What can I say about the community and this site that hasn't already been said. I was here since the beginning, and as of writing this, I believe the oldest member of the site (Twam excluded). In the past 7 years I have seen all the greats come and go. Friendships form, enemies made and boys/girls become men/women. I have watched the community grow from a handful of adolencent, to a thriving site of gifted individuals. We've gone through peeks, luls and sometimes damn near the brink of the whole site collapsing. Through it all we survived and came together. We became a real family. Just as real as any physical relation you could have. We actually know eachother here.
Sappy crap aside, during my time I have loved most being able to mentor and teach the community about the inner working of Halo, and the inevitable fights that ensued. This community is made up of one of the most diverse backrounds you can find on the internet today. Halo brought us together, but is "us" that kept giving people a reason to come back, not just the game. I can truly and honestly say that I love each and every one of you, as much as I love my own family. You have all been with me through bad times, worse times, and the very few good times. You have tolerated me, praised me, condemed me....and I wouldnt change a thing. Patience and understanding is the core of what this community became and our unity is the strongest amongst all else.
Things have changed, life has gotten in the way and we have dwindled and stop frequenting as a result. But we do come back once in a while to reconnect and touch base with those we have a fondness for. Fondness and family, that's who we are. And while I am on the subject of what the best part of the community is and being completely honest, I do have a few additional things to say. Some will be a surprise, some will not.
Although this is an internet based community, I have grown quite fond (obsessed/drawn/emotionally attracted) to one member in particular. I think we all know who that is. She hasn't been around in quite some time and I honestly wonder about her every day. Is she ok? Is she doing well? I have feelings for her that will never change and likely will never have the opportunity to act on, but I just wanted her to know in case she ever comes around again, how I feel. Miss you Winry....
Second, to all of those who in the past I may have been overly brutish to, I apologize. I get passionate and worked up sometimes, and as such, I fail to convey properly that passion. Delpen, Melody, Azaxx, Nova, Firen, Spades, Banana and Boss....you guys in particular I give a hard time to constantly. You are all a true credit to the "family" we have here. Your patience, understanding and willingness to forgive is what kept me going at times.
Third, AD. The man the myth the legend. But most of all, a true friend in real life till the end. I know you havent been around Todd, but i hope Vicki and you are doing well. You were the one person who understood me the most. We talked many a night about life, the site and general bs. I wouldn't be here right now if it weren't for you man. I love you like a brother. And to quote Star Trek, "I have been, and always shall be, your friend."
Lastly there are a lot of you I could not stand and honestly not sure if I can still stand you. Those in question know who you are and because we don't talk, I cannot accertain the answer. But, none the less, you are family. We don't always get along with our family and this community is no different.
I realize now TL;DR this sounds more like a farewell speech thatn what I like about the community. Sorry for that, I get carried away sometimes. I'll just end it here with this