"We are NOT moving to Minnesota just so you can be friends with Brett" - My wife

Happy Birthday Brett

Don't worry: if you're a mess, you are the most inspiring mess I've ever met.
Happy birthday Brett and thanks for sharing your messy thoughts with us.

Thank you for sharing and have a great birthday and a great "new year". I am 57yrs old and have a similar story. Keep on the path my man.

Thanks for sharing, Brett. Very inspiring!

A day late, but happy birthday, Brett. I guess everybody has a darker side of himself, a side not everyone is willing/able to share. Thanks for sharing your story.

I can only think more (not less!) of you after reading this, Brett. Thanks for sharing.
And happy birthday!

thoughtful, articulate courageous, happy birthday and wishes for many more

Thank you so much sharing the way you went. I value that very much. Hope many happy day to come for you.

Thank you for sharing. Cheers to a "respectable old age."

Wow. Thanks so much for sharing! I'm so glad you're at the place you are now - have a great birthday and many many more.

Amazing story, and thanks for writing the post. It serves as a reminder for everyone of us that there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel; doesn't matter how dark the tunnel may be, nor how big or small the obstacles we need to pass along the way.

I wish you many, many more healthy years!

I had no idea - congratulations on making it to 36. I look forward to many more years of posts.

Happy birthday, enjoy, life's never bloody simple

An inspiring read Brett. I hope you've had a great birthday. All the best mate. Take care.

I'm proud to know you. That is baring your soul all the way.

Thanks for sharing your story.

Admiration abounds. Happy birthday, and thanks for sharing this.

Thanks for your honesty, Brett. This post just increases the respect I have for you as one of my "internet heroes". Your story and your candor really are inspirational.

Here's to many more.

Happy Birthday, and many more!!

Thanks for sharing Brett.

Thanks Brett great post. Have a good birthday, keep doing what you do.

Loved this. Enjoy your day, Brett -- you've earned it.

Thank you for sharing!