I find it funny that today, on this day that celebrates our freedom I found this piece of paper while trying to find my passport. My family came to this country from the former Soviet Union. They claimed refugee status to flee the anti-semitic sentiment and harsh economy of their mother country with little to nothing. No language, no jobs, and money made it a difficult transition but they made it happen. Today I am typing away in English on my smart phone, working at a job I love, that pays my bills and allows me to enjoy my hobbies and freedoms.. When I watch documentaries like Winter on Fire, I imagine that this could have been me in another life, fighting in the Ukraine. This little piece of paper says I used to be “Stateless” but I am now proud to be a citizen of this country. Stateless no more. Happy Independence Day to all.