Back home after a long journey: A story of resilience and a new chapter

[Irine]

Hello to the entire AskGamblers community,

It feels surreal to be typing this, but after over a decade away, I am finally back. I joined this forum back in 2013, and looking back, I realize just how much this place shaped the trajectory of my life.

For those who remember me—and a special, warm greeting to the old guard, including Valdes it is an honor to reconnect.

The lessons I learned here, analyzing games and meticulously writing reviews for the casinos I played at, weren't just a hobby. They became my professional foundation. That experience gave me the edge I needed to transition into the casino industry here in Asia, where I spent nearly nine years working on the other side of the table. I built a career out of the knowledge I first cultivated in these forums.

However, life has a way of testing us in the most unforeseen ways. Recently, disaster struck when a major earthquake devastated our home, leaving us with virtually nothing. To compound the challenge, I am currently navigating some difficult health issues. It has been a humbling and incredibly tough road, but I am choosing to start again.

I am reaching out to this community because it feels like the only place that truly understands where my journey began. Valdes, I would like to respectfully ask for your permission to share my story more broadly within the community. If any members feel moved to offer a small amount of support whether through advice, resources, or a donation—it would be profoundly appreciated and would mean the world to me as I try to rebuild my footing.

Thank you all for being part of my past, and for being here as I face this new, challenging chapter. It’s good to be back among friends.

Best regards,

Irine

[Afi4wins]

@Irine Hello there Irine and welcome back to this forum after such a looooooong absence.  Hope you still remember me... 

So sorry to hear about your home and health issues, but hopefully things will get gradually better for you.

[Icy]

5 hours ago, Irine said:

Hello to the entire AskGamblers community,

It feels surreal to be typing this, but after over a decade away, I am finally back. I joined this forum back in 2013, and looking back, I realize just how much this place shaped the trajectory of my life.

For those who remember me—and a special, warm greeting to the old guard, including Valdes it is an honor to reconnect.

The lessons I learned here, analyzing games and meticulously writing reviews for the casinos I played at, weren't just a hobby. They became my professional foundation. That experience gave me the edge I needed to transition into the casino industry here in Asia, where I spent nearly nine years working on the other side of the table. I built a career out of the knowledge I first cultivated in these forums.

However, life has a way of testing us in the most unforeseen ways. Recently, disaster struck when a major earthquake devastated our home, leaving us with virtually nothing. To compound the challenge, I am currently navigating some difficult health issues. It has been a humbling and incredibly tough road, but I am choosing to start again.

I am reaching out to this community because it feels like the only place that truly understands where my journey began. Valdes, I would like to respectfully ask for your permission to share my story more broadly within the community. If any members feel moved to offer a small amount of support whether through advice, resources, or a donation—it would be profoundly appreciated and would mean the world to me as I try to rebuild my footing.

Thank you all for being part of my past, and for being here as I face this new, challenging chapter. It’s good to be back among friends.

Best regards,

Irine

Why hello there young lady who's avatar I've not seen in ages

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news but Valdes, he's no longer around. A forum member you used to remember, @cocopop3011, now runs AskGamblers. She's quite the feline! Although lately she's been "coughing hair balls" and will be back shortly for a nice full recovery. I'd pet her if only she wouldn't scratch me a warning.

[Irine]

4 hours ago, Afi4wins said:

@Irine Hello there Irine and welcome back to this forum after such a looooooong absence.  Hope you still remember me... 

So sorry to hear about your home and health issues, but hopefully things will get gradually better for you.

Hi! AFI! Yes I remember you it was great to see you well and alive! I hope the best foe you!

[Irine]

34 minutes ago, Icy said:

Why hello there young lady who's avatar I've not seen in ages

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news but Valdes, he's no longer around. A forum member you used to remember, @cocopop3011, now runs AskGamblers. She's quite the feline! Although lately she's been "coughing hair balls" and will be back shortly for a nice full recovery. I'd pet her if only she wouldn't scratch me a warning.

Wow! That was sad and great at the same time as I remember Valdes was here. 

Yes I remember @cocopop3011 she was kind to me before as I make reviews I am so happy for her leading AG!

 

I hope she can help me a little for raising some funds. 

[Irine]

36 minutes ago, Icy said:

Why hello there young lady who's avatar I've not seen in ages

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news but Valdes, he's no longer around. A forum member you used to remember, @cocopop3011, now runs AskGamblers. She's quite the feline! Although lately she's been "coughing hair balls" and will be back shortly for a nice full recovery. I'd pet her if only she wouldn't scratch me a warning.

There is an ICY that I remeber before but I think the name is different is that you? Or you just change username? 

[Afi4wins]

2 minutes ago, Irine said:

There is an ICY that I remeber before but I think the name is different is that you? Or you just change username? 

That Icy guy is like a ghost at times, a shadow person at other times, but always the talking nuts kind! 

During your time, he was Icymod.