The Elder Scroll

My name is Mary, and I’m 72 years young. Until a few months ago, I never imagined myself as a gamer. Crossword puzzles and knitting were more my speed. But life has a way of throwing you curveballs when you least expect them.

Three years ago, my beloved husband, John, passed away after a long illness. Losing him left a gaping hole in my heart that I didn’t know how to fill. I put on a brave face for my family, especially when my grandson Timmy visited, but inside I was struggling.

Then, last year, my dear friend Alice, who had been by my side through thick and thin for over 50 years, died suddenly. Her death hit me like a ton of bricks. The loneliness and depression threatened to swallow me whole.

One day, Timmy was visiting, and I watched him playing a game on his computer. He was laughing and chatting away with his friends. Seeing the joy on his face gave me an idea. Maybe gaming could provide the distraction and laughter I so desperately needed.

Timmy helped me pick out a game called Elder Scrolls Online that he thought I’d enjoy. I had my doubts—a 72-year-old grandmother playing a fantasy video game seemed absurd, but I trusted my grandson’s judgment.

At first, I was hilariously bad at it. My arthritic fingers struggled with the complex controls, and I died about every five minutes. But little by little, I improved. I created a sassy wizard character named Ethel, who I imagined looked like me if I could shoot fireballs from my hands.

Best of all, I started making real friends, even if we’d never met in person. There was Gandalf68, a 68-year-old retired teacher from Ohio, and RosePetal, a lovely woman around my age from London. We made a formidable adventuring trio, laughing uproariously as we battled monsters and went on quests. For those precious hours I spent in the game, my grief and loneliness disappeared.

Gaming hasn’t magically cured my depression or made me miss John and Alice any less. But it’s given me a much-needed bright spot and a sense of community. Whenever I’m feeling down, I know my gaming pals will be there with a joke or word of encouragement.

As Ethel would say – when life gives you dragons, grab your staff and fight back! Ethel and I still have a lot of adventuring left to do.