So, my birthday's come and gone.
I just want to thank you, all of you, who helped make that day truly, really special by doing selfless acts and giving money, time or possessions to make others' lives a little better.

Together, this is what we accomplished.

We fed the hungry. Many, both far away, and the forgotten ones in the shadows of our western societies.
We brought medical aid to those in need.
We planted trees, and we gave away lifestock to give the poorest a livelihood; seeds that can be spread on by themselves once planted.
We helped give kids an education that might one day make the difference between poverty and a future.
We gave clothes to shelters for abused women, and toys to their children. Even hair to make wigs for children so ill their medication has robbed them of their own.
We were kind to the environment; either starting or continuing good habits of changing to low-energy bulbs, turning off the light in empty rooms, recycling and not leaving the water running.

So many people joined in, and so much was accomplished. Like a little ripple of good karma sweeping across the world. Unnoticed by many - but meaning everything to those who were given back hope because of what we pulled together to accomplish.

Together, we really did make a difference.

I for one will keep making that difference, every little now and then, whenever I have the chance.
Will you?