... since I've "officially" joined the fandom (I joined FA July 22nd, 2021). And, oh boy! A lot has happened since then.

When I first joined, I just wanted to share some drawings I've done and interact with fellow furries. I had a grand welcome by  ThatllDoSammy who created a nice headshot piece for me (https://www.furaffinity.net/view/42967727/) and this action is what made me feel part of the fandom. Due to Sammy's action, I started creating headshot pieces for random users on FA, starting with Sammy, then  Ray_Noisyote, which prompted us to become friends. Then, the most consequential one, I made one for  furrynakita (https://www.furaffinity.net/view/43217325/).

I only drew these gifts because (1) I wanted others to feel as special as I did when I received one and (2) it was the summer time and I was bored since I wasn't working (I'm a high school math teacher). When I drew Digiit's fursona (furrynakita's fursona's name), he reached out to me and really loved it and wanted to commission me for more pieces. I declined because I wasn't confident enough as an artist to take strangers' money for my art - I just did it for fun anyways. But, our conversations didn't stop there, we kept messaging back and forth and became fast friends. I started drawing a comic strip of the two of us (https://www.furaffinity.net/view/43560042/) - which I have not worked on for a while - based on our roleplaying we did in our messaging.

Then, work started back up at the end of August and I stopped drawing for a bit because I got busy, but the messaging between me and Digiit didn't stop. We started messaging on FA through notes, then we went to telegram for quicker messaging (I never had telegram before then). Then, I was struggling at work and getting overwhelmed and the fact that it was the anniversary of the twin towers attacks all made me very emotional, so on September 11th, I finally admitted to Digiit that I had a crush on him. Before this - I did not know what my sexual identity was - most people (including myself) thought I was asexual, but this was before I met my first crush :3. I was elated when Digiit admitted he also liked me a lot. So - then we became officially boyfriend/boyfriend. We were planning to meet up at Midwest Furfest in the beginning of December for the first time in person (even before admitting we had crushes on one another), and since then, we couldn't wait for it.

I started being more confident in myself at work, and it got a bit easier and I always made time for our chats every evening with Digiit. Then, we finally met together in person at MFF, and that was one of the best times I've had. It was both of our first time to MFF, or Chicago for that matter, but we never left each other's side. When I had to leave for work Sunday night - I did not want to leave Digiit (Digiit was staying one more night). It was gut wrenching. So, still continuing our chats, we planned for Digiit to move in with me at the beginning of the next year (2022). Note, I have not told anyone (friends or family or coworkers) about Digiit up to this point. At Christmas time, I finally came out of the closet to my parents and my brother. It was a very relieving process, especially since my older brother already laid the groundwork for me since he already came out gay (his fiancée was also there). I knew my mom would be fine with it, but it was my father I was worried about, and all I wanted from him was a hug, which I did receive :3. Of course, my family was a bit concerned about Digiit moving all the way from California to move in with me (as a caring family does) - but I was still very sure about him moving in with me (I lived alone, not with my folks).

Fast forward - Digiit drove across the country in 3 days, which was insane. He officially moved in with me at the end of February 2022, and I've been the happiest doggo since then. We've been on a few adventures already (3 more conventions, travelled around a bit), and planning many many more together. My folks love Digiit once they met him and all of their uncertainty went away and quickly accepted him.

So, yeah, it's been a whopping year, a year ago I never thought I would be at this point in my life and I couldn't be more happy. The fandom really has changed my life for the best, I wouldn't have met my awesome boyfriend otherwise.

Love you Digiit with all of my heart, you saber funking feline you!
Nave 🐾

P.S. An honorable mention as well - I became friends with the amazing, radical, rocking  Ihza!