“All experiences in life are good ones, if you draw the right lessons; otherwise, they’re just stuff that happened to you.” As a child, that was my mother’s advice. I’ve held her counsel close to me over these many years, most recently during a three night/four day (all meals included) excursion.

Was it one accompanied by lapping surf, seemingly endless blue skies, lush vegetation? Well, not quite. My sounds and sights arose from a hospital stay. So, per mom, I wrote this column to translate experience into actionable reflections on law, lawyering, and lawyer life.
 
Reflection No. 1: Be in the Water, Catch the Wave
I’m about to undergo a long-delayed prophylactic procedure. But the doctor intones, “No procedure for you today.” Hopping down (sort of) from the table, I think to myself “Great! Those final exams can’t grade themselves!” Perhaps sensing my premature relief, he continues with “Your heart rate is bouncing around like a ping pong ball at a table tennis tournament. I just called an ambulance; you’re going to the ER. Now!” And with those words went my debatable accomplishment of avoiding hospitals since childhood tonsil removal.