Many of us have heard someone utter the words, 'It's only a game...' Some might believe that, but then there are others that take virtual worlds a bit deeper. I don't only play Second Life, I also play EverQuest II with Sands and have met some of the most amazing people there. It may be a game that we play, but the people we meet and the friendships we form are very much real to me, as they are to countless others.

I sat on the phone with Sands tonight, during his dinner break, rambling per usual while he ate. I got an incoming call right as we were hanging up to find one of our friends from EQII on the phone, near tears. She had been trying to get ahold of me to make sure she could talk to me before I logged into game. The minute someone says that, you worry. With good reason, this time, as she explains quietly that one of our dear friends and guild leaders passed away a couple of weeks ago. There is much more to this story, but I don't feel this is the place to draw it out, but needless to say it got me to thinking about these 'games' and the people that play them.

After talking for about 30 minutes I told her I needed to go and call Sands so he could find out from me before logging in, and within 30 seconds, he was calling me again, out of the blue. Just a game? No, we form connections with people, online or off, and I am always amazed by them. The people I have met within both games, and that I let myself get close to and love, are just as important as face to face friends. You are able to open yourself up in ways you might not in F2F (that's face to face, RL and SL mingle too much for it not to be real). You can form even deeper bonds because you have so much more time talking, and letting yourself be you. Not everyone agrees, and that's ok, I am just sharing my opinion and view on the entire matter.

It made me realize there are a lot of people I would be devastated to lose. Those that I haven't come to and told them exactly how I feel about them, or how much I appreciate them. Luckily I have the chance to do so now, even though I never will with this other friend again. Its going to be a tough night, he will be missed so much... sending much love and hugs to those closest to me, and each of those affected by his passing. I don't need to name you, you know who you are and after tonight you know you mean the world to me. I wish you all a beautiful evening surrounded with those you care for. Make sure they know it....

Dina's Duds
Dress: Pixeldolls
Jewelry: Cursed Jewelry
Pose: LAP
Skin: Redgrave
Hair: Magika