How we met
We met as freshmen in college at UMBC, several weeks into the first semester. We had both had our old high school social circles scattered, and were looking to make new friends in a new environment. We were also both furries.
So, knowing the sorts of people we wanted to meet, we had each decided to wear a tail that matched the animal of our online persona; a tiger (at the time) for Tom, and a fox for Cameron.
We were, as far as we know, the only two people who had this brilliant idea.
“I hope everyone can have someone in their life who loves them as completely and unreservedly as Tom loves me.” - Cameron
After several days wearing his tail without any interest, Cameron had nearly given up wearing his when he saw Tom walking through the dining hall wearing his tiger tail. "Hey, tiger-man!” He called out, excited at a chance to meet another furry. Tom had only just acquired his tiger tail the day before.
Little did we know in that moment just how important that meeting would be for the rest of our lives.
“Cameron is the rare kind of person who’s somehow constantly making the world a better place for everyone he meets, I only hope to try to give him the kind of happiness he brings to the world” - Tom
We’ve been in one another’s lives ever since, starting dating later that year. We organized our first major trip to Anthrocon together with many of our friends; a trip which we’ve made every year since.
Celebrating Over Thirteen Years Together
Through college and moving out, from living in apartments to our own home, and through hard times, illnesses, and of course most importantly, getting our first cat, we’ve been by each other’s side, intertwining our lives together, caring for each other, building one another up, and sharing our mutual, apparently unique, sense of how best to live as our authentic selves.
We’re a pair of weird people who found in one another an endless appreciation for each other’s kindness, curiosity, creativity, and authenticity.
I love you so much hun. Let’s get married.
