Nostalgic

“Now everybody got the game figured out all wrong
I guess you never know what you got till it’s gone…
If you don’t know by now, I’m talking about Chi Town.”
Kanye West-“Homecoming”

The other night I received a phone call from a good friend and former co-worker in Chicago while he was at “Initiation Night.” “Initiation Night” is the “unofficial official” welcoming the newest class of attorneys. It’s an opportunity for bonding, to get to know your co-workers outside of the office, and to let your hair down and relax.

As he began to talk and I heard all this noise in the background, I contemplated telling him to call me back later. However, hearing all that noise in the background brought back fond memories of the many initiation nights I attended and how much fun we had on those Wednesday nights, and how we were always charged to “ring the bell” the next day. (I explain it to you one day M.S.). Anyway, upon learning that I was on the other end of his conversation, my co-workers began to ask for the phone and he began to pass it around. Now at the time, I was cooking dinner and entertaining company, which at the time meant nothing to me because my Chi-town family was on the line. To hear that they still think of me the way I think of them, that they miss me as much as I miss them and that they can’t wait to see me just as much as I can’t wait to see them, really meant a lot to me.

I knew when I was there and when I left how special that office was and the people that made up that office and if I had to make the same decision to leave again I would. It would be harder but it would still be the same. They know I made this move because it was in the best interests of me and my family. Even with that said, I still get a little nostalgic and long for those Wednesday nights; I still miss being in court with some of the best attorneys in Chicago; I miss having lunch together every Friday and the office meetings (HA! That’s a lie).

The moral of the story is I miss them like crazy and if they’re reading this, I wish you all the best and want you to know that I’m always thinking of you. I’m planning to visit real soon, just trying to nail down some details about my schedule before I make any arrangements. Plus, you all are more than welcome to come visit me here in South Florida. The weather is great, we have a “real” beach, good food and I’m here; enough said. Lol.

Before I forget, shouts out to everyone on the transfer list. Whether you wanted it or not, you got it. Now you just have to deal with it the best you can, learn from it and grow from it. Always remember adversity builds character and pressure builds diamonds. You can’t expect to improve without experiencing some hard times. Special shouts to the “Irish I-talian”, you’re one of the most professional people I’ve ever met and I wish you and your fiance’ the best in your future endeavors. To “The Tallest Guy I’ve Ever Worked With” thanks for answering my questions and showing me the way when I was lost. To “The Best Social Chair I’ve Ever Had” I miss you dearly! To my “First Office-Mate” I admire your zeal, your passion, your determination and your strong will; don’t ever lose it and don’t let it blind you. To “My Brother from Another Mother” I miss you homie (Pause) and I can’t wait to kick it with you soon. Keep me posted on what’s going on, I’m never more than a phone call, text or BBM away.

I hope all is well can’t wait to see you. Until then, Stay Up, Stay Blessed!