Kim Schrier: “Today is different because today I would like to honor my father, Joel Schrier, who celebrates his 80th birthday this…”

“Today is different because today I would like to honor my father, Joel Schrier, who celebrates his 80th birthday this weekend. He grew up in the Bronx in a one-bedroom apartment with his parents and his three siblings, including his twin sister, Gloria, who will also celebrate this weekend. He went on to study physics and work as an aerospace engineer, marry my mom, Joan, in 1964, and be a phenomenal father to my brother, Marc, and me. He was engaged and involved in our upbringing at a time when most fathers weren't. He taught me to bike and skate, showed me how to make the best French toast from Friday night challah, and inspired me to study physics. When I was diagnosed with diabetes, he helped me with shots and checking my blood sugar levels. Weekends were always for family. And for that, mom, Marc, and I are deeply grateful. Of course, it is the values that he and mom instilled in me that really led me to run for Congress. A strong sense of justice and fairness, and an ethic that if something is wrong in the world, you do something about it: to be an upstander and not a bystander. So, Dad, thank you, and happy birthday. We love you. ____________________”