(Fellow mods, if you feel this should be moved, by all means).

This post is about my dad.

My dad is a tremendous guy. He'll never read this, but he was the greatest inspiration of my youth. His love of Tolkien, of Kipling, of so many classic adventure stories, helped form and enrich my life in so many ways. He's a man of integrity, a man of the Old Ways, and above all, a good man.

When I was leaving for the Air Force, he wrote me a letter that ended with this advice:

"To ride, shoot straight, and speak the truth. This was the ancient law of youth. Old times are past, old days are done; but the Law runs true, O Little son!"

--A sentiment I've tried to remember and keep always (with varying success, I'm afraid).

My dad, due to his work schedule and taking care of his family, has not been able to go to the Indianapolis 500 for some 15 years--an event we've always followed, no matter where I was in the world. This year, as sort of a surprise, I was going to take him to this weekend's qualifications and hopefully, the 500 itself. I knew it would mean a lot--it's something we did when I was a kid, and I can't think of many better memories than spending time at the track with my dad. This man has earned a day at the races. And it is killing me that I can't do that for him. This week, the engine blew on my car. With our tight budget, that is a dream-killer. I now can't afford to take him as I promised.

This isn't a cancer fund, this isn't life or death; it's just a guy trying to tell his Dad thank you. And I'm going to see what I can do to make this happen.

Here's what I (and you) can do: if you donate to help out, regardless of the amount, I will send you a pdf copy of my Irrin Campaign setting. I wish I could give more, but it's yours--just make sure to note on the donation where I should email the files. If you've ever taken anything of use or utility or entertainment value from my Gen Con coverage, blog, or other postings, this is how you can say thank you--by letting me say thank you to the man I respect and love the most in this world. If you want to spread the word, that would be tremendously helpful as well. I'm asking for help--and if we can pull this off, I promise you plenty of great pics from a day at the track. And I will be eternally grateful to you for helping me make this happen for my dad.

To get your copy, paypal your donation--whatever the amount--to o_clever_odysseus@yahoo.com.  Thanks for your time, and though you won't read this, thanks again, Dad.

(Cross-posted from here)

Just sent your ten bucks. I hope this helps!

Quote from: Benoist;301748Just sent your ten bucks. I hope this helps!

Man, that truly means a lot.  As in, you don't know how much.  Thank you, for the bottom of my heart.

Calling my dad today and telling him it was likely we'd have to cancel our plans--it was horrible, hearing how depressed and crestfallen he was.  Like the lead weight in my chest.  I really hope we'll be able to get him to at least a good day of qualifications, and make it a great experience and memory for him.  The man's worked too hard and sacrificed too much to be let down again.

Zach, anything to make you and your dad feel better.
That's what friends are for.

Quote from: Benoist;301750Zach, anything to make you and your dad feel better.
That's what friends are for.

Sent your copy of Irrin to the paypal email. I hope that's an okay email to use.  Send me an alternate via PM or email if not.

When's the deadline for donations? I'm broke as Hell for a bit, but damn if I don't want to help.

Zach and I have had several PM's over at The RPG Haven about the possibility of some tickets (I'll find out soon) and I'll say this part publicly - I'll float the difference for as long as is necessary.

I posted a thread over on RPGNet, too, so maybe that will help some.

Guys (and ladies),

I can't thank you enough. I believe we have close to enough now to cover, with the ticket deal Jim was able to broker (which is pending completion).  I'll be able to take my dad to the track for qualifications AND the race.  I'm humbled by your response, and promise to take a lot of whupass pics (including any of Danica Patrick or Milka Duno I can procure).

edit: Manuel, thanks so much for your kind thoughts.  I think we're about set, but if you want to help get us that little bit home, it'd be this weekend, I think.

Thank you again so much for your contributions. I am sending out the files this evening, so if you don't get yours, let me know via PM!

I hope you get to take you dad to the race.

Best wishes,

Rog.