Friday, November 1, 2013

How We Were Almost MIA When Our Son Became An Esq.


                                                                       
             

Yesterday our older son was sworn in, and admitted to the Bar. He was presented with his license to practice law, though we were almost not present for the ceremony.

The ceremony took place at the Arie Crown Auditorium in Chicago. It's located at McCormick Place which is where my dad officially became a CPA over forty years ago. I'll never forget driving to the city with my dad, and brother. I was probably nine or ten at the time, and I had a terrible bout of car sickness. While we were all excited about my dad's accomplishment, I never saw the inside of the auditorium.

After I got sick in the ladies room, I thought I'd feel better if I walked around a bit. This worked for a few steps until it began again. Since there wasn't time to make it to the bathroom, I ran to the nearest trash can and missed. I was determined to make things right, so my aim was better on the next try. By the end of the ceremony, I had made my mark in every trash can in the lobby. At one point, I thought a strange man was following me too closely in the deserted hallway. Fortunately, any concerns I had were short lived, as he slithered away when I hit the final barrel.

Afterward, we picked up our grandpa, and went out for a lovely lunch. Of course, I made a complete recovery, determined not to miss a meal. Our older son never heard this story before which made us question the events that followed.

A few weeks ago, my husband did a Google Search on the number of people who passed the Bar Exam when he found an announcement about the admission ceremony. Later we asked our son why he didn't mention it, and he replied, "Because I didn't think it was a big deal. Everyone gets sworn in together, and then it's over."

Fortunately,  my husband found out in plenty of time, and we were able to attend. The Illinois Supreme Court Justices, and Bar Association Representatives gave short meaningful speeches. One of our favorite speakers advised, "Never argue with a fool, because from a distance people will not recognize which one is the fool."

It was very emotional watching our son and over a thousand men and women take the Attorney's Oath at the end of the ceremony. We went out for a quick lunch before we took our son back to work. It made us think about how lucky he was, as many of these lawyers may not even have jobs.

It's a good thing that we won't be arguing this case in court, because the judge would definitely rule in our favor, as sharing this important moment in our son's life was a very "big deal." My husband said it best, "What greater gift should parents have than seeing the return on their investment."



33 comments:

  1. Congratulations!
    And I'm happy to learn you didn't visit all the trashcans on this trip :)

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  2. Congratulations to your son! It is a big deal. Glad you were there to see it.
    And glad you didn't have to Christen the trash cans this time...

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  3. Very impressive! I'm sure you are very proud.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  4. Carol - I'm also glad that I made it inside the auditorium this time! Thanks Carol!

    Alex - Once every forty years or so is enough! Thanks Alex!

    Lee - Yes, we are very proud of our son! Thanks Lee!

    Julie

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  5. Congratulations to your son!! You must have been so proud watching that. Makes me laugh that he didn't think it was a big deal. :D

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  6. Mazal Tov! I'm glad you got to be there and didn't leave your mark on any trashcans this time.

    xoRobyn

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  7. Julie - Thank you so much. He always downplays everything. I hope that we don't come close to missing his wedding!

    Robyn - It's funny how some things you don't forget. Thank you Angelina...I mean Robyn!

    Julie

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  8. Aw, proud parents indeed! My son is the same way. He doesn't think any of his accomplishments are big deals, but they are! Congrats to your son for passing the Bar, and to you and your husband for getting such a good return on your investment. :))

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  9. Congratulations, one proud mother and father and a wonderful son with a great future.

    Enjoy your week-end.
    Yvonne.

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  10. Congratulations to all of you.

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  11. Oh this is a wonderful event in your son's life (and for you as proud Mama). Sorry you were sick on the way there! Glad you made it. :)

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  12. Oh my, I love your husband's remark. Congratulations to your son and to you also. People who have educated children who do not live in their basement and have a job are indeed fortunate. I raise my glass to a successful young man and their successful parents.

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    1. Arleen - I forgot to mention how funny you are! You've written several zingers on my blog, and this one is at the top of the list! Thanks again Arleen!

      Julie

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  13. CONGRATS to your son! So glad you and your husband were able to be there. : )

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  14. Congratulations to your son. That's an outstanding achievement, and you have every right to be very proud of him. It's wonderful that you and your hubby were able to attend. You and your hubby can pat your selves on the back for a job well done in raising him.

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  15. Luanne - It's nice that our boys are so modest around other people, but it's funny that they both take it to extremes. Thank you Luanne!

    Thank you so much Yvonne, and from your mouth to...

    Thank you Delores!

    Julie - Fortunately, I did not get sick again this time! Thanks Julie!

    Arleen - I just hope that I don't end up living in his basement one day! Thank you very much Arleen!

    Susanne - We were glad too! Thanks Susanne!

    Mary - Thank you for that wonderful compliment! We would love to take the credit, but our son did all of the work. Maybe we can take just a little bit of credit for giving him a gentle push before he towered over us!

    Julie

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  16. Congratulations to all of you. Everyone in life had to play their part in order for him to be where he is today, and you must have had tears in your eyes to see him sworn in to the Bar. What a beautiful and proud moment, something I'm glad you didn't miss. Days like this can't be repeated.
    And your husband is right about a 'return on your investment' too.

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    1. Rum-Punch Drunk - I held up okay until he stood up to take the oath with the other lawyers. It's almost like you were right there with us. Thank you so much RPD!

      Julie

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  17. Hi Julie,

    I read this to my human, Gary. Your unfortunate mishap and splat, reminded him of the times I've been in his car. Of course, I vomit on his car seats just as he's about to take me out of the car. That sick experience has remained with you. Yet, you now have the proud and emotional experience of your son being admitted to the Bar. I had to explain what the Bar meant to my human.

    A proud moment and supportive parents. What a great outcome.

    Pawsitive wishes and enjoy your one hour longer weekend.

    Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar! :)

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  18. Congratulations all around! Sometimes seeing one's child through college and then to a career is like giving birth again and again.

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  19. Penny - Do they make doggie Dramamine, or should Gary let you drive more often? Glad you set Gary straight about the Bar! Thanks Penny and Gary!

    Susan - It is like "giving birth" only my son had all the labor pains! Susan S. also made a similar analogy on FB. Thank you Susan Kane!

    Julie

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  20. Congratulations. I am glad you got to share his big day. I agree with you, you belonged there.

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  21. What a great experience. My lawyer son was in Colorado when he was sworn in. We don't know when it was or if anyone was there. He didn't even want anyone to be at his graduation from high school. He did not tell us when any of his other graduations took place until after they were over. Good for you!

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  22. Rhonda - We wouldn't have missed it for the world! Thanks Rhonda!

    Yvonne - It is so much easier to get information now on the Internet. It was also convenient for us, as it was only a short drive away. Sorry that you missed these ceremonies, but I'm sure that you've shared many other special occasions together.

    Julie

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  23. True. You were there for all those pre-teen and teenage moments (that weren't so fun), you SHOULD be there for the successes!!!

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  24. In a way, it's cute that your son didn't want you to make a trip to do something he didn't think of as a "big deal", however, when he has a child he will completely understand.

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    1. Libby - He has always been very low key about all of his accomplishments. I agree that he will feel differently when he becomes a father. Great point Libby!

      Julie

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  25. Congratulations to your son, and to his proud mom and dad. We need more successful young people in this country!

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  26. Al - Thanks for the kind words. I commend your restraint on jokes about lawyers!

    JJ - The best part is that he is such a good person, and I don't think that any amount of success will change that. Thank you JJ!

    Julie

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  27. Hi Julie .. your earlier visit sounds best forgotten! Brilliant news about your son - he looks a handsome chap ... I'm so pleased for you and no wonder you're delighted with his accomplishment ...

    Cheers Hilary

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