Gygax + "Here's to you..."

E. Gary Gygax died today. There's some controversy about who should share the credit for creating Dungeons and Dragons. Dave Arneson was clearly involved and probably should be noted as well, and there are definitely others. I guess it's a little like Stan Lee versus Ditko and Kirby. Stan and Gary just had better PR agents, I guess. What are geeks gonna do? I haven't rolled the dice in a few years, which is too bad, but I haven't hung up my chainmail. Actually, I have--it's in my office. But I work with Jimmah now, and I figure there might just turn out to be some Star Wars based role playing in my future. Good for us that Gary, Dave, etc. started such a cool game.

My mother retired on Friday. She spent her working years as a rehabilitational psychologist working with adults with disabilities. For a good portion of the time, this was at New Hope, as residential facility. As times changed in the 90s, she helped them shift toward a more community-based setting. She will continue to provide training and staff development on an as needed basis. Thinking about her career, there's a real symbiosis between the two of us. She got interested in disability issues when I was diagnosed with ADHD back in the early 70s. They called in "hyperactivity" back then. Full circle, I am similarly involved with the lives of people with disabilities, and even found my wife through the field. So I owe her a lot. But so do countless people whose lives she touched and who have better access to their community and more independence and choice. That's what it's all about. I couldn't be more proud; she's earned her rest.

The other cool thing about her retirement is that Becky is taking her on a trip to Cancun to celebrate, and Jennifer and I are going with them! I've never been to Mexico, and I have never been to an "all-inclusive" resort before. I guess they give me all the drinks I want. Period. I have no idea how they expect to make money there. Fools.