Thursday, August 18th was the first day of orientation for our new 1-L students.  It was fun to greet them and wish them a good year.  We have such great students, and they bring a wonderful, positive energy to the building.  As they munched on a light breakfast and mingled in the Norma Beasley Atrium, Dean Leeds and my colleagues warmly welcomed them into the school of law community.  At 9:30 we all went up to the courtroom where Dean Leeds welcomed them more formally and each faculty member told our new class who they were, what they taught, and where their degrees were from.

As I was waiting my turn, I noticed I had a new message on my cellphone from my Mom’s place.  When I stepped out to listen, it turned out that she had fallen that morning.  When I tried to call back I didn’t get an answer, so I said hello to the new students and took off for Pea Ridge. The irony was that I’d just seen Mom Monday and she was doing fine.  In fact, she was getting around quite well, and didn’t even need her walker. You just never know.  I don’t want to get too preachy here, but do let the people you care about know you care.  Don’t take them for granted.  The folks we love and who love us,  make life the joy it is.  I love the proverb from the people of Madagascar that says, “Let your love be like the misty rains, coming softly, but flooding the river.”  Do that, and your life will be richer for it. I know it’s true.

Back to Mom.  When I arrived she was sitting on the bed, obviously shaken, but not seriously injured, for which I was most thankful.  What happened was her foot caught on her throw rug, and she fell.  She said what frightened her most was when she couldn’t get up, and was yelling for help.  There’s an emergency cord in her apartment, but she was too shaken to remember it at the time.  All I know is that it was great to see her up and ok. Clarice Berkvins (a lovely, very kind woman) who spends time with Mom taking her out and about, was there, and they were straightening up.  That is, Mom was directing and Clarice was straightening.  Thanks to all the FB (Facebook) friends who sent warm wishes and prayers upon learning of her fall. I told Mom about your thoughts and prayers and she was appreciative of all of you, as was I.