Here's to 23, and 24, and 25... to refusing to be another statistic that incites fear or outrage among those who read it. To being stronger than those who beat us down, to be more humane than those who desecrate us and call us "less-than human" for being something they consider different. To the courage it takes to live life regardless of how much of a bitch it can be. To Reborn, a sanctuary for those who don't fit in, for those who do, and everyone in between. You, Ame, are an inspiration.
"Oh look, another post about how Reborn has changed someone's life blah blah blah." As many others have stated, Reborn has changed my life for the better. Only a few people here know of what happened to me before I stumbled onto Reborn. It wasn't exactly fun, if I might say. It really beats you to the ground when you build up trust with people and a community and they throw you out like yesterday's garbage, leaving horrible posts on the internet spreading lies and revealing secrets of mine that I had only entrusted in one person. Among other things that happened that seem a bit too dim and depressing for here, this experience left me struggling to find a place to belong again. I honestly had nowhere to go. My old friend suicide was peaking its head around the corner. I never truly had the strength to beat it, but luckily, my family was stronger. I never cared for myself too much and I often thought no one else did. But, I was a sucker for pleasing other people. So to make sure my parents wouldn't be stricken with grief and despair, I pushed my friend suicide back into the corner where I hope I don't have to see it again. I played a lot of Reborn to cheer myself up after this. It was inspiring to see a game break the boundaries of the Poké-societal norm. After struggling to get my account to work for a while, I finally ended up making a post about a stupid bug I was having with Mac because I'm super lame and didn't use the search bar. Ended up unnecessarily posting in that topic too (go figure). It took me a little while to open up and start exploring the forums a bit more, but I was surprised to see such a fantastic community centered around such a big project. I decided I would try to do my best to fit in, and luckily, I did. People from Reborn have been here for me for a while when I need it most, and I can't express my gratitude for it enough.
Ame. I know we don't talk much. We do play League together sometimes, and I enjoy every second of it. You're such a fun person to be around. Half the time I'm feeding because you have me giggling over some stupid but hilarious pun you pull out of no where. Your incessant and often tired laughter is contagious, and I want you to know, you're one of my favorite people to just mess around with. You always seem to make the best out of the worst situations, an admirable trait that I never truly had. I truly adore you Ame (even though you said I sounded gayer than you expected :c). Hope you're willing to tolerate me screaming when I face-check a bush with four people in for a lot longer.
Enjoy the day (or don't, whatever you prefer). Just always remember what you've done for people without even trying, and remember that we're here for you just as much as you're here for us.