I woke up to a phone call from my mother. She wished me a happy birthday as I heard my brothers in the background singing, and my nephew crying. It was 3 pm in Saudi Arabia and 7 am in the United States. They knew that is the time I wake up, so they made sure that my alarm was extra special today. They promised me a late birthday party. But honestly, their love and presence even through a phone call was all I could ask for. Right before the end of the call, my mom said: "You were born on a rainy Sunday. But that was 19 years ago. Now go out and enjoy what this year has to offer you." "What does the first day of this new year have in store for me?" I replied, but she laughed gently and left me there wondering. I wondered in my small room corner surrounded by pictures and memories with some classical music playing. I kept on wondering as I read the news, and went through Facebook and Twitter. Then I almost spilled my hot light roasted coffee with its va