Monday, June 2, 2008

Reel life versus Real life

Today was a day of days. Amidst great pomp and circumstance, I was sworn in as an Assistant U.S. Attorney today. The room was extremely ornate, and, quite frankly, I was touched by the number of my new colleagues who attended the ceremony. Most importantly, for me, my wife and sons were also in attendance. However, an interesting event took place as my family and I were leaving. As we were walking to our car, my oldest son, Jack, would grab my hand, and I would swing him forward. Well, just as we were ending our short walk from my office to the parking lot where the my car was parked, he slipped from my hand, and did a veritable face plant into the sidewalk cement. I will never forget the horrific sound his head made as he came crashing down. As expected, he went through the normal motions of screaming, grabbing his head, et cetera. His screaming continued for some time, and it seemed as if several hours passed before silence had reestablished its kingdom. Suffice it to say, my priorities were immediately corrected. Only moments before, I was aspiring to the honors of men, but when I saw my son sprawled on this hot city street, writhing in pain, I was, once again, reminded about who and what is really important in this life.