Over the years I played many computer games but once the puzzles were solved that, as they say, was that.  Then I happened upon Myst and was intrigued by the puzzles and beautiful graphics and the idea of exploring alone.  As an empty nester and solitary being, I have spent many days in the wilderness alone so Myst seemed the perfect solution to my boredom.  Soon I was emersed and completely addicted to the game.  My employer at the time was an engineer who also enjoyed the game and we had daily interaction that included discussion of Myst.  Life went on, sequels were released, the trilogy was published.  I happened upon an out of the way book dealer, and there hidden in pile of dusty manuscripts I found them the three books.  Pouring over the books over a single weekend peaked my interest in the game once more and I found myself at the computer again enjoying the beauty of the ages of Myst. 

Lifechanging events occured and soon I was emersed in studies at university, yet there was something missing.  Then one evening, while looking for online games to play for free, I stumbled upon Myst Online.  It was like bumping into an old friend after a long absence.  I logged in immediately and found my way to the Beginner's Bevin, got my KI then made my way to the Guild of Greeters.  After the usual greetings, I was approached by a young woman named Baladria, who offered to show me around to get a feel for the game.  In the next five hours as we danced the night away we shared our love of literature, music, art, family, friends, and so much more.  Now we are good friends both in and outside URU.  She's an awesome individual who enjoys the same things as I do, has a similar sense of humor and best of all - she loves this game.   In the months that followed I met so many wonderful people, whose love and friendship I will treasure until the end of all ages.  Through the sharing of music and the dance eternal - a lifetime of connections, always universally present, were finally realized.  Since then I continue to encounter individuals whose sense of humor has given me more joy and healing laughter than I can scarcely contain it all. 

One day I discovered skydiving and I was hooked.  I was assimilated into the Cavern Skydiver's Bevin by Skydiver peni, and in turn assimilated many others.  Resistance is futile.  Our love of jumping off perfectly good buildings into the great void and climbing where we are not allowed, breaking the rules of gravity binds us as one of the largest bevin communities in URU.  You will know us by our typical greeting: jump up and down repeatedly, wave, dance!  Fun is always on the schedule with this group.  After observing me at length, one day Watashi promoted me to Skydiver Instructor, and I was so honored.  Then at a dance one evening I met dolmen.  I looked at my magic pocket and looked him standing there with his magic Tardis fridge looking at me with my magic pocket and all at once we burst out laughing.  Together we seem to have become the cavern caterers, providing drinks and dilectable snacks at parties and events throughout the cavern; and in the process have become good friends.   

And then one day the end of ages was announced - the tragic and sorrowful end of such a cherished part of our lives had pierced my heart.  Hot bitter tears of sorrow flowed down my cheeks, as if a member of my own family were told of an impending death.   Soon it was apparent that URU was not a game at all, but a viable living community of unique and wonderful individuals who were bound not to let the threat of being locked out of our beloved cavern stop us from continuing our daily communion in this virtual world.  As dolmen recently pointed out to me, life is about change and how we meet the challenges that arise as a result.  That is what makes us who we are.  What was it Zorg said, "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger."  We will not go quietly into the night, we'll stand and fight and one day we will return to URU or some other wonderful place to continue with our daily communion in this virtual world.  But until then, if you feel weary from your day - just look for a skydiver with a magic pocket, or that guy with the magic fridge - cause when you have found us - you've found the party!  Don't just stand there or be glued to your chair - get up and dance, smile and sing. 

To my Skydiver family I just wanna say may you always have blue skies and soft landings.  Special blessings go out to the music makers of URU.  And to all of you:  may the peace that passes all understanding be yours now and always. 

Ech0 looks into her magic pocket and withdraws a basketful of little 4Leaf clovers and hands one to each member of the URU family.  Love to all, you will always be in my heart.  Now where's the party?  ROFL