I know that not everyone here followed my 'Tamoh' blogs over at L2vault, but if you did--or if you've known me in game--you'll know that 'Keta' from the Aria server is my real-life father. He's been playing the game since 2005 and he's loved every bit of it.
He's been in the hospital two times over the past month. This time is much more difficult for him, and he's been going through some rough complications. He's very tired, but he's trying very hard to be strong. I'd rather not focus on any details beyond that as I know he'd rather everyone think of him as he was rather than how he is right now.
I know my father tried to help as many people as he could both in-game and in real life. He did as much as he could to keep a positive, optimistic outlook on everything and just to keep the game a 'game'. Although my dad has a lot of really bad things going on with his health that he's been fighting with since his service in Vietnam, he is still hanging in there and being strong. As corny as it might sound, he's been a hero to me...and I know I'm not the only one that sees him in that light.
I ask that everyone keep him in their thoughts and prayers. If anyone is interested in sending him a card, please mail me here on the forums or leave a mail for me on the Aria server via 'Jaerika' so that I can send you the appropriate contact info.
I know that not everyone here followed my 'Tamoh' blogs over at L2vault, but if you did--or if you've known me in game--you'll know that 'Keta' from the Aria server is my real-life father. He's been playing the game since 2005 and he's loved every bit of it.
He's been in the hospital two times over the past month. This time is much more difficult for him, and he's been going through some rough complications. He's very tired, but he's trying very hard to be strong. I'd rather not focus on any details beyond that as I know he'd rather everyone think of him as he was rather than how he is right now.
I know my father tried to help as many people as he could both in-game and in real life. He did as much as he could to keep a positive, optimistic outlook on everything and just to keep the game a 'game'. Although my dad has a lot of really bad things going on with his health that he's been fighting with since his service in Vietnam, he is still hanging in there and being strong. As corny as it might sound, he's been a hero to me...and I know I'm not the only one that sees him in that light.
I ask that everyone keep him in their thoughts and prayers. If anyone is interested in sending him a card, please mail me here on the forums or leave a mail for me on the Aria server via 'Jaerika' so that I can send you the appropriate contact info.
Thanks everyone.
-'Jaerika'/'Tamoh'
Pass a message to him, tell him no disease can defeat a strong mind and will. Tell him to keep fighting!
-_- or not, the saying never give up, never surrender is very wise.
I have never met your father, but hes is still part of our lineage family, i hope the best for him and though the road he walks may be a difficult one, im sure he is walking it with courage and determination. Best wishes to both of you and we hope you make it back to us soon in good health and spirit.
I have known Keta for some time, I am one of his officers. Have had a lot of fun times with him in game and chats in vent. Myrmidons (his clan) looks forward to the time when he can be back with us again.
I've had the pleasure of meeting your father a couple of times in game, and he helped me when i was feeling down. I really hope he recovers quickly. My thoughts and prayers are with him and your family.
Thank you everyone. (HUGS) To those who have not personally met him in-game or in real life, I wish you could know him like I do. He is an amazing person.
I will send on your well wishes and loving thoughts.
I also had the chance to meet him a couple of times ingame. He was always very nice to me. Wishing him and the family all the best and will keep him in my thoughts and prayers.
I know very well what you are suffering now Tamoh.
My father, a couple of years ago, was very ill, with some health problems originated by the Colonial War, and he was in the hospital for several months and escaped from death by very little...
So, even the direst situations don`t hide all the hope.
Now...
I just want to say: a quick and efective recovery for your father, and none of you should ever think in give up!
Im sure with the the love of all people dear to your father and with the help of the doctors your father he will be full recovered.
I never meet Keta in real life however I know of him for years now and feel that I have meet him in real life.
I remember the first time I saw him in the Catta's. I was on MiVida my War Cryer and he was dead on the Ground laying there alone. I saw that he drop his +5 Majestic Necklace so I pick it up and said hi. I told him don't worry that I will hold this for him till he was rez and I will give it back 2 him. Mind you I was A grade with B jewelry. It would been a Nice add to my gear. But something inside me told me this is not a Jerk but a Good person and just give it back 2 him.
One of his clan mates came and Rez him and I gave back the Necklace. He seam shocked that some one would give back something that nice and that fact that I looked poor. MiVida was not my main so she had only B gear and a C grade weapon yet she was A grade in a 60+ Catta. Keta then had me wait because his clan wanted to personally meet someone that was so nice to they clan leader and this big group of his clan mates (a Very big group in fact) came down and they all rec me and thank me for what I did. Sheri was also one of the clan members I meet that day and later Wrinkles who are both very good friends today.
Keta then told me that if I ever need a home that I had a Spot in his clan waiting for me. I thought wow this will be a Day I will remember. We then got an AOE group going with Keta tanking the Mobs. You should of seen him. He is a True Strong leader and we had fun that night. Over the next 2 Weeks they invited me to AOE hunts in the catta and after 2 Weeks I left the Clan I was in and Joined Keta's clan.
I was very happy in Keta's clan and even thou I had my own clan it was just full of my Alts and Keta and his clan even help me get my Alt clan to level 4 then later Level 5. Later my Clan join his Alliance as an Alt clan for everyone Alts.
The first time I heard his Strong Voice in clan Chat I felt very much at home and we use 2 chat for hours and Hunt that long also. Keta Loved to AOE and he is very good at it. He would Pull so many mobs at Hot Springs OMG he is a monster but was fun and I look forward to seeing him back in game again.
I remember that Famous Wedding that Keta and Sheri had and I was there on MiVida.
Later I had to leave Keta Clan because they became a PVP clan but it was still home and I missed being with them however we stayed in touch.
Keta is a Very Strong person and I feel he will get thru this but I will pray for my Dear friend and I love him very much......he is always in my heart.
Tamoh, I'm sorry for your difficulties and your dad's illness. I lost my dad last Saturday and the feelings are still very acute.
I will include your dad and you and your loved ones in my prayers. May God Bless and Keep you all.
On a lighter note--way back when, I finally started getting invited to Seiges. Tbh, ones I had no business attending as I was way too low :)
My very, very first seige I was killed by Keta. Undaunted I rez'd and returned to the field (this was Dion I believe). After some joint attacks on others....I was killed by Keta. I rez'd, ran into the castle....and was killed by Keta. If I recall correctly, he killed me 4 or 5 times--causing me to type in open shout "Jesus! Is there anybody defending other than this Keta guy?" Which got a few laughs.
Class act guy, your dad. Never heard anyone say differently.
All the best to he and to you.
~drakkosV (the toon he dropped repeatedly:) )
Thanks everyone for the awesome memories and continued kind words. I know he will love to hear all of them. :) It means a lot.
Yes I have to agree that my father's spirit and heart are enormous. He has a presence that's hard to forget, and an attitude to match. I'm glad he's touched so many people's lives. :)
Fun bit of trivia...I made 'Tamoh' back in the day to try to be just like him! --but I don't think I could ever match his orcish might. I saw his pole-arm skills for the first time in the Plando room in DVC back in 2005 when he was in majestic and my cousins 'Fang' (known as 'ICESLEG') and 'SadieHawkins' were there bashing away. My dad's ability to control so many mobs and keep pushing forward and stay alive was amazing to me then, and is still amazing to me now. He's so strong and confident. It's quite symbolic of who he is in real life, even if his body doesn't always keep up. :)
Again thank you to everyone for your responses. (HUGS TO ALL)
Hi dont know if you remember me and Refigana , we where in the clan Myrmidons for quite some time several years ago . Im truly sorry to hear Keta is not feeling well and we both are praying that he will be well soon.Even after we left the clan because the time frame issues because of being euro players, just wasnt working for us, he always had time to say hi when he did see us.I always had a great respect for his gaming idealogy and his no stress type of play. Please give him our best wishes , i know he will remember us. Will be starting up again tomorrow ingame after i was away for 4 months because my mother is also ill in America and i had to take care of her. My best wishes to Ketas clan, cya ingame.
The first time I met Keta was when my old clan disbanded and Armenua told me to get in touch with them. They brought me and my Girlfriend "PrincessMorgan" out to Varka to lvl. I was still a lowbie, and they showed us how AoE truly works as they brought the whole valley of generals to his corner by the rocks. I was thinking "we're all gonna die", but he killed them without even sweating at all.
That was about 2.5 years ago, and since then we have developed a good friendship.
Keta has always had an open heart, been a good friend and leader, and I hope he recovers fully as quickly as possible.
I thought i would never have this happen to me again :P
I just got Wrinkles out of the hospital and now my #2 husband
(Keta ) is in there . Wrinkles said to tell you that this isnt the way to
get out of shinning my shoes :p, they will be waiting on you when you come home :P I really logged on to say , how much we miss you and
we cant wait to see you home and in game again.
"Miss ya Bunches "
((Hugs ))
" Your Ingame Wife Sheri "
Thank you. :) I don't judge by religion or beliefs. It's what in your heart that matters--that's yet another thing my dad taught me. :)
Tell your dad I miss him sorely. I miss you too, and the older Myrms that I know. Treker, Abby etc.
I thought i would never have this happen to me again :P
I just got Wrinkles out of the hospital and now my #2 husband
(Keta ) is in there . Wrinkles said to tell you that this isnt the way to
get out of shinning my shoes :p, they will be waiting on you when you come home :P I really logged on to say , how much we miss you and
we cant wait to see you home and in game again.
"Miss ya Bunches "
((Hugs ))
" Your Ingame Wife Sheri "
WHAT!? I thought I was #2? Grrr... fine then, you take care of the kids on your own!
PS: I miss you and Wrinkly. :(
We all praying for you Dad. (Yes I said dad) I'm the son-in law so its my right to to call him dad. Keta has been one of the most self-sacrificial people I have ever known both in and out of the game. I wish him the best and a peace at this time in his life.
I have dedicated this week's poll at l2vault to Keta. Please show your support by using the poll option located on the right hand side bar of our home page; l2vault.ign.com (http://www.l2vault.ign.com).
Tamoh please tell your father Simoon is thinking about him.
At a time when I needed help very badly, he was the one who helped and I have seen over the years that what you say about him is true. His heart is as big as the Dinali (is that how its spelled?)
It makes me sad to hear he isnt well... I think of him of as the one with big shoulders. To me Keta is the big orc.
I will say those prayers for your father. And for me and for everyone he knows... because Keta has been a special gift to us all. He is a good guy. To say that seems not enough but there arent so many of those around, not like him.
So, again... tell him Simoon says hello and I hope he will feel better very soon
Hey Keta, hope you get better soon and come enjoy the castle. Thanks for the great community you helped build with Myrmidons. You're in our prayers here in Michigan and Aria. ~Jonin
I still remember doing a Zaken raid WAY back when I was with RisingBlades alliance. I got stuck in the back end of the group en route, but I could always spot Keta: I just looked for the ten-foot tall lightsaber that was his OE'd sword.
He went back into the hospital last week due to some complications. We were all very frustrated, especially Keta. He really wants to go home, but he also appreciates all of the medical care he's been getting. He's now back in the transitional rehab center and they're working to get him ready to go home...hopefully by mid next week.
WISH HIM LUCK and keep him in your prayers. I hope he won't have to bounce around between hospitals anymore. It will still be quite a while before he'll be able to play L2 again, but he was already asking lots of questions about the new game update when he called today...bless his heart. :) He really loves the game and all of the friends he has in it.
What!! They don't have the internet in the rehab center! OMG!!!! Tell them to get it!!
But tell him to take it easy and rest. You always think you are okay when you are sitting in bed going crazy, but once you get up and try to resume your normal activity, it really wears on you. So tell him to just take it slow!!!
I'm really happy to hear his is still on the mend. <3 to him.
He went back into the hospital last week due to some complications. We were all very frustrated, especially Keta. He really wants to go home, but he also appreciates all of the medical care he's been getting. He's now back in the transitional rehab center and they're working to get him ready to go home...hopefully by mid next week.
WISH HIM LUCK and keep him in your prayers. I hope he won't have to bounce around between hospitals anymore. It will still be quite a while before he'll be able to play L2 again, but he was already asking lots of questions about the new game update when he called today...bless his heart. :) He really loves the game and all of the friends he has in it.
Thanks everyone, as always. :) Arm--you crack me up. It's funny, our family here knows so much about my dad's gaming that one of them mentioned how they wish he could set up a laptop or something and game in the hospital. ^^ Too funny. You should see his gaming setup in his room. It looks like a command center from a James Bond movie. ^^ Well...he'd probably say that's a stretch, but it's so funny to me since he's my father and he's got more of a serious gamer streak than I do!
I visited him today...he's lost a lot of weight, but his eyes were much brighter and sparkling. He got to see his little grandkids again (my little sweethearts ^^) and he was smiling more than he's smiled in a VERY long time. He's also moving around a lot more. I'm really happy. All of your support is helping!
--and to those who sent cards, I read them to him today. :) Thank you.
Dad passed away this morning at about 1am PST. He went in his sleep at the hospital. Just wanted to let you all know. Thank you for your prayers, cards, thoughts, and wishes. I only hope that we can all help his legacy live on in real-life and in the game. I know not everyone knew him, but those that did would remember his kindness, his quick wit and gentle voice, his patience, his optimism, his natural ability to see good in everyone, and his stubborness in working hard to achieve his goals--and in helping others achieve theirs. I know I am not the only one who will miss him.
His 'Keta' toon will be retiring from the world of Lineage II as soon as we can take care of things for him.
Tamoh, may God Bless and keep you all during this difficult time.
Hold all that was good and right and special in your heart. That is the promise we all have--that we may be remembered and that some part of us will continue in those who remain.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Jim
PS. About a month ago I lost my father as well. It seems a bit surreal and after all the activity following the passing--it seems we still have to grieve. I've chosen to remember my dad and to pass along all that was important about him to my kids and grandkids--so they may know some of the blessings that I had because he was my dad. God Bless.
I am really sad to hear this, Tamoh. He put up a good fight and succumbed in the end, and it is indeed heartbreaking. Condolences to you and your family. I know these words are the only ones I have to say (having lost a father myself) but can hardly replace the great Keta. He will be remembered very fondly by all of us.
Please accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of Keta. I have been praying for him for some time. God bless and keep you Keta. He will be remembered. I bet he is still smiling somewhere, watching over you and your family.
I didn't know him but I imagine he was a very nice person. Probably he still plays lineage somewhere far beyond and smiles
I just learn about Keta's death, it's a great loss for this community
I didn't know him really, even if we cross since Lionna's days, like each lead cross one day or another, we sometimes have not been on the same side ... but we share the same fun.
For all this history, for all his act, for him, he deserved our respect.
all our member wish to his family, and myrmidon's member our deepest thoughts.
I was totally shocked to hear the news this mornning. I felt there
had to be a mistake in what i was hearing. As the news sunk in
i could not stop crying/hurting. My sincere condolences goes to
your family. I wish for you and your family to keep his memories
close to your hearts to share with his granchildren that ment the
world to him, he talked of them often with me and wrinkles.
We will miss him , my hero my friend , my ingame husband.
We love you Jaerika and Evagrath. ((Hugs )) to you and your family.
My condolences to your family. When I heard the news this mornning, I was at work when the call came. I had to stop when I started crying and was huged by my coworkers for the loss I felt. I hope to be there for the funeral (have a 10 hour drive to do).
Tamoh It hurts me so much to know you and your family are going through such pain .I never met keta in real life but it
has been one of the greatest Honors to have known him in
game.:)he was more than a friend he was like a brother to me.
Ill always have the memoryes to look back on.In away we are
alot alike .We went through alot of the same things.i joind the service
when i was 17 years old .but the draft stoped and the war ended
bye the time i got out basic training .i was in the marines dont no
what branch he was in but great men like your dad is what inspires
us to do things in life.take a chance.all i know is keta toched my hart
in several ways in game and just talking to him on the phone.yall all feel like apart of my family to.My condolences to you and grath and all your
family for your loss and lets all stay in touch
my condolences Tamoh, really this is a very hard hit...
I know you father since the "Beta" of L2, and are too many the remembers in game and talking whit him in Ventrilo and MSN.
I talk spanish and my english is a bit hard, your father ever try talk whit my and my wife, and ever help in all the game problems, really a very excellent player and a incredible person.
All miss Keta in game for ever, and save whit a great love the very great moments playing whit him, lost a very good friend, all the prayers for him, God save the good ppl.
L2 lost a very great player and all lost the best friend.
I don't remember if we ever met ingame, but your father took me under his arm and was trusting enough to help not only me but also a IRL friend of mine in game. His compassion was one of the things that hit me when I saw him. While I didn't know him for long, I was always appreciative in his leadership and willingness to help.
I'm still in shock as I just heard about this from Treker ingame only a few moments ago. My only regret is not knowing him better since I quit L2 and only recently come back for the reactivation event.
Thank you everyone for everything--especially your sincere thoughts and words. I've said it a hundred times and I mean it each time I say it--it really means a lot. It's an inspiration to me and somewhat of a thrill to see how many people my dad touched. I only hope I can live up to his legacy.
With that said, I meant to get this information out earlier but I have a lot spinning through my mind--Keta's funeral is this Saturday (Nov. 1st) at 1pm PST time. It will be held at one of our church buildings. Not a funeral home. Anyone is welcome to attend who wishes too--but please don't feel obligated to spend time and money you don't have to attend. Everyone has their own things they have to deal with and I fully realize that. I know my dad wouldn't expect everyone to drain themselves dry on his behalf. He will know your intents and your thoughts. That's all that matters.
Please spread the word for his funeral/location if you can to those who are interested.
I am in the process of creating a life 'sketch' of my father through pictures and song. I will attempt to place it someplace online for friends and family to download and view so they can see what 'Keta' looked like from birth until recent times, and some of the things he loved to do. I will make that link available to everyone in the world of L2 as I can. I know there are many who regretted not being able to meet him in real life. I want to at least share a peek into his life and who he was so you can feel closer to him. I know he would have liked that.
I'll keep you updated. Please mail me here if you have questions, and if you need help at all. I'm here for all of you. Thank you for everything.
I never knew Keta real well, but remember fighting both with and against him at various sieges throughout my L2 time, and he always kept coming back for more. No trash talk, just played the game and had fun. Sounds like he was that kind of guy all around, sorry for your families loss. I also had no idea he was a local guy, I am always shocked at how truly small this world is sometimes.
So sad to hear your dad is gone...
never knew him but reading all peoples words i feel bad that such a person is gone from l2 and life...
May your sorrow gets lighter knowing that so many people were touched by him even on this animated world.
Tamoh, I just this eve learned of Keta's passing away and I'm still in tears. My condolences to you and your family. He was awesome not only here in L2 but in real life as well. He will always be remembered!! I can still hear his voice in my head being in vent.
God bless you and your family! We should have some kind of ingame memorial for him at some point in time.
Edit: heard there was already a memorial in Aden. So sorry I missed it. :(
I just found out today.
I'm just crushed. Crying and shaking like a leaf.
I'm so sorry to hear this.
My heart goes out to all who knew him, family and friends most.
Although I do not know what he looks like, in my mind I see him clear.
A "hero" is definitely appropriate.
I will miss him terribly. The game will never be the same without him. His spirit and character have been an inspiration to me and will undoubtedly remain a positive influence in my life and will live on in all of us.
I shared countless special days and nights with Keith. It was that big green orc that made me really love the game. Hours of grinding and just sitting on the top of the ridge of hot springs chatting, seiging a castle and busting out quests, leveling alts and shopping for stuff,there have been so many priceless moments... I will never forget the red wedding or seeing Keta logged in just to be there.
There's no mistake, he touched my life. He sent me smoked salmon in a care package one time when I was doing pretty bad and always made sure that my toon was geared up. He helped me in game and in real life in so many ways. I will always remember his strength and generosity.
Take care and stay well through this difficult time. I give my love and hope that we all stay in touch as time goes by.
Jaerika/Tamoh,
It was a beautiful service. I am so glad I was able to meet you and a few others from game. I always knew what an amazing man he was to all in-game but it was even more touching to hear what a great man he was in real life. We'll miss our big green orc. May he rest in peace.
*hugs* to you,
PrincessMorgan
Yes it was a beautiful service, I am very glad that I was able to travel to it. I took the bus from Medford, Oregon ( 1008 miles round trip for me ). Thanks for the help you gave me while I was there Tamoh. I wish I had been able to meet Keta in real life, but did get to see Zed, Princess, Selam, Dezi, Eyeva, Easha, Caroline,Tamoh, Evan & Mars there. It was rumored that some people from NCSoft West may of came as well. Can anyone tell if they did or not?
Keta did touch a lot of people's lives in the game and will be greatly missed.
Yes it was a beautiful service, I am very glad that I was able to travel to it. I took the bus from Medford, Oregon ( 1008 miles round trip for me ). Thanks for the help you gave me while I was there Tamoh. I wish I had been able to meet Keta in real life, but did get to see Zed, Princess, Selam, Dezi, Eyeva, Easha, Caroline,Tamoh, Evan & Mars there. It was rumored that some people from NCSoft West may of came as well. Can anyone tell if they did or not?
Keta did touch a lot of people's lives in the game and will be greatly missed.
*hugs* Tamoh
I envy you Trek.. wish I could've been there. God Bless all his family. Keta's memory will live on for a very long time.
Actually, just to see PrincessMorgan (<3 to you and Zeddy) create a forum account to come here and post about Keta speaks to how dearly he was thought of by so many.
@Tamoh: As one who lost my father as well, what Splatter has said is really true. As the time passes, you will remember many things and on some of them realize that you don't know something about him, and he's not there to ask! Though it is frustrating, it ends up being something that makes the fondness and love for him grow deeper. You were honored to have such an incredible father.
This is very sad news and it breaks my heart, wish I could have been at the service to honor the memory of a great man.
My condolences to you and your family Tamoh.
Sorry Spud. Yes it was Nov. 21st. I spilled water on my laptop a few weeks ago and so not all the keys respond when I type--but I also have been very pre-occupied this past week or so, so it's easy for me to mistype.
Thank you to everyone who attended. It was nice to meet you all. Thank you to all of you who sent flowers and cards, and even your thoughts and wishes. I am still getting PM's and mails in-game. I have never seen such a huge response to something in my life. I am honored to know that my father meant so much to so many people, in what people would just call a video game, to my father it was so much more.
Anyway, I posted a review of last week's memorial that was held in Aden. It was very spur-of-the-moment as he had only passed away early that morning. I took several screenshots but I chose the best ones and did a descriptive review of what happened at the memorial.
I know I am not the only one who has lost a loved one, so I hope no one is thinking I am paying special attention to this only because he's my father. I felt it was important to show how much he was loved, and to remind everyone to try their hardest to make the same lasting impression. Life is too short--we need to make the best of it!
I just heard about Keta a few days ago from Treker. You may not remember me but he helped me out when we were in the alliance together. I can rememeber all those times at Hot Springs. He loved to go there. He was a great guy and he also helped me set up my ventrillo when I didn't know how. I left the game before the server merged and I have been back now for about a week. I am so sorry I missed the memorial. He was so nice and willing to help when he was able. My thoughts and prayers are with you & your family. I know this is 8 months too late but again I am sorry.