Back in 2012, I was not in a good place. I was recovering from one of the worst depressions I have gone through in my life and was slowly trying to piece myself back together. It was to the point where I had even questioned leaving the fandom and stopping any future con attendance. While at AC, on my birthday no less, I tried my best to get in the spirit and have a good time. And at a dinner thrown by some friends, one in particular had a most unexpected present. It was a fursuit. Given to me by a longtime and dear friend , I was presented with . Given to me out of love, to help me find enjoyment once again, and to encourage a spirit of adventurousness. Overwhelmed by emotions, I accepted and did my best to use what I had learned from watching/photographing fursuiters over the years to bring Fwoomp to life. And over the last several years I have brought him out to bring joy to people and to try to explore a new side of myself.

Upon returning home, presented with the suit and an FA page, I decided it would be fun to surprise people, my friends, by not revealing myself immediately to them. That way, I could surprise them when I would take off the mask/head. And throughout these last few years, I have done this time and time again, to laughs, shock, and amusement. This decision was made to provide me with the opportunity to deal out surprises to many friends, both old and new, and bring a lot of smiles.

However, sometimes the choices we make cause ripples we cannot foresee.

So let me say that I love , not just for the gift of the suit, but for believing in me. For nearly half my life he has been my friend and without his kindness, I would not have the chance to explore this other side of myself. And it is in hope that I move forward, hoping that my friend will continue to be the positive force in my life that he has been, for I know that he has oft provided light during some of the darker parts of the last 14 years.