Somayeh, W8 Photo Blog

24, Sep 2017

This topic “Voices behind Avatars”came to my mind after I heard the story of Gramp, a musician

 Sorry guys It is quite a long story I have written, however, I really like to share with you. And I am quite sure you will like it.

Once upon a time, there was an old musician who used to live in Australia. I met him in a nearby chat in a place in second life, where at the beginning I found myself shy to join them. After overcoming my feelings, I found myself happier to meet an old humble experienced artist to hear his life story. First, I introduced myself to all guys in nearby chat, the reason why I made an account in SL. How I found second life amazing, however, considering some social problems. Around ten were chatting considering the discussion I debated. I was quite embarrassed as I was not so good in an informal chat, however, I kept going on. It was a nice chat.

After a while, I got a message from the musician, the old man. He expressed that he doesn’t feel easy to share his thoughts in nearby chat. Toni is 65. I have told to call him Gramp as his grandchildren call him. He was an emotional, calm man exactly the characters we normally expect from artists.

Gramp started sharing a part of his life story.

“I came to Second life 3 years ago. After I lost my sweetheart in an accident, I felt my soul gone.”

Do you mean your wife?

“Yup, she took half of me with herself.”

Oh, m so sorry Gramp to hear it.

“This is life, my dear. But It’s been several years I hate life which was unfair to me. After that sad happening, I always figured out I would be the one who never finds that special woman to spend the rest of my life with.”

I see. 

“But, it’s amazing how your world spiraling out of control and can change all your thought.”

What changed your life?

“mmm, I create Second life account as one of my close friends advised me to make me busier to get my thoughts fly away from me. Because I got isolated in my thoughts after missing her.”

I just can feel how much you have been loving her.

“Yes, dear… to make story short, I met a lovely lady in SL from Europe, (Gramp didn’t mention about the country) who changed my life.”

Nice, ^_^ then!!

“ we got familiar in real life, she moved to Australia, …  and we married in real life.”

Wow, how lucky you are! [smiling]

“I will be in love with her forever. We just lived happily for a short time.”

[silence] 

I just kept silence, was wondering what to say …

“She passed away due to cancer. It’s been 2 months …”

OMG [silence] [sorrow]

I am deeply sorry for your loss and wishing you as much peace as possible during this difficult time.

“Thank you, Somaya. I have some Persian friends, that’s why I feel good to talk to you and share my story.”

It’s my pleasure.

“Real life got all my loveliest belongings from me. She was a gift from Second Life.”

[sorrow]

“I have to go now my dear smiley daughter bur before going I would like to show you the place we used to go with Rossana."

It was the first time he called her name. "Rossana"

 Thanks a lot, Gramp, for calling me "daughter". I am very happy. Today I experienced specific feelings in SL.

“Soon I am gonna leave SL.”

Why? [unhappy}

“I don’t even know myself. It is a weird feeling. I am not able to seek happiness here anymore. Soon I leave Second life.”

And he gave me this lovely “Rose” which I kept it in my inventory. The one I have in my hand.

Gramp was feeling that she was the first happiness lottery he has ever won in his life.

From Gramp story, I realized that there are many happy and sad Voices Behind Avatars which make you sure that people are living in SL rather than playing. 

Yesterday I was looking for him, seems he has left SL as he tended to. 

I wish him much happiness ahead in his life ...

The romantic place Gramp and Rossana used to spend time. First, he started playing the harp. As I was watching him play harp he left that. I could feel he was reviewing the moments experienced. And I believe that we all experience moments especially when we feel lost or confused.  

Here is another part of that beautiful place. I found a meditation pillow which u can sit or lie comfortably. I saw a board that some steps for meditation were written on it. 

Sit or lie comfortably. You can close your eyes ... 

Make no effort to control the breath. You need to breathe naturally. Focus your attention on the breath and on how the body moves with each inhalation and exhalation.

Recently I got some friends in SL which I met them in some different places. It is very interesting that many of the Avatars like freebie Galaxy. As I went online I got a message from my friend to join them in the freebie, I teleported to the same place. I found them dancing the same style as a group. The music hit everyone. I didn't know how to join them.  One of the guys sent me an object and I accepted, then I got a message to animate my avatar, after that my avatar started dancing in a group. 

I saw my friend, She is a nice lady, having two kids and she is studying as well. We had a motherhood chat regards to the difficulties we face with the kid. I noticed her she had a cigarette in her hand. She added that it's been few days she started cigarette in SL however, she is trying to quite it in real life to be a perfect role model in her life. I admired her for her great decision.