I don't even know where to begin.
During my first year as a fan of the show, I came to this site out of pure curiosity; I never had delved into such a fandom before, and felt lost in a sea of posts, comments and other errata. It was exceedingly intimidating, and I felt as though it was all far too much for me to process.
Enter Jeric.
This was someone who not only reached out to me, but took me by the hoof and led me into the wild and woolly world of Bronydom; he got me involved in a number of chats, and always seemed to have time for me - whether it was a serious question, a light suggestion or even just general tomfoolery... and I was NEVER told that I was being too much, something that still worries me to this day. Jeric always seemed to find everything I PM'ed important enough to respond to, and he & I became fast friends... so much so that the lil' booger actually got me to volunteer for staff, which I did for a few years.
THAT was where I got to see the sorts of things Jeric stood for, when it came to the fandom; he championed what was RIGHT, as opposed to what was easy - and that position wasn't always seen in the best light by others there, but he continued UNAFRAID, which I always found inspiring during my time on staff, and helped me find my own truth as to what I would and wouldn't tolerate. Through the bravery and determination of this particular soul, I found my own courage to take the stands that I needed to and involve myself where I was needed in turn.
During that time, Jeric actually managed to change my mind about Rarity, a character I once found insufferable... but now, has become one of my favorite of the Mane Six, due mostly to Jeric's observations about her pure generosity... and fabulousness, of course. He brought me to a new respect for the alabaster mare... and I could see that self-same generosity within that individual as well. Maybe that's why I changed my mind - Jeric and Rarty were so very similar in nature.
During my time on staff, there was a Christmas where I was unable to give them any sort of Christmas Dinner - we were so poor, all I had was a can of green beans and a can of cranberry sauce. Then, just as I was starting to cry over it, a knock comes at my door - and it turns out to be a delivery from Kroger's: A full four-course meal, including tea and dessert. This had come from three people on staff - the ringleader being Jeric. That Christmas was a MIRACLE to my family, and I will never forget that direct and sterling example of generosity.
For my 40th birthday, I nearly cashed in my own chips; my family was stuck in a ghetto hotel, my kids had barely remembered enough to draw me some quick pictures and my wife was exhausted from her constant work schedule. It felt like nobody even CARED I existed, and I was in one of the darkest moments in my life. Before I chose to try to end myself, at the very last moment, I reached out to Jeric... and even without me saying so, it was like he KNEW where I was mentally, and he proceeded to stay up WAY past his bedtime to talk to me, comfort me and help me get my head back on straight. If it hadn't been for his care and huge heart, I wouldn't be here today.
Admittedly, I've been absent from here for a bit - such things happen, though my love for the fandom still stands (again, mostly thanks to Jeric). When I heard the news, it crushed me. Out of EVERYONE I'd met in this fandom, his influence and heart was what exemplified the words friendship is magic to me, and it will always be a warm, fuzzy thought in my heart to know that I was blessed enough to have met, known and experienced such an individual... and I will be eternally grateful that I was deemed good enough to have been worthy of Jeric sharing his presence with me.
I only got to meet him once - The Last BronyCon. And even though we didn't get to spend a lot of time together, the memory that I actually got to hug him and thank him profusely for being who he was will always sit with me as a highlight of my life. And seeing him dressed as The Great And Powerful Trixie was an absolute hoot, bringing a smile to my face whenever I saw the outfit.
Jeric, we didn't deserve such a fine and wonderful person as you in our lives... but again, that trademark generosity kept you from holding back, as you always wanted to share your heart with the world. I will carry your words in my head, your laughter in my soul and your love for everyone in my heart.
Excelsior, my dear friend. Here so briefly, gone so soon, yet leaving a trail of love, warmth and courage that will fuel those you reached out to for the rest of our lives.
"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."
If that old Beatles line is true, then the amount of love Jeric takes with him is immeasurable by humankind. Goodbye, my dear, sweet friend... and thank you.
>boop<