[keylime]

Greetings friends and members of BBO. As some of you know I suffered a most tremendous lost earlier this week with the passing of my mother due to a massive myocardial infarction (medical term of a heart attack). It has been an understandably difficult period of my life to go through, especially at the time of my life where things were moving forward with purpose and reason. This passing has reaffirmed to me my own mortality and preciousness of life.

I am eternally grateful for the gargantuan outpouring I have received from the community. The level of caring and genuine concern floors me, considering that in all reality, we are complete strangers joined behind a common pursuit. Yet there has not been any reservation or restriction of sincerity or compassion offered to me in my time of great distress. It's truly remarkable that you the membership have such an united front for one of its own.

This catharsis afforded to me has only served to reinforce my long-standing view that BBO is simple the elite of all online bridge services. We are sometimes fierce competitors, but we are also gentle folk. I lack the superlatives to express my gratitude. Thank you...to all of you.

D.

[skrshawk]

I personally had not heard of this (having been very busy with work outside of BBO), but I too extend my sympathy to your family and yourself. It warms my heart to hear of the wonderful community we've had a chance to bring together - and as you said, as fierce of competitors as they really are .

Also my congratuations for having become one of our newest worldclass posters passing the 250 mark . Worldclass gentleman to boot .

Take care,
John