July 31st was the birthday of one of the most beloved literary characters in history, Harry Potter. Happy 35th Birthday Mr. Potter (and his creator J.K. Rowling)! It's been nearly two decades since you first graced us with your wizarding world. In honor of your 35th birthday, I just wanted to write you this letter to thank you for introducing us to your world, because for so many of us, it meant so much.

Thank you for showing us that magic is real in its own way. Thank you for being there for us when we were sad, happy, angry, or felt alone. Thank you for being our friend. Thank you for growing up with us.

Harry Potter was first published in 1997, and over the next 15 years we were let into the wizarding world hiding behind our muggle world. We were able to go to Hogwarts with Harry, Ron, and Hermione and grow with them. My generation grew up right alongside Harry and his friends and we loved them. So many of us read the books that they became a normal part of our lives.

In the years since the ending of the book and movie series, Harry Potter and his world has only grown. With the introduction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando and the launch of Pottermore online, we are still obsessed.

Harry taught us to be brave and courageous. He taught us how to be just and kind to those who are different from us. He taught us to forgive, and hold our family close, because we do not know how long we will have with them.

I can sit here all day and talk about how Harry Potter has effected not only myself, but people my age all over the world. Instead, i'm going to wish Harry and J.K. Rowling both a wonderful, Happy Birthday.

P.S. I'm still waiting for my Hogwarts letter.