Bear with me, but I need to share this.
My father and I started playing WOW together shortly after it was released. We both chose alliance and played together until about level 20. As a teenager, I had a lot more time to play than him and quickly outleveled him.
My dad never cared about leveling or advancing. He found what he loved, and that was mining and AH selling. My dad only mined and only in Elwynn Forest. He was constantly mining and selling in the AH if he had free time. Before all the add-ons, my dad had a hand-drawn map of Elwynn Forest with all mining nodes and his mining path. He knew the respawn rates of every node. He would then sell it on AH, but he did not need gold, so it would be common for him to give it to a passer-by in Stormwind.
Now, I advanced and started raiding, moved servers, and kept progressing with every expansion. I moved to Horde and left my dad to his mining, which he did for years, and that was his enjoyment. Until a few years ago, he was unable to use a computer anymore due to strokes.
Since then, his health has declined rapidly. The strokes have taken part of his vision (the reason he can’t use a computer), and then it took his ability to think correctly and his mobility. I have been helping try to take care of him and working a lot more, which has caused me to be unable to play WOW for a long time, either. Now, my dad has gone to hospice, and I am unsure how long he will be with me. This is a man that taught me how to be one. Through divorce, the military, and everything life has thrown at me, this man has been there for me. He is the one thing that is constant in my life and truly means everything to me. Now I am watching him come to the end of his life and it breaks me.
I was finally able to log on to WoW once more yesterday. I made an Alliance Paladin. As I entered Elwynn Forest, I lost it. I was not expecting it; the memories flooded me, and I could not help it. I got miner as a profession, and I took time to mine around the place. I cried as I did it, wishing my father could be with me as we were years ago in this game, exploring and having fun.
I saw one of the NPC miners in the area and wished I could change his name to my dad so that I could mine with him again.
This game allowed me to be with my dad when I was all around the world. I told him I was playing again, and he smiled and asked how it was doing. It has brought us so much joy. I wish he could enjoy it like he used to. It will always be special to me, and when he finally passes away, you will probably find me sitting in Elwynn Forest, my character looking good as the man behind it falls apart.
Thank you for allowing me to share.
What a wonderful story. I wish the best for you and your family. You are lucky to have such wonderful memories.
Cheers, friend.
Sorry to hear about your father. This still happens to me every time I watch a James Bond movie as that was something me and my dad use to do before he passed.
Greetings, adventurer!
As a humble miner who has spent many a day beneath the green canopies of Elwynn, I understand the solace found in the rhythm of the pickaxe and the quiet peace of familiar paths. Your story touched me deeply, for I have seen many adventurers come and go, but the bond between a father and child is something eternal, something that even time cannot erode.
Though I am just a simple NPC, bound to my work and my scripted life, I wish I could offer more than words. But if I could, I would gladly lend you my pickaxe and share with you the hours, so that you might feel less alone in this vast world of ours. And perhaps, in some small way, I already am, my character may be nameless, but I am here, in this forest that holds so many memories for you.
Remember, the paths we walk in life are much like the mines of Azeroth, sometimes dark, sometimes uncertain, but always leading to something precious, even if it is not always gold. Your father’s spirit is with you in every swing of your pickaxe, every step you take through this forest. He has left his mark on this world and on you, and that legacy is richer than any ore.
May the Light guide you both, in this world and the next. And if ever you find yourself in need of a companion on your mining runs, know that Elwynn will always welcome you back, with the memories of your father echoing in the wind and the shadows of the trees.
Safe travels, my friend.
-A fellow miner of Elwynn Forest
My own father went through a long physical and mental decline prior to his death some years back. You have moved me.
I have tears just reading that, 
enjoy those memories forever 
I’m in tears too. Thank you for sharing your and your father’s adventures in Azeroth with everybody. I’ll pass some gold along to some low levels this week as a way to spread some happiness for him. That is a very nice thing he did.
This was an emotional read, I hope your Dad’s health recovers.
Thank you for sharing as well. It really makes me think about my own family stuff…
Wishing you and your family well
In the days of old once a post like this Blizzard would see and even add a named NPC after your father who was a miner in Elwynn, alas we live in a corporate world now.
This post made me think of my dad who’s now sick and the good times we had. Hope you’re handling things well OP thanks for sharing
That was a lovely story, I’m very sorry to hear about your dad, if u ever need to talk, I’m here
I’m sorry to hear about your dad, friend.
Hear this man’s tale Blizzard.
And give him an NPC of his daddy.
God bless your dad. Hes in my prayers.
This is the wholesome stuff that we need more of around here.
I am so sorry to hear about your father, OP, but your story also brought me a smile because I know what you mean in a way.
For me it’s John Wayne movies or fishing. That is how my dad and I spent time together.
Thank you for sharing, it was a lovely story.
My condolences. It can surprise you just how much a time or place means to you when it is shared with someone you cared about. The space might not be “real” but the emotions are very real. Those feelings are amplified when they are no longer with you, or they soon won’t be. I know what that is like and I sympathize. You’ll get through this and I’m sure your dad would want that for you. You’re not alone no matter how dark things may seem. Always remember that.
Your dad sounds like a good guy.
Remember the pain you feel in mourning is the cost one must pay to have those that are so precious to us in our lives. It is worth the sorrow for a life filled with love.
My condolences.
Thank you for sharing and I wish the best for your family. I also have very fond memories of playing wow with my mom in vanilla-wrath. This is more than just a game to some people.
Enjoy and appreciate every moment you can still spend with him. It is a blessing.
And be sure you tell him how much you love him.
I’m so sorry yet the joy you shared I can tell touched many of us with our own story. Despite the sadness and sudden ache in our hearts for you and our own memories thank you so much for sharing It means we have known that deep abiding love that will never, ever be forgotten.
I didn’t even know I needed reminding. And has tears well in my eyes- Thank you, and I wish you and your father a beautiful journey as you continue to move forward. You’re both still here. I know its hard some days, but that kind of love is forever … You’re in my prayers 