Birthdays always remind me of grandparents. Cards and calls from grandparents always seemed like the sweetest part of the big day. I am pretty sure I could have done without the cake or the treats as long as Grandma and Grandpa were part of the equation. And as I watch my own kids celebrate their birthdays, I can see how the telephone singing telegram from Grandma or the note from Nonna are what make the day special.
This year on my birthday I am again thinking of my grandparents — not just because of how they made me feel — but because of how they felt about being immigrants and proud Americans. I was blessed to know and learn from all four of my grandparents. Each of them took time to talk to me about how our family came to America, how important it was to cherish this country, and how my lineage would forever be one of a proud line of immigrants.
My friend Zack introduced me to a special project he and his colleagues have put
together called “Keeping Families Together.” This collection of powerful stories shares the faces and voices of people who are working to stay together, progress together and share their lives in peace and 
security. I have been moved by these stories. And as I continue to process the political realities (and frustrations) around the immigration question in our country, these stories are helping me focus on the lives and the realities of the people at the heart of this debate.
So when people ask me what I am doing for my birthday this year, I am telling them I am spending it with my family…and inviting people to learn more about these families. I invite all my friends to take a few minutes and watch one of these stories and, if you find them as inspiring as I do, please share them with your friends. Whether on a birthday or any day, these are stories that unite us.