You’ve heard me talk about the community connections that I’ve built within the larger slot ecosystem, but the story I’m about to share with you is one about reconnection. Instead of finding new friends, it’s about finally getting closure and picking up where other generations left off.
While that may sound a little dramatic, for most people, it seems we’ve had our fair share of complicated family dynamics and sadly, consequently falling outs. For whatever reason, whether from our own actions or inherited from a generation before, somewhere along the way we lose connection with a once cherished family member.
Before I turn this into my own a much needed therapy session on healing extended family relationships, I should get to the point. The point revolves around Carol.
If you’re part of Brian Christopher’s fan club, The Rudies, or watch any of his live streams, there is a high probability you either know Carol or know of Carol- trust me there is a difference but in both cases, she is a kind hearted person that always includes instead of excludes people.
Before I knew Brian, there was Carol. She is and has been a staunch supporter of Brian’s channel from the jump and one of the first people, at least in my humble opinion, to truly appreciate what he was bringing to the table.
From those first videos and interactions, Carol saw the table was set for more than “just” slot entertainment but ready to host real friendships. I am fortunate to call Carol a friend, one I have known for the better part of a decade now, and someone who I always hang out with at BCSlots sanctioned events. We’ve attended countless group pulls, our fair share of slot tournaments, helped out with various events, and have even been to a few foreign countries with our slot crew.
On one of our previous adventures, somewhere in the world, Carol told me a wild story about reconnecting with her cousin, Kathy. I had no idea that she had also been estranged from her extended family and we began to talk about our own experiences- her story has a happy ending that can give us all hope! Plus, if you like gambling (like us), this story adds some heartwarming color to an industry that normally gets a cold rep.
After hearing Carol’s story, I invited her to share her reconnection tale with you. What follows is a quick Q&A interview with Carol about her family and involvement in the slot community.
Courtney: Can you give us the quick rundown of how long and why you and Kathy lost contact?
Carol: Due to a family estrangement, Kathy and I had not seen or communicated with one another for more than 40 years. We grew up before the time of social media and cell phones so when our parents no longer communicated, we were included even though we were extremely close.
Courtney: How did watching slots, specifically Brian Christopher play into your family’s story?
Carol: I began following Brian in 2017 and became one of his moderators and eventually a friend. Kathy happened to watch Brian on Youtube and heard him reference “Carol” and saw me on a few lives. She thought it was me but wasn’t positive. When Brian came to Maryland Live she decided to come to see him.
I was at the Youtube live and you can see us on opposite ends of the crowd when the audience was panned. However, I left early before she saw me. The next week I went to Maryland Live to use my freeplay and as I was walking around, someone stopped me and said “I think you are my cousin. I saw you on the BCSlots channel.”
Courtney: How cool! Are you both still in contact today?
Carol: We started talking and have become very close again. In fact, our adult children now play in the same billiards league! We would have never reconnected without Brian.
Courtney: Since reconnecting with your cousin, do you both still watch and attend BC events?
Carol: Kathy and I have become extremely close and been to numerous Brian Christopher events including July 4th fireworks.
Courtney: Either an event with your cousin or without, what has been your favorite Brian Christopher event you’ve attended so far?
Carol: All of the events are fantastic, and I’ve probably been to around 50 at least, however, the BC cruise on [Carnival] Jubilee last April was incredible.
Courtney: I’m biased because we were on that one together!
Carol: Yes, gambling and socializing with Brian and his family and friends made incredible memories. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity!
Courtney: Besides reconnecting with your family member, what would you consider the best thing to come out of being part of the BC, or slot universe at large, community?
Carol: I started watching BC at a really difficult time in my life. His kindness and integrity while playing slots was refreshing. Considering he was an actor, I was hoping when I met him that his kindness and integrity were genuine.
Courtney: I know the answer, but for the record, what is your verdict?
Carol: I was convinced after a very short time that was the case and started to attend as many BC events as possible. I met my best friend and travel companion through the Rudies, Heather, reconnected with my cousin through Brian and have the best memories because of BC Slots. He has changed my life for the better and I’m so lucky to be able to call him a friend.
If you’re interested in joining myself, Carol, and maybe Kathy at an event in the future, check out Brian’s upcoming schedule here. There are upcoming cruises, a stop over on the East Coast, the annual fan weekend, and more!
