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Update: We would like to note that this story first appeared on the Facebook page “United Latter-day Saints.” 

We’ve all seen the viral photo of “Spiderman” shaking President Uchtdorf’s hand at City Creek Mall. But very few people actually know how life changing that moment was for the man underneath the costume.

So here is the story shared with LDS S.M.I.L.E. by Paul Lloyd, who was the man wearing that costume.

“I was a 27 year old army veteran who was just medically retired due to the fear and confusion of PTSD. I was in such a dark place that I was ready to leave the Church and give up on God until the day when my daughter asked for a daddy/daughter date with Spiderman. I put on the suit and went on the ‘date’ for the benefit of my daughter who was sad to see me struggling. We had to be driven around by my sister (smiling in the picture) because it was difficult for meto see out of the mask.

I was trapped in a superficial superhero costume scared of what the future held when all I wanted to do was be alone and sleep.

To read the full article, click here