The odds of me being able to say this in person are near nil (cause I'm terrible at things like this), so I'll just type it.

MC, my prayers, such as they are, are with you and your family. I wish you all the best.

Damn...I'm even terrible at typing it.

Anyway, you know what I'm trying to say.

I'm seconding everything Zephir and Wolf have said.

Don't worry about us, go be with your father. Now.

MC asked me to inform everyone on updates, so I will do as he asked, even though it is with regret that I do so.

He called me about 10 minutes ago to tell me that today, at about 4:53 PM, his father succumbed to the dementia that had plagued his mind over the past 6 years. Naturally, the first thing I said was the instinctual "I'm sorry," to which MC simply replied that there was, of course, nothing I or anyone else could have done.

MC seemed to be taking things well, but I really don't know how it will affect him in the long run. Hopefully he will be able to return here in due time. Anyway, he thanks everyone for their kind words, and just wanted me to pass along this information.

*sigh*

Poor guy.

*holds hat in hands*

I'm sorry everyone. This may be my last time for a long time. I know Wolf said everything, but I feel I should restate the facts.

Yes, at about 4:53 today, (October 28, 2004) the nursing home where Dad was staying infromed me that he had passed on to the other world. All I know is that he went out quietly and in peace. I know now he is doing well, and he is himself again.

I thank you for everything you guys have said and done, and I will return to the boards in due time. Until then, keep my family in your thoughts and my seat warm for when I return. I promise you I'll be ready! But until then... (sighs) I have to deal with this. So long everyone.

With honor,

Mark (MC43) (The Yellow Mage) (Monk)

I'm so sorry MC, I really hope you can work through it. My sympathies to you and your family, you know how to reach me if you want to talk.

EDIT: Better idea

The rp will be taking a short vacation until MC comes back. I refuse to start the final batle without our bare fisted friend. So, if you want to do some character interaction until then, that's cool. I'll let oyu all know when we're moving on.

And thus... the Yellow Mage has returned to help you ibn your quest to rid the world of the evil Mastermind (That is, if you still want me around).

And to everyone here... I thank you all for being so supportive and friendly in this most time of need. I'm sorry that I had to leave you guys for so long, but it was somethin' I had to do. (Shakes head) It's going to be tough, still is, but life will go on, and not to mention, it was time. If you had seen him the week before the end, you would have thought so too. I plan to post up something in another thread describing the entire time I was out for those who wish to know, but until then, know this.

Officially... Monday at about noon - noon thirty, My father left this world and started auditions for the biggest stage ever.

Awh.

*pets*

<bows in honor> Welcome back, MC.

Welcome back, O' Great One. (\ ( '-') /)

</bowination>