Final Fantasy XIV and its world means a lot to many thousands of people, and I stand among them, but that was not always the case. Four years ago, I had succumbed to an aggressive autoimmune disorder, losing the use of my legs as a result, and robbing me of my independence. I was bedridden, weak and frail and struggling to find any joy in my life. On one particularly trying day, I booted up my PS4 out of boredom, and habit. I browsed the PSN store in search of something new and to my surprise, found the free trial for FFXIV. Now at this point, I must admit dear reader, that I wasn’t a FF fan. In fact, I was rather ignorant to the series. Nevertheless I decided I’d try this MMO I had heard so much about in gaming circles. I had no idea what to expect when I pressed that download button and waited to explore the world of Eorzea with bated breath.

It was like a dream. Beautiful to behold, utterly mesmerizing. My little Mi’qote Marauder raced all over Lominsa stunned at the beauty, it’s NPCs and players in their flashy gear and livelier personalities, zooming passed from one quest to the next and for the first time in a long time, I forgot my troubles. I wasn’t a sick woman, unable to walk, struggling to come to terms with my new reality, in a small apartment. I was a Warrior of Light, in a brand new wide world!

After those first few days of adventuring in Eorzea, I found myself actually excited to wake up again, and with FFXIV as my reward, I began my own long journey into physical therapy.

I was inspired by my own WOL to keep going. To not lose hope. To get up and do the very best I could do. Thanks to the care and kindness of utter strangers helping my lil’ sprout in Eorzea into the mighty Tank she is today, and the FFXIV teams love and care for this MMO, in a way these small acts saved my life.

Three years later, nearly two years subbed, I live with two of those kind players who helped me long ago (even finding romantic love in FFIV!)

To me it’s more than just a happy memory. It has become a happy life thanks to this game and it’s community.

So, thank you. All of you.

(if you find my little tale worthy I’d like the gaelicat hat.)