I found Iwaku in a Google search. The roleplay site I was on beforehand didn't get very many posts. (Your staff member Grumpy knows exactly where I'm talking about.) Plus, my Neopets account got frozen because...um... Well, that's none of your business. >>; Anyway, I needed a new place to roleplay, so I came here!
My first days at Iwaku were crazy. It was in June 2007, I think. I joined with the name Chaos, which got loads of staff members on my ass. Seriously, there were like 4 mods PMing me like "Um, you need to change your name, we already have a Chaos. Also, have a look at our rules and blah blah! 8D" I got intimidated and fled for a few days... Then, came back with a different name and got involved with some weird Cbox thing where Asmo called everyone lying whores or something like that. It was...memorable? To say the least.
After all that, I eventually found my place. :3
Iwaku's a place I just keep coming back to, no matter how hard I try to stay away. There are people here that care about me; I care about them. Whenever I hear about how much people miss me in my absence, it makes me tear up a little. I've never had that kind of friendship before. I love that I can open up here, and that there are plenty of people to talk to if I'm in a dark place. :] Plus: all the writing! The people I write with are so talented and understanding.
Also, if it wasn't for Iwaku, I wouldn't be where I am right now in life. Seriously. I met my beloved Peter here on Iwaku! Now, we live together with a beautiful son. I'm happy as can be with my little family, and they're helping me become a stronger person each day. :3 It's a dream come true, I'll tell you what.
I guess... To me, Iwaku is a campfire. It provides us with light, warmth, security, entertainment, hope, strength... It's up to us to keep the fire going so we can continue to have those things! For if our fire goes out, we'll be lost, hungry, confused, sad... Um... I had more to add to that, but I've had too much hash, so I'll go ahead and stop anyway. >__>;
I mean every word, though. I love this place and I hope to always keep it close to me. It would be foolish of me to leave behind my best friends. (Fuck, that's sappy. Kill me now.)