Wow, this outpouring of good will is so very humbling and honestly more than any one person really deserves, but I take it with the deepest appreciation for each and every one of you here.

Birthdays are a strange lot, especially for me, as I never quite feel my age and yet, being now at 20, a nice round number that is still not quite full adulthood, but is now closer than at any point during the "teen" years, I feel as if I've finally begun to gain perspective on my life.

Beneath all the personalities, ideas, beliefs, opinions, appearances and the like, everyone here just as people have helped me reach this point with a clear head and a true love for life in all its wonders. Despite the constant struggles we encounter with every, amidst the absurdity that can be everyday life, there is a joy here that is truly second to none. There is this deep enriched sense of community, of real zest for life, for curiousity to the secrets that seem to be all around us, that keeps me awed on a daily basis and I thank you one and all for that. There's no greater birthday gift anyone can receive than a feeling of compassion and kinship which you've all shared with me. I am eternally in your debt.

Take much care all and thank you once again.