User blog comment:JoePlay/Wizarding World Giveaway/@comment-4188852-20110722225333

What Harry Potter means to me is: my childhood. Throughout the past twelve years of my life, I have been looking forward to Harry Potter. Whether it was a book or a movie, I have been thrilled and eager to find out more and enter his world.

When I started The Sorcerer's Stone, I was in middle school and in the process of making new friends, just like Harry. When I was 15, the 5th book, The Order of the Phoenix came out. I was the same age as Harry was while reading that book and filled with teen angst just like he was. When I was 19 and in college, adjusting to life as an adult, the final book came out. I grew up with these stories. Even now, as I am trying to find a place in the world and start a career, the final movie has premiered, symbolizing a new stage of my life, pushing me further into adulthood. It almost feels like graduation.

The stories and characters have been there with me throughout my childhood, through my teens and into my young adult life. They have been my escape when life was difficult and a source of joy when things were going well. I have made countless friendships with people off of having the common love for Harry. I have cried, laughed and felt every part of these books.

I look forward to one day having children and introducing the amazing, brave story of Harry Potter to them. (I have in fact, already told my sister that I am in charge of starting the books with my 8 month old nephew when he is ready). Harry Potter is a tradition, a wonderful story that will be passed down for generations and a very important special, mark on my own life and childhood, making it that much happier. I'm so grateful to have had this story in my life.