Today marks 30 years to the day that my family and I arrived in the United States from the USSR. This photo was taken in Moscow, shortly before our departure. Those four people have no idea that they were about to trade the Soviet toilet paper shortage for an American one. 
Seriously, though. We always celebrated this day, at first in person, at modestly priced restaurants that were a luxury at the time, then in congratulatory phone calls as time&geography separated us. I thought today we’d celebrate this big one in person, but it’ll have to wait.
Thank you, America, for all you have given us and all you have allowed us to achieve. These last couple of years of terrifying immigrant-bashing notwithstanding, we are so happy to be here. 🇺🇸
