February 6, 1998 -- A Defining Moment
It was a Friday, and I was scheduled to be in three different courts that day -- after already spending four full days in about ten other courts that week. I was on my way to the office at 5:30 a.m., early enough to put together all the exhibits I would need in all the hearings I would have. I was beyond exhausted.
I turned left off of Lytle-Five Points to Tanglewood Drive, which then took me to McCray Boulevard. It was a rather odd way to get to work, and I don't know why I chose that way. I could barely see the road or anything around me because it was snowing so hard.
I stopped where McCray runs into St. Rt. 741, where I would turn left to go to the office. A snow truck drove by, marking the only soul I could see in any direction. I was free to proceed, if I wanted.
But I couldn't move.
I sat there, at the stop sign, and let the snow just cover my car.
Emotionally, I had literally hit the proverbial brick wall. I was done, overworked, overburdened, and feeling completely unworthy of the love I had from my family. They gave me everything, and I gave nothing in return.
"Don't make me go to work today," I thought to myself.
"God, please. I'd rather drive the snow plow all day than go be a lawyer. You take over. I've tried it my way and it's not working."
It's weird how things happen when we make that kind of plea.
Because we humble ourselves and ask, God shows up.
...
August 28, 1998 -- A Nice Getaway
Adam would start sixth grade on the day after Labor Day, and Kim had a client who offered to let us use their lake house in Northern Michigan for a few days. So we went. And it was what you would expect from a vacation hideaway...life by the basics, without a lot of frills.
Here was our venture to Charleviox, a beautiful little town on Lake Michigan.
Click.
This is a forever moment to remember.