Do you want to be free?

When we were negotiating or sitting alone at the table thinking about our moves, I used to get a kick out of singing Boston’s song "Amanda" to Amanda Baumgartner, pictured here playing Pandemic with me and Kevin at this year’s Weasel Pyle. I’m sure she hated it–I’m a terrible singer–but she was a good sport.

A few of us were worried this morning when she failed to show up for the Undercard. She hadn’t responded to our emails or texts the past couple of days either, which was unlike her. Since joining the club in 2009, she had been a reliable player. When she signed up for a game, she showed up. So we were worried.

Our fears were confirmed later this evening when we learned that she had passed away on September 27. She was 29. We don’t know the circumstances of her death.

Amanda was the club’s Rookie of the Year in 2009-10. She played 30 games with the Weasels, which ranks 20th on the all-time list of games played. She also competed in 10 of our tournaments. Her best finish was fourth at the 2012 CODCon Open.

She was an avid gamer. In fact, on that day at the Pyle, she won every game we played. Except Pandemic.

We’ll miss her.

Babe, tomorrow’s so far away
There’s something I just have to say
I don’t think I can hide what I’m feelin’ inside
Another day, knowin’ I love you
And I, I’m getting too close again
I don’t want to see it end
If I tell you tonight will you turn out the light
And walk away knowin’ I love you?

I’m gonna take you by surprise
And make you realize,
Amanda
I’m gonna tell you right away,
I can’t wait another day,
Amanda
I’m gonna say it like a man
And make you understand
Amanda
I love you

And I feel like today’s the day
I’m lookin’ for the words to say
Do you want to be free, are you ready for me
To feel this way
I don’t want to lose you
So, it may be too soon, I know
The feeling takes so long to grow
If I tell you today will you turn me away
And let me go?
I don’t want to lose you

I’m gonna take you by surprise
And make you realize,
Amanda
I’m gonna tell you right away,
I can’t wait another day,
Amanda
I’m gonna say it like a man
And make you understand
Amanda

You and I
I know that we can’t wait
And I swear, I swear it’s not a lie girl
Tomorrow may be too late
You, you and I girl
We can share a life together
It’s now or never
And tomorrow may be too late

And, feelin’ the way I do
I don’t want to wait my whole life through
To say I’m in love with you