I would like to share a story about a Persian king and his new bride. He is shocked to discover her infidelity and has her executed: but in his bitterness and grief decides that all women are the same. The king, Shahryar, begins to marry a succession of virgins only to execute each one the next morning, before she has a chance to dishonour him. Eventually the Vizier, whose duty it is to provide them, cannot find any more virgins. Scheherazade, the Vizier's daughter, offers herself as the next bride and her father reluctantly agrees. On the night of their marriage, Scheherazade begins to tell the king a tale, but does not end it. The king, curious about how the story ends, is thus forced to postpone her execution in order to hear the conclusion. The next night, as soon as she finishes the tale, she begins (and only begins) a new one, and the king, eager to hear the conclusion, postpones her execution once again. So it goes on for 1,001 nights.
The reason I decided to begin Byrdie's celebration by telling this story is because I think it is very befitting the occasion. She through will alone managed to stay sober for 1,000 days and thus by beating her addiction one day at a time.
Byrdie I wish you to conquer Shahryar for the rest of your life and thank you for supporting us with defeating our own addiction.
Here is your award, prince Alladin
Allan
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