hard for, I just assume you leave. That being said, I hold a special place in my heart for you who have been there for us, prayed for us, shed tears with/ for us, given to us of your own free will, sent us your thoughts, and sacrificed on our behalf. God bless you Dood, for making this place possible and to those who keep it running (ahem Derek ), and God bless all of you who I know personally and who I don't know.

No greater feeling in this world, than knowing that you are loved by others.


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JR