Well, this is it. The first day without Club Penguin and without the ACP. We did it, we made it to the end.
And that is absolutely heartbreaking. The ACP & the community as a whole was a part of our childhoods. To some the impact might have been small, but to others this community had a large impact on our lives and our development as kids and young adults.
I know, so far this post has been pretty somber. But this is only the end of this journey and the start of the next. I think B1 put it best:
I know that I’ve asked many things of you over the years, but if you’ll only do one of them for me, promise me this: fall in love, achieve success, tell your story, seek the places and the people who make you feel whole, and do it all a little more recklessly because of this experience which you and I have shared.
So, what happens next?
Before we depart for the final time I’d like to share some words of wisdom and end on a positive note.
Hang on to your friends
Hang on to the good friends you’ve made here, stay in touch. It can be hard at times, but it’s always worth the effort. They can help you through the difficult periods you may encounter in the future or they can share in the good times to come.
Each of us will experience life differently, but it’s always better to experience that life with others. Start a group chat, set a reminder to check in every so often, plan recurring reunions.
Half a year or so ago I managed to re-connect with some of the friends I had made years ago, when I was active in the army community, and it’s one of the best things to have happened. I know I can go to them for help and advice, and they know I will provide the same thing for them.
I’m not a fan of endings which is why this ending is going on for so long. I have so much I want to say, but I wanted to keep this post short. So, let’s end it.
As you finish reading this post I have one final request. I want you to think about your favorite moment in the ACP, or the army community in general. Think about it and write it down in a comment so you, and many others, can relive those memory through you. I’ll start:
My favorite moment in my 9 years of service was probably the first day I ever discovered the ACP, Jan 3rd 2008. The first time I came on chat and saw all of the other people who I would get to know and love (or hate :p) in the coming weeks, months, or years. This memory isn’t about all those people though, or even about the ACP itself. This memory is about the first time I met one of my best friends, my virtual brother as he so perfectly put it. This is about the first time I met Boomer.
My experience would be drastically different without him
, and his experience wouldn’t have been the same without me (though possibly easier at times I bet). He’s helped me out
with life advice when I’ve struggled and always had my back. He’s the most selfless person I know and one of the people I admire the most. I could say more, but many of you were lucky enough to have met him. Thank you buddy, for everything. It’s a memory I will cherish forever.
, and his experience wouldn’t have been the same without me (though possibly easier at times I bet). He’s helped me outAnd with that, I have one final thanks for everyone who will read this post and for those who will miss it. Thank you so very much for all of your time, all of your effort, and all of the fun times and memories you have created. Those memories will stay with you always.
~Defend Freedom, Preserve Justice, and Waddle On~
~Shaboomboom
PS: As one last thanks, I have to give credit to Alexa/Foxtails & Tori for proof-reading and critiquing this entire post. I’d be lost without them <3.
