OR Growing Pains Aren’t Sexy “You truly serve as an inspiration to younger leather enthusiasts who may feel too young to hold a title! Your example demonstrates that age is not a barrier, empowering them to pursue their dreams.” This was a quote from a close friend of mine. It’s incredibly flattering from a Leatherman of his caliber. Yet, despite knowing full well that I should believe every single word, I… don’t. I just don’t see it. It’s this quote that I feel best sums up the complicated relationship I have with my “presence” as a titleholder. Sure, there is no denying that I am on that stage at IML 46, I have pictures and the damn medallion to prove it. And yet what dominoes have been toppled since I took those steps onto that stage? Who am I really empowering here? It’s not a victory lap, more a single brick and what feels like a thin veneer of mortar. I still think that I have much more to go before I can really settle with such potent verbiage. I just fee...