42 Comments
User's avatar
Texas Teri's avatar

Beautifully written. This piece is a keeper. Happy Birthday! (PS - 50 is better than 40)

Expand full comment
Bonita's avatar

Happy Birthday! … and thank you for sharing your thoughts. You have had such a positive impact on my life, I hope you know how much you are appreciated. I hope you have a wonderful celebration with your family.

Expand full comment
Adam B. Coleman's avatar

Thank you so much. I'm glad to have an impact.

Expand full comment
Eric Coppala's avatar

Happy belated birthday. May God continue to bless and keep you and your family.

Expand full comment
Adam B. Coleman's avatar

Thank you!

Expand full comment
Mary Loper's avatar

Happy Birthday to you & your mom.

Expand full comment
Adam B. Coleman's avatar

Thank you 😊

Expand full comment
Chuck Vipperman's avatar

56 year old here. I have learned FAR more from my mistakes than from my successes.

Welcome to Middle Age!

Expand full comment
Adam B. Coleman's avatar

Woooo

Expand full comment
Chuck Vipperman's avatar

Also, I don't know if I have communicated this to you before, but THANK YOU for sharing your story with everyone. I see so many parallels with my own experiences. I am not going to pretend like I understand the unique challenges a minority has, but I respect anyone who perseveres and emerges as a better human, which you have obviously done.

So, thanks again!

Expand full comment
Grape Soda's avatar

Still young and so much to offer the world! All the best to you as your journey continues.

Expand full comment
Donna's avatar

That is so lovely. Appreciation of life’s ups and downs can make you whole. I’m happy for you and wish you and your family a great day on your birthday.

Expand full comment
Danimal28's avatar

Happy Born-on Date, brother! Failure means you learn something. Pay the lessons forward...

The stories I tell my GenZers are now pretty funny; they can't believe I am still alive :-D

Expand full comment
Adam B. Coleman's avatar

Thank you

Expand full comment
Adam B. Coleman's avatar

Lol

Expand full comment
David Longo's avatar

Happy birthday, Adam, and thanks for what you bring to this world that sorely needs it.

Expand full comment
Dave pearen's avatar

Happy birthday have wonderful day

Expand full comment
MaKenna Grace's avatar

Happy birthday!

Expand full comment
Sarah C's avatar

Happiest of birthday's too yoooooooouu!

Expand full comment
Frederick Hotchner's avatar

Happy birthday, and blessings to you and your family in the year ahead!

Expand full comment
Adam B. Coleman's avatar

Thank you

Expand full comment
Frederick Hotchner's avatar

You’re very welcome.

Expand full comment
Haley Kennington's avatar

Happiest of birthdays, my dear friend. I hope the next decade eclipses all the blessings this past decade has brought to your life.

Expand full comment
Paul Kirwin's avatar

People always respond with ‘happy birthday’. ‘Congratulations’ seems much more appropriate. You made it this far.

How about ‘Congratulations, what’s next?’ to recognize you’re accomplishments and show the speakers’ appreciation of what you’ve accomplished?

I sort of asking myself these questions as much as asking you. It’s my son’s 40th too.

Expand full comment
Heather's avatar

Happy birthday 💜

Expand full comment