Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 19:53:17 -0700 (PDT)
From: amy lynn
Subject: [BARGE] GiANT Thank You Bargers

  There is so much to say and so many to thank that I am completely overwhelmed. I am however going to make a brief note now, as I could not wait one day longer to acknowledge how grateful and honored Chris and I are. I promise more details later and many personal emails to come.
   
  When Chris first asked me to come with him to BARGE a few years ago, I was hesitant. Hesitant because I knew how important BARGE time was to him. Hesitant because his previous peg's attitude and actions towards BARGE was so venomous. Hesitant because I did not want to become a burden to him there.
   
  I began reading the BARGE list and all the past Trip Reports he sent me, and finally agreed to go. Honestly, I expected to go and support him, make things easier for him, be helpful and learn more about his favorite people.
   
  I never expected what actually happened. That is that I would grow to count the days down to each years BARGE, for my own fun. That I would make my own friendships independent of the cursory ones made through affiliation and respect with Chris. That I would actually grow to love many BARGErs like family. That the BARGE experience gave more to me than I could ever add to it.
   
  So after a last minute session with THE BEST Wedding Planner EVER F-Bra (Nut-Z)
   
  Now here we are in 2006 and Nolan"Who's My Daddy" Dalla is walking me down the aisle, and I see so many friends in the room that my heart overflows, and Patti who once scared me silly, has all my trust in the world to unite me to my beloved. That I am following this man I love overseas, away from almost everything I know, but also straight into the arms of some of my BARGE family, Sharon and Dan Goldman, Lee Jones, and Nolan hopefully a short jump away.
   
  Kevin Un, replacing my brother Kevin I lost, Sherri Brabec acting as the most rockin Mother of the Bride I could hope to have, Sharon, my new sister, almost every ADB feels just like a big brother to me, Barry and Betty Tannanbaum, Chuck Weinstock my sweetie naming the SO NLHE after me!?! and so many other people I cannot even count (please do not be mad if I have not mentioned you yet)
   
  So we arrive at the Banquet and are honored with a gift that takes my breath away-
   
  A Silver Frame engraved with the following:
   
  On July 14, 2006 David "Chip" Reese won the most prestigious poker tournament in history-The $50,000buy in Horse event at the World Series of Poker. These cards made the winning hand.
   
  (signed cards ace clubs and queen clubs)
   
  Presented to an Ace and a Queen, Chris and Amy Straghalis, on the occasion of their Marriage in Las Vegas by the Members of BARGE
   
  I am speechless for why we deserve such an immense and amazing gift, however,
  I am deeply honored and love you all,
   
  Thank you each and every one
   
  Amy STRAGHALIS (<----LOVE that new name : )
   
  PS  wow (blush) (tear) (blush)