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Sometimes, it’s good to give back — especially to the people who have made us into who we are. Someone who embodies that idea is Wizards of the Coast’s Gavin Verhey, who shared what might be one of the most heartwarming stories you’ll see on the internet anytime soon on social media recently.

While gamers might not be familiar with Verhey’s name, they’ll know his work; he’s currently the principal Magic: The Gathering designer, and has been involved with the game since joining WotC in 2011. (He’s also the writer of many of the updates on the game’s official website, for those who avidly check that out.) Magic is central to Verhey’s career, but it’s also the focus of this particular personal story — and a touching bond with his mother.

“When I was 5 years old, it was the first Halloween where I got to choose what I wanted to be. My mom asked me what I wanted to choose. I told her I wanted to be a bearsnake. She told me bearsnakes didn't exist, to which I replied, ‘Well, it should. Let's make one then,’” Verhey shared on Tumblr. Sure enough, his mom did that very thing, creating an original bearsnake costume for the kid version of Gavin to proudly wear. It was a big moment for him, he remembers.

“She spent days of time and effort bringing this thing to life. This tireless creative work is a trait I learned from her,” he wrote. “From there on, the Bearsnake became a thing between me and her. Kind of a symbol of my creativity and personality for me, and the hard work she always put in. I didn't know how I could ever repay her for this.”

A quarter of a century later, he found a way.

“There's this Magic set I'm working on called Mystery Booster. It has these 121 playtest cards — cards that look like they're handdrawn cards, with wild abilities and names - and I'm leading the design of them. It's a project that I poured many, many days of effort into. It took a ton of effort to get this thing made. It was a product I had a vision for, and worked to bring to life from start to finish,” he explained. “I put a little something in there that was personal. Something special. I created Magic's first, and only, Bear Snake. And to really make it more incredible... I got to draw the ridiculous sketch artwork too. Truly an amalgamation of my life so far.”

Yes, that’s sweet — but you’ve not gotten to the best part yet. Verhey continued, “The set debuted back in November, but I didn't tell her about this piece at all. And for Christmas, I got her a display piece with the whole saga. The card I designed and drew. The original sketches and artwork for the card. And, of course, a picture of me in the foundational bearsnake costume that started it all. I love you, mom.”

Every creator working a tribute to their loved ones into their work, congratulations: the bar just got a little higher, just in time for the oncoming holidays. You’re welcome. (And thanks for the inspiration, Mom Verhey.)

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