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About Hope
9 years ago
Hope the mink was created to symbolize the fighting spirit and the resilience of my struggle into this world. As well as the struggle a soldier faces when both in and returning from combat. This is my story, and this is why I am Hope.
From birth, I was put in the face of adversity before I ever entered this world. My mother and father have always told me that I was a born fighter. And this was true. I was my mother's first successful birth, following the stillborn baby that would have been my sister. With my birth came numerous complications however. I was born 3 months premature, due in December- a Christmas baby; but I instead arrived in early September. I became what was known as a micro-preemie. Born extremely underdeveloped and underweight, weighing in at 1lb 8oz, I was given only a 30% chance to live. I arrived unable to breathe and my leg tangled with the umbilical cord- which still leaves a long venous scar down my right calf today. Just about every doctor had given up hope that I would live, and all but one was prepared to tell my parents that it was time to say goodbye.
Somehow, some way, I pulled through and I fought on. Whether it was my own willpower and resilience, or by a miraculous act of God, I am grateful to those who gave their all to save my life. And because of so, my animal: the mink, came into question. I have been compared to them for my small build, and my fighting, never-quit attitude.The name "Hope" comes from the spirit that every soldier clings to. It is hope that gets these valiant men and women through hell and back, and it was hope that kept me alive. For without hope, there is no fight; and if there is no fight, no drive, no determination- there is no will to live.
And thus, Hope the Mink became my fursona; as a remembrance of the struggle against all odds that I have fought through. As a Texan, and the son of several generations of military men, it is my responsibility to serve the hierarchy of dutiful service to God, Country, and Family. I can only pray that it is hope that pushes me forward, even when it seems as all is lost.
From birth, I was put in the face of adversity before I ever entered this world. My mother and father have always told me that I was a born fighter. And this was true. I was my mother's first successful birth, following the stillborn baby that would have been my sister. With my birth came numerous complications however. I was born 3 months premature, due in December- a Christmas baby; but I instead arrived in early September. I became what was known as a micro-preemie. Born extremely underdeveloped and underweight, weighing in at 1lb 8oz, I was given only a 30% chance to live. I arrived unable to breathe and my leg tangled with the umbilical cord- which still leaves a long venous scar down my right calf today. Just about every doctor had given up hope that I would live, and all but one was prepared to tell my parents that it was time to say goodbye.
Somehow, some way, I pulled through and I fought on. Whether it was my own willpower and resilience, or by a miraculous act of God, I am grateful to those who gave their all to save my life. And because of so, my animal: the mink, came into question. I have been compared to them for my small build, and my fighting, never-quit attitude.The name "Hope" comes from the spirit that every soldier clings to. It is hope that gets these valiant men and women through hell and back, and it was hope that kept me alive. For without hope, there is no fight; and if there is no fight, no drive, no determination- there is no will to live.
And thus, Hope the Mink became my fursona; as a remembrance of the struggle against all odds that I have fought through. As a Texan, and the son of several generations of military men, it is my responsibility to serve the hierarchy of dutiful service to God, Country, and Family. I can only pray that it is hope that pushes me forward, even when it seems as all is lost.
I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.