Just when you think you know someone....
Last night, I went to an award dinner for my step-dad (hereby known as "Judge"). I have known for some time now that he is a rather important & powerful man. But until last night, I didn't know exactly HOW important Judge is. He received an award that is not normally given to judges, so it was kind of a big deal. The only other judge that has received the award was Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Quince, if that tells you anything. The room had 200 or so people in it, ranging from friends to current and former Supreme Court Justices. There were many important and powerful people there.... all to honor my step-father.
There were many speakers, some of which cracked a few jokes, but they all spoke from the heart and told of the many accomplishments and accolades that Judge has..... well.... earned. I say 'earned' because they don't just give an award for no reason. Judge has spent many years, countless hours, and many sleepless nights, pushing to improve the lives of thousands of people from employees to welfare families to colleagues.
After listening to all these people for a little over an hour, I really got a sense of how many people, not just in this city, but across the state, look up to, and admire this man. While on my way home, I began thinking how truly lucky I am to know Judge on a different level than most of the people in that room.
I have gone fishing with that man.
I have ridden a motorcycle with that man.
I have helped that man build his train board.
I have seen him play the drums.
I have worried about that man when he was in the hospital.
I have bought him gifts for his birthday (and he got mad because I spent too much).
I have had the great pleasure of eating his cooking.
I may not, and may never know Judge on a professional level, but I would not trade our friendship for anything. He may have been the one receiving the award, but we, the ones that know him, are the lucky ones. I am honestly proud and honored to be a part of his family.
There were many speakers, some of which cracked a few jokes, but they all spoke from the heart and told of the many accomplishments and accolades that Judge has..... well.... earned. I say 'earned' because they don't just give an award for no reason. Judge has spent many years, countless hours, and many sleepless nights, pushing to improve the lives of thousands of people from employees to welfare families to colleagues.
After listening to all these people for a little over an hour, I really got a sense of how many people, not just in this city, but across the state, look up to, and admire this man. While on my way home, I began thinking how truly lucky I am to know Judge on a different level than most of the people in that room.
I have gone fishing with that man.
I have ridden a motorcycle with that man.
I have helped that man build his train board.
I have seen him play the drums.
I have worried about that man when he was in the hospital.
I have bought him gifts for his birthday (and he got mad because I spent too much).
I have had the great pleasure of eating his cooking.
I may not, and may never know Judge on a professional level, but I would not trade our friendship for anything. He may have been the one receiving the award, but we, the ones that know him, are the lucky ones. I am honestly proud and honored to be a part of his family.