For 14,245 days, exactly 39 years as of 8/9/2012, God has blessed me by allowing me to open my eyes to another beautiful day of life and love. Along the way I’ve had some ups and downs, said goodbye to some loved ones, doubted where I was going, questioned the meaning of life, been chased by the ugliest aspects of humanity, fell down, and almost lost my will to get back up.

Yes, I have had my struggles. But every time I put my head down in despair God sent you to lift me, to stand with me, to guide me through the dark labyrinth. You, my family, my friends, my acquaintances, and even the nameless souls who arrived right on time with just the words I needed to hear, the ears I needed to speak to, the heart that I needed to beat for me, or the smile I needed to let me know everything was going to be all right.

Today, I celebrate not because I’ve been alive for 39 years, but because I have been blessed to have been surrounded, supported, and loved by beautiful people.  Today I celebrate you.

Thank you for always being there.