There have been many memorable 4th of July weekends like watching fireworks on a boat in Lake Tahoe or in 1994 hanging out with friends before my senior year in high school, but nothing compares to my 4^th of July weekend last year. It all started at 1:30 in the morning when my pregnant wife woke me up and told me it’s time. Twelve hours later, we had a beautiful baby boy named Andrew. It was a moment that I never thought would come. The wonderful nurse put Andrew in my arms and with tears coming down my face I met my boy. It’s been an incredible year and I can’t believe he’s here.

A couple of words about the United States.

Where else but America could a kid from Iran who has a speech impediment and cannot hold a pen become a writer and a speaker? Only in America. If I was in Iran, my parents told me that I could not even go out of the house. People would stare at me and I would not have any kind of life. When I go out, one of the things I don’t have to think about is whether or not there will be a ramp, or not. It’s almost assumed and that is amazing! It’s one less thing I have to think about. I was able to attend one of the most prestigious colleges on the west coast. I am able to be a part of society. That is awesome and as you fire up the BBQ this weekend I want you to think about the freedom that you have in the U.S.

Happy 4^th of July!