To Mark Arend...
Congrats on passing the bar exam! A champagne toast to you! :) Results came out over the weekend, and we found out that he is one of the 688 wise ones who passed the summer 2008 exam (of 962). Nelson Carver is quite the lucky firm to have him on board. Mark will be sworn in shortly by Chief Justice Alexander down in Olympia...and it's on to the next phase!
To Nick Wichert...
Who was ordained a transitional deacon for the Archdiocese of Seattle this weekend in Centralia. It's so hard to believe it's been five years since our adventure to Steubenville San Diego...26 hours on the bus each way with 50+ high school kids. You are an fantastic man of God, and I can't wait for your ordination to the priesthood next summer. Thank you for your friendship over the years...and for not setting fire to Viper when she would drive you nuts down at the Seminary. :) Our Archdiocese is so blessed.
To Chief Rita Hutcheson...
Who was recognized last Saturday night for her award as a Woman of Influence by the Business Examiner. Above, Commissioner Kathleen Devin shares at the WOI event from a few weeks ago. Jonathan was invited to MC the celebration on Saturday night...and when I read what he had written about Chief Rita, I had tears in my eyes. Excerpted from his words that night...
My first interactions with Chief Rita came as a child. My father was born with a heart and lung disease, and when I was 14 he was what might be classified by many of you as a frequent flier with Medic One. I would be awoken in the middle of the night, and told that 911 had been called for my father. My job was then to get dressed as quickly as possible and stand by the front door, and when I saw the flashing lights I would start turning the porch lights on and off so that the responders could find our house easier. Every time after the call was over, Chief Rita would call and check in with my mother to see how things had gone. That simple call meant so much to me and to my family.
After my father passed away I joined the fire department a few years later, my mother was diagnosed with cancer, and I often hid myself at the fire station as a way of hiding from the fact that my mother was dying from cancer too. Chief Rita could not be fooled, she allowed it but kept continued tabs on me, including forcing me to go to college upon graduation. My mother passed away prior to my graduation from college but Chief Rita was there to make sure that I was represented. She pushed me to not stop there and to instead continue on to law school so that I could better serve my community.
Chief Rita became for me a second mother, and I know that I am not the only one in this room who thinks of her that way. Chief Rita, for that I thank you for all of your hard work. You truly are not only a Woman of Influence as your award says, but a woman of inspiration, leadership, and love.
We are so happy for all three of you! ♥
No comments:
Post a Comment