Congratulations to all my law school friends

As most of you know I was in law school when I got my cancer diagnosis. Specifically I was in the first couple weeks of my second year second semester. I remember feeling so horrible yet making it to class. I found out later that I had a ripped open kidney, gut filled with fluid and a huge tumor-NO WONDER I WASN'T FEELING WELL! Obviously I took a medical withdrawal and began my fight against cancer.

After my treatments were over I decided to go right back to law school. Why you might ask? Cancer ripped through my life and stole a lot, more than I can put down into words. There was no way in hell I was going to let cancer take being a lawyer from me! I thought if I waited too long I would never return so I hopped back on the law school wagon the following semester. I know crazy right? I almost died of cancer yet only missed one semester. Anyway, the point is when I returned I was no longer with my class.

Most people think of law school and law school students as super competitive. Hiding books, sabotaging each other etc...This was not my experience. I loved my class. They were more than just colleagues, they were my dearest friends. We laughed together, cried, studied, stressed, celebrated, vented etc...I never imagined that law school would bring me some of the best friends I have ever known.

When I was gone my law school friends supported me tremendously. The sent me things daily, cards, flowers, gifts etc...The student body & faculty got together and did two separate fund raisers for me. They had purple bracelets with my name made & did a fashion show, raising money to help me pay my medical bills not covered by insurance. These people made it possible for me to recover and return to law school.

So its an understatement when I say I am beyond proud and happy that they all graduated and passed the bar. The bar results came in on Monday and last night they were all sworn in! I would be lying if I told you it didn't pull at my heart a bit that I couldn't experience this with them. Before I got sick I often imagined our graduation parties, studying for the bar together and celebrating our victories. Now I am standing on the sideline proudly watching but not there with them. I know my day will come that is not what its about. I wanted to share my day with them. These men and women are a part of who I am, what I have been through and future. I probably wouldn't have realize how important sharing the experience with my friends was if I wasn't in my current position.

Congratulations dearest friends! Congratulations on all you have accomplished, all you will and what wonderful people you are! I love you with all with all my heart and you will never know how important each of you has been in my life. Know that I am so proud of you and even prouder to be your friend. Go out and kick some butt, you will all be successful at whatever you do.

Lots of love