Birthday Lessons

This past week, our house had a double celebration. My youngest son turned seven, and the very next day, my host daughter turned seventeen. I remember my son’s birth as if it were yesterday, and I thank the good Lord each year for the gift of another birthday with each of my children. But this year felt different. Not because of the age or the cake or the decorations— but because of what I witnessed through my exchange daughter. She changed the way I look at birthdays, and I hope it’s a lesson that stays with me.