My daughter, Sahar, left early today for Barcelona for four months as part of her exchange program at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario.

As she was departing, I was contemplating about her. I realized that the once tiny Sahar has now become a confident, fun loving person with a mind of her own. She is brilliant, decisive and will not take any nonsense from anyone including her dad. I looked at her in awe as I pondered on her fearless qualities and courage in everything she does.

Returning home, the house felt empty. This was surprising because she has been studying away from home for the past two years and only comes home during summer and  Christmas or Easter holidays.

As I set in the relatively empty house, from my heart poured expressions of my deepest gratitude for the gift of the most wonderful and beautiful daughter like Sahar.