I've been absent lately, and before that, I was less than reasonable at times. Rather than try to power through RP or interactions in a text-based environment (which we all know can be dicey, in comparison to face-to-face interaction), I should have simply taken a break, recognizing that the stress that was in my reality was seeping through to my in-game persona.

On December 19th of last year, my mother went into the hospital. She had pneumonia. She had been feeling poorly, but didn't want to ruin Christmas. Typical Mom. For over three months, she went from hospital to rehab to hospital and back again. Each time she would recover enough to be released, she would be struck down with another infection. Each time she went back into the hospital, my family's hopes were dashed. She finally grew too tired, and on March 27th, with 2 of my siblings and I holding her hands and telling her it was ok to let go, she took her last breath at 12:25 a.m. I like to think it was her last tap on the shoulder, and gentle reminder of Christmas being her favorite.

Since then, I have been dealing with my grief, checking in on my father (her husband of 64 years, and companion for 75 years), and taking stock of my own life.

I wanted to apologize specifically to Aldo, Sere and to Leena. I've not been myself, but I didn't explain what was going on, and that left you probably thinking that I had just turned into a jackass overnight (and not just the goofy kind that I usually am.) I'm also apologizing to anyone else who might have felt insulted by any of my interactions throughout that time.

I appreciated the in-game IM from you, Leena, but I was still sorting out my emotions, and that was the wrong time to have a conversation.

I can't say if I'll be back to Rocca specifically, or Baroque in general, but it seemed right to tie up loose ends and let you all know what was going on.

Wishing you well,

R a/k/a O