The Walking Dead: Sharing our TWD Family stories

We’re not too far gone.

Sara Large says:

~TRIGGER WARNING~
My story about The Walking Dead starts long before I even knew the comics or tv show even existed. I grew up for most of my childhood in a more rural country place. Where I lived people were very judgmental of how you look and act and if you do not fit in the “box” of what they deem is appropriate, then you are looked down upon.

Growing up all I ever wanted was to feel love and acceptance and aside from a few friends and teachers in High School I never truly felt that. I never felt I could express myself and be truly happy within, without comprising my well being in public. If I seemed alternative at all, in any way I was shouted at, called names, or worse.

In my house, video games and tv shows were not outlets that I was allowed to use. Music and books were all I had but even they were vetted and heavily monitored. Self-expression was something I feel I had to fight for. It was during the teen years of my life that I feel into a very deep depression. I spent a lot of time crying and wondering why I was even here. I self-harmed, and there were times when I didn’t want to live.

Somehow, I survived those times, and right before graduation, I met the most wonderful man. He is currently my husband and we have been together around 6 years, married 5, and have a beautiful 2-year-old daughter together. (as well as 3 amazing kitties)

The Walking Dead is coming soon, just hang in there! My husband was the first person to make me feel truly accepted. He told me all my feelings and anxieties were something he could help me with and all he wanted was for me to truly be myself and happy. Shortly after getting together my husband joined the Air Force and we went to go live in Japan. It was Thanksgiving and I had cooked a huge meal and he invited his friends over so we could all celebrate together. One of his friends turned on The Walking Dead and the rest is history!

At this point, season 5 was airing and we binged it all, and during the mid-season break, I caught up and scoured the internet searching for everything The Walking Dead!! I was hooked! I was not allowed this type of thing growing up so I just ran with it! It was so fun and refreshing and when I joined groups of fans everyone was so friendly and I felt a true sense of family. It was something me and my new husband bonded over and loved when he was off working I could always turn to my comics/show or even friends in the groups I was in.

Skip forward, I’m a 24-year-old mother and wife. I’m not the skinniest person, I dress in an alternative way. I have blue hair, with part of it shaved, I wear rather dark makeup, and I have tattoos as well. I love who I am and I’m confident in myself. What I went through before was worth it because it got me here. In December of 2016, I went to my first Walker Stalker Con, and the experience was mind-blowing. I have never felt more of an outpouring of love and acceptance as I did at that event. Things I’m looked down on for in other places, people would stop and compliment there.

On this day, with my small daughter dressed as Tyreese, I got to meet Chad Coleman. He told me that if I was going to someday tell my daughter to reach for the stars that I should lead by example. It was the boost I needed to start my own Youtube Channel where I have made videos on a variety of things, from TWD themed gaming to reactions to many shows and even just family vlogs. I’m nearing 4,000 subscribers and it’s one of the brightest parts of my day. I’ve met so many people through my content and my life is forever changed because of it. A big thank you again to Chad Coleman who truly changed my life, I am forever grateful.

Some people who have been through times in their lives where they didn’t think they could continue living but then successfully made it through those times, get a semicolon tattoo. I have my own, but it is specially themed for The Walking Dead. It is of Michonne’s katana, with a quote on top, it says, “We’re not too far gone.” Something Hershel said a few times and Rick said before Hershel’s death. It’s there to remind me that no matter what, I can make it through and come back from whatever mindset I have.

I told Scott Wilson at my first convention that I planned on getting this tattoo, and I had the privilege of showing him at another convention before he passed. We shared such a beautiful moment and a big hug, and that is something I will cherish forever. Now after all these years, I am even a contributor here, and I get to write about the very thing that makes me who I am. It’s just amazing.

I hope by sharing my story here that maybe somebody going through something as I did can have hope for the future. If I can go from such a low place to where I am now anyone can do it. My biggest issue in life currently is trying to convince my husband to name our newest little kitty Strand or Zeke! Thank you to everything The Walking Dead, for helping build my confidence to where it is now. Thank you to all the cast I have met because you are all so lovely and amazing. Huge, special thank you to Chad Coleman for being such an inspiration over the years and starting me on this amazing path. Thank you as well to Lennie James and Karen David, my muses, I adore you both.

Thank you all for reading #MyTWDstory