So I screwed up when I thought it was your birthday what kind of friend I am. You have been there for me through thick and thin, and this birthday note will show how important our friendship is to me and hope it gives you a birthday smile even if it is delayed a couple of days.

First, your loyalty is amazing. It shines, and it makes me smile. It blows my mind you have been there for me all these years, and it has not gone unnoticed. Your loyalty is like no other, and have never experienced it.

I still smile and wonder if the universe would think we be lifelong friends, thinking about the past, and think somehow we both would end up online at the same time and chat 15 years ago. We had busy schedules, world apart, but found a way to both be online at the same time, and I will always cherish those times. At the time, I knew it was meaningful conversation. But now, 15 years later, I realize even the bigger picture of what we did for each other and what bonds it produced.

Just like I was there for you when things were not right, well, I can’t thank you enough for being there for me the last several years for me. If it was just sitting back quietly and saying hi from time to time when we couldn’t talk or being there for me in the last year, letting me escape what is happening in my reality.

You have made my days brighter and warmer even though I face a slew of criticism, coldness, and suppression, and it is your light that makes me smile and be strong. If it is the little notes you leave me or the photos you post. You have no idea how much they make a difference. You truly have no idea how much it means it gets me through my days.

I know you do not do that just for me, meaning help people lives be better, but for a number of people, I bet. Some I see from a distance but many I defiantly don’t but know you have touched many more than I can see. They are made better by your mentorship and just simply the friendship. From what I know, you are genuine and a blessing to whoever runs into you.

I believe one of the real wows for me is even though you can be an authority on various topics, even though you have had experiences most of us have never had, you never make one feel less. I am not used to this at all and miss this kind of connection. It is beautiful and comforting that a conversation can be a conversation, not a lecture, not a teaching, not someone pounding on their chest saying see me roar. Don’t ever change this, it is so awesome to talk on various topics and have someone listen or listen to what thoughts you have or ideas you want to explore.. 

For this year, I wish you the best to reach those personal and professional goals you have always wanted. I will cheer you on quietly or vocally, just depends on what and where. Birthdays are special if I was there in person I would want to make it special. Your favorite food, your favorite drink, your favorite walk, or place or whatever locally does it for you. However, I hope this note makes it special. Yeah, even if it is late. I have made this note public so on those days you might struggle you can read it again and hope it makes you smile again.