Long ago, I thought I was special, different than everyone else, and I was surrounded by adults who reinforced that thought daily.

Eventually, I realized that I was special, different than everyone else, and so was every other person in the world.

They left out the important bit. We're each special and different and that's what makes us awesome.

I celebrate your special difference, friends, each of you. May it bring you the joy in the coming years that it has brought me getting to know each of you during the last few.