My niece, KB, is seventeen today. Yup, her birthday is the day after mine. I called her, and she's at her dad's house with a passel of friends, whooping it up.

I'm glad she's happy. She even left a voicemail for me yesterday, wishing me a happy birthday. I love her.

She had a rough patch there, roughly from birth to about three days ago, and I told her I wanted her to know that some of what she's gone through I went through too. She appreciated that. She told me she loves me.

KB, you magnificent creature, love this day, love your life, and love yourself. You are an amazing soul with quite a journey ahead of you.