This was one of the first pieces of fanwork I ever saw when I joined the fandom back in September of 2011. It was one of the first I showed on my podcast back in November of that same here. Here we are now some 8 years on the cusp of the show's grand finale. I figured I'd take the time to comment one more time on this wonderful piece.



Not in my wildest dreams did I think this show would last as long as it did. Not in my wildest dreams did I think it'd actually go out properly instead of what usually befalls (kids') shows and they are dropped like a hot frying pan. For better or for worse, the show did better than survive, it thrived. It thrived by defying all expectations, both about what a girls' show should be and the general audience's as well.



Having been in this fandom for as long as I have, I've seen the momentous, the disastrous, the brilliant, the foolish, the joyous, the depressing, the triumphant and defeated. I've seen so many things, so many wonderful things, things I wouldn't trade away. It is an honor to have them.



As I revisit this piece, I now see that perhaps the title is far more fitting now just as it was back then. It's time for one last episode viewing of this generation of pony. It's time for our last parade as we march into tomorrow so bittersweetly. It's time for one last parade as we say good-bye to one chapter in our lives as all of us now move on to the next (hopefully) exciting chapter.



Looking back on this piece, you captured this bittersweet scene so well. Everypony celebrating the many good works and deeds of Twilight Sparkle, but I can't help but feel Spike and Celestia, being far closer to her, know what this means. Her time is coming to an end, and while they should be happy, and in some sense are, there's a twinge of sadness mixed in. Let the public admire and celebrate her life and work, but they celebrate her for being her.



Here's to the future. Let's make it a good one.