Ten years ago, when I should have been studying for exams, I came across a little jewel on the Internet. It was around midnight and while I probably should have been sleeping, I sat with my laptop, staring at the wonder of the Forest and all it had to offer. Sure, I had school in the morning, but that wouldn't stop me. After an hour of running around as a nameless, I registered the username Verdalas.

Those ten years have been both fun and sad. There was a time when you would talk about your adventures on the old forums, posting screenshots and thanking others for participation. I created 'The Demon Gazelle' (later known as Walter) and began to roleplay with him. It was always light-hearted though; any misunderstanding was laughed about later on the forums. There was flower dancing, friendly spars and long marathons across the Forest.

Phase Two ended and fawns arrived. The Big Zombie Deer showed his face for the first time and so did the Playground. The community grew bigger and, while I could no longer remember everyone's names, I still had fun.

There were plenty of times when drama hit an all-time high. I remember when people were opposed to 'mates', myself included. Sluggs and Run were the first to do such a thing (despite people saying how good Walter and 21 were together) but eventually it became commonplace. Families started happening, and Walter/21 adopted Quad. It seems so long ago now, but that family tree has grown longer and longer over the years, with deer coming and going as the times passed.

Real life had been kind to me in those years. I finished school, graduated from university and landed myself a good job. Not a great one, but something I enjoy doing.

However, I cannot celebrate as much as I would like.

Coupled with my frequent absence, tragedy occurred a few weeks ago. My father, a man who I've loved dearly and shared so many memories with, passed away. He wasn't that old, but he had underlying medical problems. Things we knew nothing about until seven years ago, when he started bringing up blood. He was taken into hospital, patched up, and sent home. Two weeks ago, it happened again. Only this time, there were complications. He suffered a cardiac arrest and didn't pull through.

Since then, any thoughts of celebrating my old man's tenth birthday have been instead been occupied with visits to funeral directors, florists and government buildings. I should pay more homage to the character who helped me to get through the difficult years of bullying, but my heart right now longs for the other old man I had in my life.

Regardless, Happy birthday Walter.