Explanation time! Because I gotta try that at least.

I may be vacant, I may be distant, perhaps it takes me weeks or months to find and respond to little posts or messages, perhaps I even miss them entirely. I beg of those who give their time for me to never think this is because I do not care.

I love every one of my friends and family - of which there are many.
Would that I could dedicate the time to each one they deserve - though this is more time than I have in all the world.

Those who care for me, those who show me kindness and compassion, each are unique, and irreplaceable in my heart. I mean what I say when I say I do not forget a friend.
I forget messages, I forget e-mail, I forget what I'm doing half the time.
There are many who I have not spoken to for great lengths of time - but this is not because I have forgotten what they mean to me.

I am a very absent-minded creature, and if ever were I to dedicate every waking moment to those I love, I could not bear to miss a single one, as I know I would.
I never wish for any I care for to feel forgotten - so I hope, and now I say it, because I can not say it enough. I do not forget a friend. Though faces and names may escape me, the love does not.

Every friend I have made (this includes family), cannot compare to any other.
I am a wild traveler, and always seeking new adventures - along the way, I find friends, and as rare as they are, I am blessed to have many who I care for, and who care for me.

I have tried to keep in touch with all those I love, but it has spread me thin.
Regardless of how and where I might spend my time, there are not enough days in life, nor words in any language to express my gratitude for such amazing gifts as the love and compassion as I have been given from such kind souls.

If a birthday is about celebration and gifts, then let me say this:
Those who have shown me kindness, love, compassion, understanding, even a few minutes of time - there is no better gift.
So today, I'd like to celebrate, because in 27 years, I have met some of the most amazing and wonderful people who will remain in my heart far longer than that.
And though the words fall short, I will say them still.
Thank you, every one of you.