Every year around the cusp of the seasonal change, as the crisp night air is chilled in the sweet hands of Autumn, and the sunlight slumbers for a few extra hours, a magical energy overwhelms my being. For a few days to a few weeks I am given to a reverie that I cannot explain, and a mysterious joyful Peace is mine to claim.

I find myself reflecting on the few small Sanctuaries that I was able to errect in the midst of great and powerful storms. The old feelings of these Sacred Places return to remind me that I am not alone. That Peace is never far, so long as I choose to find and embrace it.

What causes this annual reflection and remembrance? Honestly I cannot tell you, for I do not know. Understanding or not understanding means nothing; this simply is. Though I would love to understand what brings about this annual event I feel it is more important to honor these fleeting moments.

So I share this story with you:

Secret of Mana

In 1993 my grandparents came up to visit my family. I remember I was only eleven and it was just after the time of my birthday. My grandparents gave each of the kids $20 and took us to the mall to trade the worthless paper for something of value. My brothers and I, being the SNES junkies that we were went straight to Software Etc. to see what games we could purchase for our Nintendo.

As I looked through the used section of the store I stumbled across a game I had never seen before titled Secret of Mana. Something amazing stood out about this cartridge. There was no box, instructions, or any other form of identifier to ascertain the nature of the game I held in my hands. The only thing the store keeper could tell me was that it was a role playing game by Squaresoft.

The game only being $15.99 and Squaresoft already reputable with me for its Final Fantasy Series, I decided to purchase the game. Once everyone made their selections we went home and I immediately was immersed into a magical world driven by a captivating story and supported by an endearing cast.

I found myself submerging into this fantastical world when things became overwhelming in my home. For years, Secret of Mana fulfilled the unmet need for a Sanctuary. It represented peace, hope, and joy. The story itself was a compelling promise of triumph over the Dragon.

The game itself followed the monomyth flawlessly. I was had by this story.

As the years passed I found myself continuously returning to this story, and it has remained my all time favorite game. (Mainly because of what it represented in my life.)

I hope one day to find the right artist who can help me piece together the tattoo I desire to have inscribed upon my flesh to commemorate the story, the hope, and the Sanctuary that Secret of Mana afforded me. -But that is for another entry.