Dr. Ripeckyj is a radiologist who interprets CTs, MRIs, ultrasounds and X-rays and performs biopsies and drainages. He is also a dad who, with his wife, Natalia, has raised two, now adult, sons. The Ripeckyjs are also a host family for Ira, an exchange student from Ukraine. Ira and the Ripeckyjs both have family in Ukraine. They all follow the news about the war very closely and constantly worry about family there. Ira’s plans to come to the U.S. were in place before Russia invaded, and now her stay has been extended because of it, a bittersweet change of plans. She stays in touch with her parents back home as conditions allow. Dr. Ripeckyj said that after raising boys, having Ira here is a little glimpse into what it would be like to have a daughter. And for Ira, an only child, having host brothers has been a good experience. One of Dr. Ripeckyj’s favorite parts of being a dad has been watching his sons, Adrian and Danylo, grow up, learn and mature, and seeing the world through their eyes at various stages. With Ira, it’s interesting to see the U.S. through the eyes of someone who isn’t from here. For example, from her perspective, in Ukraine, people are much more serious about academics. And here in the U.S., there are so many more choices in what you can see and do. Ira is the tenth foreign exchange student the Ripeckyjs have hosted, and the first through the nonprofit Greenheart Exchange. They strongly encourage others to host as there are many deserving students. Have you ever noticed that one of the ways people, especially parents, say “I love you,” is “be careful?” A bit of dad and doctor advice? “Always wear a helmet and other safety gear. Some people worry more about their hair than their head. I have seen the results of accidents where a helmet would have made a difference.”