I had loved chinchillas ever since I saw them on Jack Hanna's wildlife TV show when I was very young. I remembered the show mentioning that chinchillas were native to Australia I think, and though I thought they were adorable, I was sure I would never get to meet one.
When I was 18, Kevin and I had gone to our friend Lindsey's house. It turned out that her family owned a chinchilla. Lindsey offered to let me hold it, and I eagerly agreed. Within a few minutes, I had a chinchilla in my hands and I was so happy I could have burst. I sat on the floor with it and stroked its incredibly soft fur. I remember saying it felt like holding a cloud. The chinchilla felt practically weightless, and its fur was as smooth as plush silk. It was everything I could do just to keep from gushing happy tears at that moment. I literally wanted to cry. Instead, I sat there grinning and laughing like an idiot.
I'd like to have a chinchilla of my own someday, if I'm able.