I started playing this game way back in 2004. Night elf warrior. This isnt a musing on classic, more so a thank you to this game, the developers, and the community. I have some very fond memories with the many guilds I’ve been with. The “immortal” title in wrath. Downing Arthas in 25H.
More so, the characters that somehow have fit aspects of my personal life at the right time.
My son passed in May of 2021 to Leukemia. I remember his 3 year fight prior to his death.
He was too young to understand raiding mechanics, or class specifics. But it was really cool to get on my warrior and tank stuff for him.
When he was in treatment, doing mog runs with him and unlocking artifact skins for his hunter.
When he was really sick, whatching blizzcon and talking about the cinematics and upcoming expac content (he really hated reskins) because the chemo was too strong and really messed with his ability to use his fingers.
And now that hes been gone, being able to play and gear his Hunter (Jakestrong-Argent Dawn). I even have my argent gruntling named after him and he accompanies me on keys and raids.
I guess this is just musings of a grieving father, but I wanted to thank the devs for letting me keep a little slice of my little man around. Even though hes in a place we cant b-rez him. I can log in, especially on those days I really miss, and I feel like hes still here with me.
#jakestrong
I am so very sorry for your loss, and I feel your pain. My husband use to play wow with me, I have lots of very fond memories of us adventuring in the game. He passed suddenly a few years back, and I miss him every day. I like to think we will see them again one day 
Jake used to say “There has to be rain for rainbows.” One day, we’ll all be together again. Checking those damn vaults!
I started out playing with my eldest brother during Crusades. He was in the Army and I had just medically retired from the Navy and needed a distraction from the loss of not being able to serve my country. It was a difficult time for me, but I got to escape into an awesome game… with my brother.
Then my nephew started playing. Oh my goodness, the three of us would be unstoppable.
Now, I have the honor of playing with my husband (who’s in the same room as me), my brother, my nephew, and my sister in-law.
I love this game. I love the lore, the collecting, but most of all I love that I have made friends in this game. People from all over that enjoy the escape from the real world and we just have fun.
To you and the lady who also responded, my heart goes out to you both for your loss. And you are right, it does need to rain for a rainbow to appear. We’ll see them all again in Valhalla.
This game (despite it’s flaws) has brought so many people together in so many ways. People have made friends, found love and married, strong stories of those that we have lost to life. Thank you for you story of your son.
Your story reminds me of Ezra Chatterton and how he fought cancer and found a home in the game when everything outside became too difficult, and at the same time was able to form a close bond with his father. We never know how much time we’ll get with our children. Your reminder of this lets the rest of us re-evaluate our priorities and focus on what’s really important. Jake may not have had all the time he deserved, but I can see you gave him the best of the time he had, and shared moments that some parents never would in any number of years. In that respect, he was lucky. He left this world knowing he was loved.
Thank you for sharing your story. I hope as the years pass the pain of loss fades, and the joy of his memory brings you comfort. 
mofo you almost made me cry.
I dont know what to say, but I guess it is appropriate, I love y’all.
My deepest condolences for your loss. No parent should have to go through that. Its super sweet that you are keeping his memory alive in this way.
Hugs