[MR] RE: Quasi-Shakespearean Angst

[Jeff+Karen Hill]

Since other folks have jumped in on this, I figure 1 more comment can't
hurt (famous last words, huh).

First, I do not know Eric, Gregor, Beatrice, or any of the other
individuals involved.  Secondly, I am a married Scholar whose wife is also
a Blue Scarf.  Thirdly, I do NOT agree with Eric's generalizations that
"success" in rapier is achieved by sucking up to the "right" people.
Finally, it is not my intent to sit in judgement on any of the parties
involved.  That being said...

I think some folks have been a bit too fast to blast Eric.  Bear in mind
that he has experienced a great deal of pain, and that he will probably
always associate that pain, for rather obvious reasons, with the SCA.
While I have never experienced divorce myself, something I thank God for
every day, I have stood by 2 good friends who went through very painful
divorces.  One guy brought it on himself, but the other guy was caught
completely out of the blue by it.   I also have a good friend that I met
after he went through a painful divorce, brought on by betrayal.  Such a
betrayal is not something that a person just "gets over".   It takes
several years, and a lot of support, which it doesn't sound like Eric got.
I can only hope that there were no children involved, though this is not
clear.

Should we truly be surprised that he lashes out so?  He undoubtedly
believes that he has suffered what is arguably the worst possible form of
betrayal, from someone who is honored by an organization that holds honor
and chivalry to be the most important of attributes.  When someone is in
pain, you should not take offense at statements they make in their agony.
You should ignore their tirades, and offer to help them through their pain,
or at least simply ignore them.

Again, I do not agree with Eric's generalizations.  The vast majority of
people I have met in the Society are people of honor who have truly earned
their awards.  And it is not my intent to take sides in this.  However, I
don't believe that blasting away at Eric was the appropriate response here.


Eric, I realize that you'll probably never be able to fence or become
involved with the Society again.  But please, do not allow the actions of a
few to color your opinion of the whole.  If you would like someone to talk
to, my e-mail's below.  I'm not a minister or a professional counselor or
anything, but I can listen, and I've been down this road before.

Adieu,

Renard LeNoir of Salesberie Glen


--- Jeffrey Hill
--- twofencers at earthlink.net
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