I don't post on this forum very often. Most of mine have been either wry comments, or my occasional obsession with putting zero-g stormtroopers into the game.

But how do I put this? This board has become one of my most-visited sites throughout the day. And I don't mean just coming here for XWMG news, strategies and list-building, the awesome conversion pics and everything else that makes this game so terrific...

What I love most about this game is the sense of camaraderie and fellowship that is represented on this forum. I've played other miniature games, but none have come close to the amazing spirit of X-Wing Miniatures. Like I said, I come to this site several times a day and it never fails to give me something to smile or to think about and more often than not both.

I'm very thankful for the game and the people behind it and the community of players that have made it so vibrant. And I'm especially thankful for the people here on the board.

My father isn't going to make it through the night.

He had a stroke last week. Earlier today complications arose. My family and I have signed a do-not-resuscitate order. With each passing hour, the inevitable approaches.

Right now I'm in the waiting room of the hospital. My family and I. We are doing what we can to keep from thinking about what is about to happen, because dwelling on that will only make someone despair even more. I have bipolar disorder, and associated with that is deep depression. I'm not asking for sympathy, I'm just saying it like it is.

Tonight, the people and posts on the X-Wing Miniatures board have been like a companion in this very dark hour of my life. I would even go so far as to say that reading the stuff tonight has helped me keep it together for my family.

The guys at Fantasy Flight Games dont get nearly enough appreciation in my book. I am thanking them now, for what they have established in this game. And I am thanking the community for letting me enjoy a little peace right now. You have even provided some much-needed laughter... and isn't that part of what makes X-Wing and playing it so much fun?

Again, I thank you, all of you.

I'm very sorry, and I'm glad we can help.

My condolences to you and your family. I'm also going through a tough time right now as well. My mom has cancer and doesn't have much time left with us. Like you I frequent these boards a few times a day just to take my mind off things.

Dad thought it was kinda funny: how every week I'd pack up a Plano box and go play games with tiny Star Wars models. But, he had a quiet appreciation for that also. I'm definitely not the best XWM player, but he could tell that I always had a ton of fun playing this game, and telling him later the crazy things that happened (usually leading to my in-game destruction, LOL)

I think it was also because he watched me grow into a geek, and especially a Star Wars geek, from the time I could walk. And in his own way he was thankful that I had something like this to be inspired by. And to have such a game to enjoy playing.

I'm glad you could share this with him and can enjoy the game as much as you do. My sympathies are with you, I have lost all but one of my grand parents, and I know it's hard. You have had some preparation, you'll be alright. We all are eventually.

May he go peacefully into the great beyond of whichever faith he holds dear, and comfort and peace to you and yours in turn.

Strive to do your father proud. Make an effort to socialize and in advance of the social event make sure you can't back out for example ask someone to pick you up from your house before so you can't back out as easily, this will help the depression.

Be strong and talk to people especially family as often as you can.

Tell us about your old man? What kind of fella was he? Can you think of one defining memory that helped shape you to be the person you are?

@ KnightShift and tk426

Best wishes and loads of sympathy to you and your families.

Sad to hear. My mum had a stroke, it's trully awful what it does to a person. Stay strong and keep your family close.