“A sincere apology”
Friends, I recieved this e-mail yesterday. It is amazing how things from our past can come back and move us. Depending on the event it can be a positive or a negative event. I do remember the gentleman who sent this to me and I have removed his name and contact information.
This is the second time in two months that I have been moved almost to tears from the “kids” that would come the The Toy Soldier in Newburyport to play or just hang out. The first (or so I thought) when I met Mark from Marks Game Room at Cold Wars. In this case he reminded me how I “let him” run a TSATF game at a Wargamers Weekend one year many years ago.
I am going to dedicate this to Peter Rice, my mentor.
Mr. Parker, Chris,
For many years I have wanted to apologize to you for my behavior as a troubled teen/youth. I am deeply regretful for how I used to be. I stole from you when you offered me nothing but kindness. You, Peter, Mike Cooper (RIP), and many others tried to make me feel welcomed and treated me like family. I am sincerely sorry. I would love to make good on what I did to you, stealing from your business. It was many years ago, but I essentially took money out of your pocket.
For many years I have wanted to apologize to you for my behavior as a troubled teen/youth. I am deeply regretful for how I used to be. I stole from you when you offered me nothing but kindness. You, Peter, Mike Cooper (RIP), and many others tried to make me feel welcomed and treated me like family. I am sincerely sorry. I would love to make good on what I did to you, stealing from your business. It was many years ago, but I essentially took money out of your pocket.
I have many dear memories of the days in Newburyport at both locations. It seems like ancient history. D&D, C&S, and Follow Me, were all just coming out. This was during my formative years, and I blew it. I must say though that the memories and experiences at your shop have had a big impact on my life. I have a good career now that started with IT and evolved into a much bigger success story. I forget the guy’s name, but he brought an original Apple into your shop, and it was all of ours first experience with the internet. I think it was an online D&D game.
Should you ever be open to talking, my phone number is .
I am sorry, Chris. You were like a big brother to me during the darkest time in my life, and I stole from you and hurt you financially. Money is not all in life, but it was money I took out of your pocket. Had you invested what I stole in merchandise it would be much more in today’s dollars. Although I was pretty much stoned on weed all the time, I think I recall that over a year or two I probably shoplifted 30-50 GHQ 1/256 packs of miniatures. If you could put a “today’s equivalent” price on that, I would happily send it to you. If nothing else, I wanted you to know that you and your associates were very good to me. Seeing your picture online, and dear Mike Cooper, brought tears to my eyes and many fond memories.
I am sorry, Chris. You were like a big brother to me during the darkest time in my life, and I stole from you and hurt you financially. Money is not all in life, but it was money I took out of your pocket. Had you invested what I stole in merchandise it would be much more in today’s dollars. Although I was pretty much stoned on weed all the time, I think I recall that over a year or two I probably shoplifted 30-50 GHQ 1/256 packs of miniatures. If you could put a “today’s equivalent” price on that, I would happily send it to you. If nothing else, I wanted you to know that you and your associates were very good to me. Seeing your picture online, and dear Mike Cooper, brought tears to my eyes and many fond memories.
I am sorry, Chris, and I wish you the best in life.
Thank you <name removed>
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