I had to color this page. What an iconic meeting!
Hey, Kira!
I’ve probably told you most of this before, because I’m bubbling over with sappiness and gratitude and love for you. But my high school graduation is coming up and I need to say this: thank you. So, so much.
In my sophomore year, I was deeply depressed. I couldn’t make friends, my anxiety and panic attacks were getting worse, my middle school suicide ideation was sneaking up again. And then I discovered Something You Want, and I’m not going to claim it cured any of my above problems, but it gave me something to look forward to every morning, whether that was a new page or just you talking about it. I hadn’t had an obsession in too long, SYW was something to occupy my mind when school got overwhelming. It was so encouraging to see someone I admired doing the things you’ve done–things I want for myself, and things that I don’t but that I could see made you happy. It encouraged me to see you happy. (And to see you vent. It was good to see I wasn’t alone in my emotions, and it was good to see you working through yours.)
Sophomore year ended. I’ve made friends, and I hope to be their friend for years and years to come. SYW is still incredibly important to me, it inspired me to improve my drawing and my coloring. And your playlists? Oh my GOD they continue to be a giant influence for me!! My mom and I went to see the Punch Brothers live in the past year, and we’re planning on seeing then again this summer! My dad loves “Villians (4616 Dundee Dr.),” we’ve spent a lot of time together analyzing a lot of the songs on your playlists. Actually, whenever I mention you to them in conversation, I refer to you as “the webcomic artist who made all those playlists.” Oh and Cake Bake Betty?? Cake Bake Betty?? Music is a very important part of my life and I am indescribably thankful for how many artists you’ve introduced me to.
Anyway, here I am. Senior year. A few weeks from graduation. And I need to thank you for helping me get through sophomore year. I honestly don’t know if I’d be graduating without you, or at least if I’d be graduating as happy as I am. You have made so many beautiful things, things that I’ve seen and fallen desperately in love with, and things I haven’t seen but I’m sure are just as amazing.
I know this will be difficult for you. I know this has been difficult. I want you to know that I love you and that no matter what happens, you are a strong, intelligent, and loving person. You are beautiful, and we’re all lucky you’ve shared that beauty with us.
@qozxe @oczxe
WOW, I’m so speechless. Thank you first of all for coloring this page (I LOVE THIS PAGE JFDJGSJS), and thank you second of all for your incredible message. I’m so sorry to hear of your difficult times over the years, but I’m so honored to have been a positive influence in your life, through my art AND my music preferences!! I’M SO GLAD YOU GOT TO SEE PUNCH BROTHERS AND GABRIEL KAHANE AAAAA they’re still HUGE favorites of mine! Finally, congratulations on getting to senior year! That’s a big deal and I’m so proud of you for getting so close to graduating soon. Thank you so, so much for sharing your story with me, I love reading posts like these - they really, really warm my heart and brighten my day. I promise I will keep fighting my disease, for as long as I can. Again, thank you so much, for everything 💕💕
