Wife and I went to an awards ceremony at at drag show cabaret/bar last night. I was the recipient of one of their several generous scholarships. It was a warm, wonderful crowd. The people that much of society looks at as freaks do so much wonderful fundraising throughout the year to benefit scholars and community organizations. It is a shame more people do not realize that fact. Anyway, I was feeling bad most of last night because when I had to give my "thank you speech" it was the opposite of everything "WE" expect lawyers to be - articulate, poised, prepared. My voice was shaky and when I went to say thank you to my wife, who is pretty much raising our children as a single parent during the week, I got all choked up with tears. (Thankfully my mention of our 13+ years together received a nice round of applause.)
Have women fought so long to be respected in this "man's profession" that I feel like being emotional takes away my credibility? Maybe. Maybe it's also those emotions that will keep me in line, and doing the right thing for my family, and others I impact.
I feel better after reading a friend's post today. It is a poem about appreciating the wonderful moments with our children. I was in tears after reading it and remembered something I realize more and more. Being a mother has changed me. I am more emotional. I see how beautiful and how fragile life can be. I worry about my kids and I love them more than I ever thought possible. I don't think that will make me a bad lawyer. I think it will make me a good one - well-rounded and able to keep an eye towards what is truly important.
8 comments:
I think you did a fabulous job and the emotions just made it more genuine. I think they got a sense of just how appreciative you are for the scholarship. :)
Dakota, while I didn't attend the event I agree with Casey and I'm sure you did a great job.
And, further more it is those emotions that will make you a better lawyer than any man.
Aw. Here's the thing. I think that sometimes in an attempt to compete in a man's world, we as women try to deny the very things that make us women. Your emotional side can bring all sorts of things to your lawyering, such as a sense of compassion for your client or understanding for your staff. I think you should embrace that side of you and I'm sure your wife was really pleased that you recognized her hard sacrifice these past few years. :)
Congratulations on the scholarship! That is great!
Thank you all so much for your support!
Congrats on the scholarship! And great post. I'm sure your speech was awesome and like Casey said, the emotion probably just made them realize how much you appreciate and deserve it.
Shannon - Thanks for dropping by and for the support! I visited your blog and saw no place to comment, but wanted to say thanks for the PPD post. We went through some very similar things, only what no one recognized (including the doctor) was when the medication stopped working and started having negative effects. I think it is so important to get these stories out there so women are better able to recognize what is happening and not feel so alone.
:) You will be very good at your job, I think. You have heart. Just don't lose it in the process.
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