A week ago we lost a gamer friend.  This is a recap of how important gaming really is for many people.  Written by a friend of mine.

-------     names and gamer tags removed for privacy     -------

Hi, I’m xxx but in the virtual world of Gaming many know me as xxxxx

I met Him about 5-6 years ago online playing video games.

I want to take a moment to talk to you about him and tell you about a side of him you may not have known.

To us, He was xxGTxx or for some xxGTxx.  He was our Friend.

It may seem strange to you that someone in the virtual gaming world (the internet) would be here now but let me assure you we are closer to each other than many are to their real world friends.

For Example:

We talk nearly every day for two to three hours.

We joke with and about each other.

We discuss world politics and current events.

We talk about our pets watching TV, their sleeping habits, and sometimes about their gas.            

And we talk about our Families. 

We’ve watched each other’s children go from toddlers to adults.

We talk about our wives, and sometimes, even admit they’re in-charge or right.

I’ve been to a fellow Gamer’s Wedding in New Hampshire.

Two summers ago we hosted 6 gamer friends from Conn, Delaware, Maryland, (Lynchburg & Warrenton )Virginia, Missouri, and Wisconsin.  We spend a few hours together, ate dinner, and some stayed for the weekend. 

I met him and his wife in person for the first time.  They remind me of my youngest daughter and son-in-law.

As Gamers some of us have even vacationed together or met for dinner when Business trips bring us close.

And now, we cry together. 

We knew he was having some problems with work and that brings on other issues. He sent many of us a note to ask us to pray for him.  It was the day before he died. 

WE discussed the note but no one thought it would lead to this moment and 24 hours later, It was too late. 

I want to share some of the notes and thoughts we had about him.

On Facebook:

xxGTxx:   I let her know that she and the kids were in my prayers, and she asked me to let everyone in our xbox circle know. This is so messed up...

xxGTxx: F  word

xxGTxx:  Oh wow, pass on my condolences...

xxGTxx: Holy Shit

xxGTxx:  It’s so sad to think life is not worth living I feel for her and the kids.

xxGTxx:  Lot sad...little angry. Everyday life got too hard and his kids will never get to share in the fun side of dad.

xxGTxx: I'm at a loss. Devastated. If anyone wants to talk this out call me.  Unfortunately, not my first go around.

On Xbox Messages:  130 on my friends list.

My message says: Not sure who knew him so I'm including everyone.  He killed himself on Monday.  He had some demons/burdens that he just couldn't carry anymore and his wife, 3 small children & friends miss him.

xxGTxx:  RIP

xxGTxx:  RIP that’s terrible to hear

xxGTxx:  thank you for the notification. we will pray for his family :{

xxGTxx:  Wow, Sorry to hear that.

xxGTxx:  Wow, I only knew him as a Xbox friend. But would of loved to meet him. My prayers and condolences go out to him and his family.

xxGTxx: Wow. Very sorry to hear that. I wish his family and friends well.

xxGTxx:  holy shit

xxGTxx:  OMG, no way bro!!...No Way!!!

xxGTxx:  thank you for letting me know please give my condolences to his family for me

xxGTxx:  Damn…that’s terrible

xxGTxx:  I'm very sorry to hear about that. Especially for his family.

xxGTxx:  I'm so sorry to hear that. I will keep his family in our prayers.

xxGTxx: Yes we do miss him

xxGTxx:  Sad news, but thanks for letting me know

xxGTxx:  Man I’m sorry to hear that.  Ill keep his family in my thoughts

xxGTxx: sorry to hear that sad situation, will keep his fam. in my prayers

xxGTxx:  Jesus dude.... I just lost my dad the same way like 3 weeks ago. Still trying to process

This is just the tip of the ice berg.  Over this last few days there has been more discussion about him than playing.  There is a pretty big gap in our hearts.

There’s a lot of guilt.  What could I have done?  Yet we know that the choices were his.  

As you can see by the comments he touched a lot of people.   He was funny, he was open, he was sarcastic, and sometimes he even rage quit.  But most importantly, He was our Friend and we cared deeply about him.  We miss you.