A Full Heart May 14, 2014
I used to get weepy when my fourth grade students ran out the (normally off-limits) sliding door into the May sunshine, joyfully anticipating only the freedom of summer, because I knew they had no idea they would never pass exactly that way again.
Today was that kind of moment for me.
In Dubuque for Bench/Bar conference, the Iowa Court of Appeals heard oral arguments this morning for the public - “courts in the community” effort- Grand old courthouse. Maybe not quite as well kept as the Benton County Courthouse, but many well-preserved original features. Van was on a panel of 3 hearing 2 different cases. Really emotional for me, it is the last time he will don his robe. He was visibly open, human, insightful, respectful and helpful in getting the questions out there and the answers returned, but most importantly, focused. In the game. Extraordinary skills and attention, without being stiff, snarky, condescending or self-important. I know he is not unique among his colleagues, this is the norm for the Iowa judiciary but I found it a little extra remarkable for someone who has plowed his way through radiation, chemo, surgeries, dialysis, hospitalizations, SCT and a host of mind-numbing drugs. Those things in the rear-view mirror don’t define him. He looked great, and I just couldn’t have felt prouder. Wish I could share this moment telepathically with his mom and dad as well as with you - He made us all proud at his swearing-ins, but never more proud than just seeing him doing his job today, interpreting the law case by case, and more importantly, person by person.
It would have been inappropriate to take a photo, in fact according to the signs, they would have confiscated my camera and locked me in irons. So I was trying to just memorize how he looked and how well he does his job, and how well he represented the Iowa judiciary. The clerk of court was thoughtful to ask the TH photographers afterwards to send her a photo because she knew it was Van’s last cases. So I’m hoping they follow through.
He didn't really want to go out with hoopla or hoo haa, no cake or cards, no Big Deal. He was never in it for the recognition or status. He enjoyed doing it right, and doing it with a series of extraordinary role models and friends. And in June he has one more conference to present at, one more project published, his contribution to judicial education.
post script, 5/19, purchased from the newspaper. That's a water pitcher, not a beer stein, Molly was worried....
