“I am nothing special, of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts and I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but 
I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough.” (From The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks)
Each time someone enquires why I continue to play chess in the face of local insurmountable administrative difficulties, I recall those haunting words of Nicholas Sparks. They fit, although the author was referring to Noah and Allie, a couple who loved each other exquisitely, satisfying their innermost desires until they passed this life. In similar fashion, I adore the game of chess like no other, and my devotion to it, is fulfilling. I join tens of millions of devotees who find the game fascinating.
