It's Been Awhile

After a week of reflection, spurred perhaps by a Lyle Lovett concert (oddly enough), I thought I'd share a few thoughts on this Thanksgiving day.

I attended a friend's memorial service last week. The theme was celebration of a life well lived, albeit too short. The room was packed with people whom loved my friend and remembered all of the kindness he bestowed upon others throughout his life. On the drive back to New Orleans, I was thankful for having known Paul and inspired to emulate his acts of generosity.

I'm thankful, too, about my new job. After nearly three years of serving others as a public defender, I was given an opportunity to extend that service to society's greatest outcasts -individuals condemned to death by their peers. This space will never be a place where I share information about my clients, but I am thankful for the rich experiences that lie ahead, with both my clients and my colleagues. And I must mention, I bring my dog to work everyday!

I am thankful for my health; after four years of constantly taking medication for kidney disease, I learned recently that it is no longer necessary. Living a healthy life has its benefits.

Lastly, I am thankful for my friends - the many lovely people with whom I share life's ups and downs. I feel fortunate to have learned so much from them.

This journey of mine has taken many unexpected turns. I am grateful for each one.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!