Dear Kiwirain,
I think you are getting the terms "addiction" and "physical dependence" confused. If not, then I beleive your implications are incorrect.
Addiction, in the context of this forum, is the use of opioids for no legitimate medical condition.
Physical dependence, on the other hand, is when a person has used opioids for an extended period of time, for a legitimate medical condition.
Psychological dependence, however, will occur no matter who uses an opioid. The main difference is that, in my case, if a DCS works, then I would have no problem stopping opioids. A person addicted, supra, would "need" to continue using opioids.
For more information, I would direct you to a copy of DSM-IV, a pain specialist, or an addictionologist for more information about the difference between addiction and physical dependence.
I would think that any person, who has had a recurring, painful medical or surgical condition, and still needs opioids would be classified by pain specialists as: phsyically dependent, not addicted. That is how the Mayo Clinic categorized me, in 2001; that is how my pain specialist categorizes my condition now.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben
Dear Cowgirl and Sammy,
I remember when I first joined this site, that you both were the first to post a "welcome" to me.
Cowgirl, you have always stood by me and been a wonderful friend, even when you were going through extremely difficult times. For that, I will am eternally grateful.
And Sammy, my dear friend. Thank you for always being there for me, and making me feel great, even when I was not. I'm going to take you up your offer of being my tour guide on my next trip to the Supreme Court - which will be this summer!
You both are great, and are always in my thoughts and prayers. I'll send you each an e-mail, as soon as possible.
Ben
I remember when I first joined this site, that you both were the first to post a "welcome" to me.
Cowgirl, you have always stood by me and been a wonderful friend, even when you were going through extremely difficult times. For that, I will am eternally grateful.
And Sammy, my dear friend. Thank you for always being there for me, and making me feel great, even when I was not. I'm going to take you up your offer of being my tour guide on my next trip to the Supreme Court - which will be this summer!
You both are great, and are always in my thoughts and prayers. I'll send you each an e-mail, as soon as possible.
Ben
Dear Ben what a amazing heart wrenching story.My goodness you must be a strong person to have this all thrown yourway.I understood what you were saying about how it all started.Years 20+ AGO i HAD A BOYFRIEND THAT IT CAME TO AN OPENING ONLY 1 TIME & THEY DID THAT DRAIN THING.i DO REMEMBER HIM BEING IN SO MUCH PAIN(sorry caps locked)I wish I had some good news to tell you.Something to make you feel better but I really dont know what to sat except that my heart goes out to you & if you would ever like to talk Im usually on in the mornings.If I can say or do anything that will be a comfort please let me know
Dear MJ,
Your post, itself, was comforting, and for that, I thank you. Every once in a while, I meet or talk to someone that either had, or knew someone that had, a pilonidal cyst. I would never want anyone to have this disease.
Thanks for the post, and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben
Your post, itself, was comforting, and for that, I thank you. Every once in a while, I meet or talk to someone that either had, or knew someone that had, a pilonidal cyst. I would never want anyone to have this disease.
Thanks for the post, and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben
Hey thank you & my offer stands some of us get up early for like a hen party(coffee club)theres alot of laughs & caren & just friendship so please feel free to hop on in the mornings.Take Care.mj
Dear MJ,
I'll certainly take you up on that offer. Since I'm in law school, I get to class by 7am, but today was easy. Two classes and one exam this morning, and I was home and relaxing by 11am. I can't wait for the end of the semester. Spring/summer can't come soon enough.
Thanks, again, MJ.
Ben
I'll certainly take you up on that offer. Since I'm in law school, I get to class by 7am, but today was easy. Two classes and one exam this morning, and I was home and relaxing by 11am. I can't wait for the end of the semester. Spring/summer can't come soon enough.
Thanks, again, MJ.
Ben
Your very welcome bender & I look forward to talking with you more.I mostly try to get on by 5:30 6:00 so maybe Ill see you there.Take care..& I cant wait for spring for FISHING its my passion...take care..mj
DEDE AND BEN
WOW, YOUR NOTES TO ME WERE SO SWEET AND I NEVER REALIZED SO MANY PEPOLE ARE ADDICTED TO PAIN PILLS. SOMEONE NAMED KIWI SAID IT IS NOT OUR SURGERIES FAULT THAT WE ARE ADDICTED TO THE PILLS. YES AND NO... YOU SEE I NEVER EVER TOOK A PILL IN MY LIFE. NEVER SMOKED POT IN THE 70'S AND I DO NOT DRINK. IF I WAS GIVEN FREE PAIN PILLS FOR LIFE I WOULD SAY NO THANKS. SO WHEN I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT AND BLEW OUT MY CERVICAL SPINE AND WAS GIVEN IV DILAUDID, I ASKED THEM TO STOP IT BECAUSE I HATED THE FEELING I WAS GETTING FROM IT. THEN THEY TRIED PERCOCET AND I HATED THAT FEELING SO THE DOC TRIED 2 LORTABS 7.5 AND ADDED A SOMA 350 AND I THOUGHT I DIED AND WENT TO HEAVEN. EVEN THO IT DIDN'T TAKE AWAY ALL THE PAIN , IT SURE MADE IT ALMOST TOLERABLE. I WAS SENT HOME WITH ALL I WANTED AND YES SOMEHOW I FIND MYSELF ADDICTED TO THESE AND I WAS ONE WOMAN WHO PRIDED HERSELF IN NEVER PUTTING ANYTHING INTO MY BODY THAT WOULD HARM ME.
LONG AGO IN 1980, I LOST MY HUSBAND IN A CAR ACCIDENT. WE HAD A BABY AND MY LIFE WAS IN THE MOST PAIN EVER. DID YOU KNOW THAT EVEN THEN I DID NOT TURN TO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL. I CRIED AND CRIED, SPENT ENDLESS DAYS AT THE CEMETARY BUT NEVER ONCE TURNED TO PILLS OR ANYTHING ELSE. I TOOK CARE OF MY BABY AND YEARS LATER RE MARRIED AND NOW HAVE 4. NOW AFTER ALL THE PAIN IN MY LIFE AND NO DRUGS TO LEAN ON... NOW I AM VERY HAPPY, IN LOVE WITH MY HUSBAND, HAVE GREAT KIDS AND LIVE IN A BEAUTIFUL HOME. AND NOW I AM ADDICTED TO PAIN PILLS...GO FIGURE THIS ONE OUT. PLEASE DONT LET ME GO... ALL OF YOU ARE ALL I WILL EVER TELL ALL THIS TO. DIANE
WOW, YOUR NOTES TO ME WERE SO SWEET AND I NEVER REALIZED SO MANY PEPOLE ARE ADDICTED TO PAIN PILLS. SOMEONE NAMED KIWI SAID IT IS NOT OUR SURGERIES FAULT THAT WE ARE ADDICTED TO THE PILLS. YES AND NO... YOU SEE I NEVER EVER TOOK A PILL IN MY LIFE. NEVER SMOKED POT IN THE 70'S AND I DO NOT DRINK. IF I WAS GIVEN FREE PAIN PILLS FOR LIFE I WOULD SAY NO THANKS. SO WHEN I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT AND BLEW OUT MY CERVICAL SPINE AND WAS GIVEN IV DILAUDID, I ASKED THEM TO STOP IT BECAUSE I HATED THE FEELING I WAS GETTING FROM IT. THEN THEY TRIED PERCOCET AND I HATED THAT FEELING SO THE DOC TRIED 2 LORTABS 7.5 AND ADDED A SOMA 350 AND I THOUGHT I DIED AND WENT TO HEAVEN. EVEN THO IT DIDN'T TAKE AWAY ALL THE PAIN , IT SURE MADE IT ALMOST TOLERABLE. I WAS SENT HOME WITH ALL I WANTED AND YES SOMEHOW I FIND MYSELF ADDICTED TO THESE AND I WAS ONE WOMAN WHO PRIDED HERSELF IN NEVER PUTTING ANYTHING INTO MY BODY THAT WOULD HARM ME.
LONG AGO IN 1980, I LOST MY HUSBAND IN A CAR ACCIDENT. WE HAD A BABY AND MY LIFE WAS IN THE MOST PAIN EVER. DID YOU KNOW THAT EVEN THEN I DID NOT TURN TO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL. I CRIED AND CRIED, SPENT ENDLESS DAYS AT THE CEMETARY BUT NEVER ONCE TURNED TO PILLS OR ANYTHING ELSE. I TOOK CARE OF MY BABY AND YEARS LATER RE MARRIED AND NOW HAVE 4. NOW AFTER ALL THE PAIN IN MY LIFE AND NO DRUGS TO LEAN ON... NOW I AM VERY HAPPY, IN LOVE WITH MY HUSBAND, HAVE GREAT KIDS AND LIVE IN A BEAUTIFUL HOME. AND NOW I AM ADDICTED TO PAIN PILLS...GO FIGURE THIS ONE OUT. PLEASE DONT LET ME GO... ALL OF YOU ARE ALL I WILL EVER TELL ALL THIS TO. DIANE
Dear Bronco,
You can count on me, and this site, to help you through your addiction. Although Kiwirain posted thoughts that I disagree with, I understand that everyone has their own point of view.
As far as surgery is concerned, pain medication and antibiotic therapy have been mainstays of treatment for over a century. Surgery = Pain = Pain Medications; it's as simple as that. However, as you pointed out, your physicians prescribed Dilaudid (hydromorphone), then Percocet (oxycodone), and you were uncomfortable with such strong medications. That's completely understandable. Your physicians prescribed Lortab (hydrocodone w/APAP) and Soma (carisoprodol), which, in your case, worked. You needed that pain medication and muscle relaxant throughout your recovery period; however, my question is: Do you need it now?
I believe and infer, from a previous post, that you feel these medications are not needed anymore. In that case, you are doing the right thing, insofar as coming to this site and asking/looking for help. You've done the right thing, Diane. As I said earlier, there are so many genuine, caring, and knowledgeable people here that can offer help and support. You've gone through a tremendous amount of pain in your life, both physical and psychological, more than anyone should have to go through.
Take things one day at a time, less if you have to. If you have the strength, which I believe you do, to stop the use of Lortab and Soma, then you can. And we'll all be here to help you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Diane.
Ben
You can count on me, and this site, to help you through your addiction. Although Kiwirain posted thoughts that I disagree with, I understand that everyone has their own point of view.
As far as surgery is concerned, pain medication and antibiotic therapy have been mainstays of treatment for over a century. Surgery = Pain = Pain Medications; it's as simple as that. However, as you pointed out, your physicians prescribed Dilaudid (hydromorphone), then Percocet (oxycodone), and you were uncomfortable with such strong medications. That's completely understandable. Your physicians prescribed Lortab (hydrocodone w/APAP) and Soma (carisoprodol), which, in your case, worked. You needed that pain medication and muscle relaxant throughout your recovery period; however, my question is: Do you need it now?
I believe and infer, from a previous post, that you feel these medications are not needed anymore. In that case, you are doing the right thing, insofar as coming to this site and asking/looking for help. You've done the right thing, Diane. As I said earlier, there are so many genuine, caring, and knowledgeable people here that can offer help and support. You've gone through a tremendous amount of pain in your life, both physical and psychological, more than anyone should have to go through.
Take things one day at a time, less if you have to. If you have the strength, which I believe you do, to stop the use of Lortab and Soma, then you can. And we'll all be here to help you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Diane.
Ben
Bender -
Oh what can I say - as you know I just barely started on this site and had stopped for the last couple of days because I have pneumonia. And I was feeling terrifically sorry for myself until I read your story. What an incredible man you are - selfishly I am most excited by the fact that you are in law school with the bench as your goal. You are so fortunate to have this all in front of you. I, unfortunately, was addicted while I was on the bench. The good news is that I was never fired for using, but it was coming close. I had a child in the meantime who was then about four so I could credibly step down and say that I wanted to spend time with my son. I spent seven years and the bench and until the end loved every second of it. Fortunately, should I choose I can go back pro-tem or as a "rent-a-judge" although I struggle with the decision every day. I only have about a year sober and I certainly do not want to fall again from that height.
Your obvious compassion for people and your incredible insights into their pain will be such an asset to you and an incredible asset to society. What especially impressed me was that you only saw me post a couple of times and you were willing to share your story. Furthermore, in addressing someone you did not agree with (not did I) you treated that person with respect. All of your obvious strenghths are going to be so helpful in this endeavor you have chosen.
We, as a community, are very, very fortunate to have you. If you have any questions about becoming a judge, law school, etc. let me know -
Oh what can I say - as you know I just barely started on this site and had stopped for the last couple of days because I have pneumonia. And I was feeling terrifically sorry for myself until I read your story. What an incredible man you are - selfishly I am most excited by the fact that you are in law school with the bench as your goal. You are so fortunate to have this all in front of you. I, unfortunately, was addicted while I was on the bench. The good news is that I was never fired for using, but it was coming close. I had a child in the meantime who was then about four so I could credibly step down and say that I wanted to spend time with my son. I spent seven years and the bench and until the end loved every second of it. Fortunately, should I choose I can go back pro-tem or as a "rent-a-judge" although I struggle with the decision every day. I only have about a year sober and I certainly do not want to fall again from that height.
Your obvious compassion for people and your incredible insights into their pain will be such an asset to you and an incredible asset to society. What especially impressed me was that you only saw me post a couple of times and you were willing to share your story. Furthermore, in addressing someone you did not agree with (not did I) you treated that person with respect. All of your obvious strenghths are going to be so helpful in this endeavor you have chosen.
We, as a community, are very, very fortunate to have you. If you have any questions about becoming a judge, law school, etc. let me know -
GOODMORNING TALLGIRL AND BEN,
TALLGIRL, I COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT BETTER TO BEN. I ALSO JUST CAME ON AND HE HAS BEEN LIKE AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN. SO HAS MANY OTHERS HERE. I AM IN AW.. OF THE KINDEST PEOPLE ON THIS SITE. I WOULD TRUST ANYONE HERE, ANY PAIN PILL ADDICT, BEFORE I TRUST MY SISTER, MY PASTOR, MY BEST FRIEND.
AND NEVER IN MY WILDEST DREAMS WOULD I EVER THINK THAT WAS POSSIBLE. IT IS NOT BECAUSE I CANNOT SEE YOUR FACES EITHER. MATTER OF FACT, I WISH WE ALL COULD MEET IN PERSON. EVERYONE IS NOTHING SHORT OF RESPECTFUL, KIND, UNDERSTANDING AND NO ONE USES FOUL LANGUAGE. NOTHING BUT TOTAL CLASS HERE AND I AM BLOWN AWAY. THE SONG AMAZING GRACE HAS NOW COME TO LIGHT ...........................................DIANE
TALLGIRL, I COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT BETTER TO BEN. I ALSO JUST CAME ON AND HE HAS BEEN LIKE AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN. SO HAS MANY OTHERS HERE. I AM IN AW.. OF THE KINDEST PEOPLE ON THIS SITE. I WOULD TRUST ANYONE HERE, ANY PAIN PILL ADDICT, BEFORE I TRUST MY SISTER, MY PASTOR, MY BEST FRIEND.
AND NEVER IN MY WILDEST DREAMS WOULD I EVER THINK THAT WAS POSSIBLE. IT IS NOT BECAUSE I CANNOT SEE YOUR FACES EITHER. MATTER OF FACT, I WISH WE ALL COULD MEET IN PERSON. EVERYONE IS NOTHING SHORT OF RESPECTFUL, KIND, UNDERSTANDING AND NO ONE USES FOUL LANGUAGE. NOTHING BUT TOTAL CLASS HERE AND I AM BLOWN AWAY. THE SONG AMAZING GRACE HAS NOW COME TO LIGHT ...........................................DIANE
Dear Tallgirl,
First of all, let me address the fact that you have been sober and drug free for almost a year. That is absolutely awesome. I'm so happy that you found your way to this wonderful forum. I think you've already seen the genuineness of the members. My mother just recovered from pneumonia, and I never knew how bad it really is, so I hope you're feeling better.
What an extremely difficult situation you were in as a judge. Trying to adjudicate cases, especially when many are already in arrears, is a hard enough process. I couldn't imagine trying to accomplish this, and interpreting the law, under the influence of opioids. I think many people visualize a judge's job as sustaining/overruling objections, charging the jury, and imposing sentence. I say this, because most people only see these parts. Spending a great deal of time in camera researching case law, hearing motions and petitions, etc., is all part of the job, too.
I'm glad that you stepped down before you, or any of the cases (if you were a trial judge), were governed by your "addictive mind", instead of the one that, I'm sure was, and now is, amazing. I hope you return to the bench, as a judge pro tempore.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I try to view each situation from an empathetic point-of-view. Nobody wants to be pitied, certainly not defendants in court. I've read a tremendous amount of material about Justice William J. Brennan, Jr., a compassionate man, judge and justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court, and Supreme Court Justice. Justice's Black and Brennan led the Court by striking down a California statute that, for decades, caused people to be convicted for simply being addicted to narcotics [(Robinson v. California, 370 U.S. 660 (1962) - STEWART, J]. As Justice BRENNAN said, "'The State of California had no constitutional right to imprison a citizen of the United States for being addicted to narcotics.'" That not only restored some dignity to Lawrence Robinson, but to all of the people that battle with this terrible disease called addiction.
As I said, if the time comes for me to sit behind the bench, all of these inherent strengths will be an asset to everyone that comes before me. Thank you, tallgirl, for your offer to answer questions I may have regarding law school, judging, and interpreting the law. I will definitely take you up on that offer.
Once again, welcome to this great board, and congratulations on all of your accomplishments, especially being free from drugs for a year. That is a great feat to accomplish. I, for one, am in awe of you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, tallgirl.
Ben
First of all, let me address the fact that you have been sober and drug free for almost a year. That is absolutely awesome. I'm so happy that you found your way to this wonderful forum. I think you've already seen the genuineness of the members. My mother just recovered from pneumonia, and I never knew how bad it really is, so I hope you're feeling better.
What an extremely difficult situation you were in as a judge. Trying to adjudicate cases, especially when many are already in arrears, is a hard enough process. I couldn't imagine trying to accomplish this, and interpreting the law, under the influence of opioids. I think many people visualize a judge's job as sustaining/overruling objections, charging the jury, and imposing sentence. I say this, because most people only see these parts. Spending a great deal of time in camera researching case law, hearing motions and petitions, etc., is all part of the job, too.
I'm glad that you stepped down before you, or any of the cases (if you were a trial judge), were governed by your "addictive mind", instead of the one that, I'm sure was, and now is, amazing. I hope you return to the bench, as a judge pro tempore.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I try to view each situation from an empathetic point-of-view. Nobody wants to be pitied, certainly not defendants in court. I've read a tremendous amount of material about Justice William J. Brennan, Jr., a compassionate man, judge and justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court, and Supreme Court Justice. Justice's Black and Brennan led the Court by striking down a California statute that, for decades, caused people to be convicted for simply being addicted to narcotics [(Robinson v. California, 370 U.S. 660 (1962) - STEWART, J]. As Justice BRENNAN said, "'The State of California had no constitutional right to imprison a citizen of the United States for being addicted to narcotics.'" That not only restored some dignity to Lawrence Robinson, but to all of the people that battle with this terrible disease called addiction.
As I said, if the time comes for me to sit behind the bench, all of these inherent strengths will be an asset to everyone that comes before me. Thank you, tallgirl, for your offer to answer questions I may have regarding law school, judging, and interpreting the law. I will definitely take you up on that offer.
Once again, welcome to this great board, and congratulations on all of your accomplishments, especially being free from drugs for a year. That is a great feat to accomplish. I, for one, am in awe of you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, tallgirl.
Ben
Dear Bronco,
Amazing Grace - such a beautiful song. I'm glad you've decided to stay on this board, Diane.
You deserve the best. We all do. As I said, if there's anything I can do, just ask.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben
Amazing Grace - such a beautiful song. I'm glad you've decided to stay on this board, Diane.
You deserve the best. We all do. As I said, if there's anything I can do, just ask.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben
Ben - thank you so much for your wonderful words - you really are wise beyond your years. I was in fact a trial judge (good one if Imay say so myself). I also have had the opportunity to clerk at the state appellate court as well as the federal trial. I hope that your plans include a clerkship with a judge because I found it was the most helpful thing I ever did for my career - keep in touch!
Dear Tallgirl,
A year before I entered law school, I was given the opportunity to assist a TAC (Temporary Assistant Clerk) at one of our superior courts.
One of my mentors, from a college internship in the Department of Correction, is married to a Senior Judge. He became a great inspiration to me, personally and professionally. I knew the caseflow coordinator too, and, with the consent of the Chief Admisitrative Judge for the Civil Division, I was permitted this amazing opportunity - primarily designed as an internship.
Although I was there for a short time, I learned a tremendous amount. The intricacies of voir dire, preparing short calendars, preparation of evidence for trial, etc. Paramount multi-tasking, to say the least! I can't wait to return and become a full time TAC.
I forgot to say that it was so happy to see that you really enjoyed being a judge. I have peers that will ask: "Why not become a defense attorney or a prosecutor? You'd make more money, you could open your own practice..." For me, it's not about the money, it's about the integrity that a proficient and adroit judge can bring to the legal community.
Please keep in touch, too. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben
A year before I entered law school, I was given the opportunity to assist a TAC (Temporary Assistant Clerk) at one of our superior courts.
One of my mentors, from a college internship in the Department of Correction, is married to a Senior Judge. He became a great inspiration to me, personally and professionally. I knew the caseflow coordinator too, and, with the consent of the Chief Admisitrative Judge for the Civil Division, I was permitted this amazing opportunity - primarily designed as an internship.
Although I was there for a short time, I learned a tremendous amount. The intricacies of voir dire, preparing short calendars, preparation of evidence for trial, etc. Paramount multi-tasking, to say the least! I can't wait to return and become a full time TAC.
I forgot to say that it was so happy to see that you really enjoyed being a judge. I have peers that will ask: "Why not become a defense attorney or a prosecutor? You'd make more money, you could open your own practice..." For me, it's not about the money, it's about the integrity that a proficient and adroit judge can bring to the legal community.
Please keep in touch, too. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben
Dear ben - That is amazing - the reason that you want to be a judge- because i believe that is what I accomplished and what I intend to continue. My district covers 45,000 sq. miles and is the fastest growing community/area in the state. At that time I was the only district court judge. When I stepped down I was replaced by three men (no direct insult to your gender dear LOL but I think that gives you an idea of the workload). A typical morning would be as follows - I would be doing trial call, quickly to determine which of the 15 cases before me (which had been whittled down from 150 the Friday before) were going to trial. A jury would be waiting. I would take 3 pleas, 10 would be set over and 2 would be set for trial - depending on the speedy trial rule of those two we would decide which would go first. More than two juries would have to be empaneled so as not to lose the case to Rule 45 (our speedy rule). While I was overseeing voir dire in hopefully only one - sometimes two courtrooms- a search warrant would come in. Some I could do on paper, others, if insufficient or unclear I woud have to have the officer or witness come in. Meanwhile, during trial, I would be reviewing files for arguments in sentencing that afternoon. How does that sound for multi-tasking?
The beauty of it - I loved every minute of it. The ability to feel as if I really did make a difference in people's lives. Although Ihandled both a criminal and civil docket the reality is whether you like it or not the criminal workload is 75% of what you do. The fact that I was able to be that one judge in someone's life - whether it be their first or 30th time in the system - that they knew truly cared what happened to them is something that I brought to the courtroom and am proud of today.
The great news - you are on that road - I am so excited for you - it is like you truly have a golden highway in front of you - just remember that before you become a judge you do have to pay your dues. I prosecuted for four years and worked in a civil firm for the same amount of time. with few excetptions I can't stand civil law - criminal is just much more intricate and involved for me - but i knew I could not become a judge unless I did both so that is what I did. It was worth it - you will love it - and if there is anything I can ever do for you - let me know -
The beauty of it - I loved every minute of it. The ability to feel as if I really did make a difference in people's lives. Although Ihandled both a criminal and civil docket the reality is whether you like it or not the criminal workload is 75% of what you do. The fact that I was able to be that one judge in someone's life - whether it be their first or 30th time in the system - that they knew truly cared what happened to them is something that I brought to the courtroom and am proud of today.
The great news - you are on that road - I am so excited for you - it is like you truly have a golden highway in front of you - just remember that before you become a judge you do have to pay your dues. I prosecuted for four years and worked in a civil firm for the same amount of time. with few excetptions I can't stand civil law - criminal is just much more intricate and involved for me - but i knew I could not become a judge unless I did both so that is what I did. It was worth it - you will love it - and if there is anything I can ever do for you - let me know -
Dear Tallgirl,
I am in absolute awe of you. I can really see that you enjoyed being a judge. I got a heart laugh out of the fact that, when you stepped down, three male judges had to replace you. You are the pre-eminent multi-tasker!
I completely understand the concept of paying my dues; however, it can't be enforced enough. As I said, some of my peers live in a dream world. They think that they'll pass the bar, clerk for a year or two, then become a partner in a firm, or an ADA. And, perhaps, there are law students that can move directly into large firms, i.e.: "My father knows 'such and such...'"
I'm look at both the "big picture" and what each day holds for me. Right now, I'm about to end my second year of law school. I'm planning for a job this summer, and I network - something my father drilled into me 15 years ago.
Better get some sleep. Thanks for all, tallgirl. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben
I am in absolute awe of you. I can really see that you enjoyed being a judge. I got a heart laugh out of the fact that, when you stepped down, three male judges had to replace you. You are the pre-eminent multi-tasker!
I completely understand the concept of paying my dues; however, it can't be enforced enough. As I said, some of my peers live in a dream world. They think that they'll pass the bar, clerk for a year or two, then become a partner in a firm, or an ADA. And, perhaps, there are law students that can move directly into large firms, i.e.: "My father knows 'such and such...'"
I'm look at both the "big picture" and what each day holds for me. Right now, I'm about to end my second year of law school. I'm planning for a job this summer, and I network - something my father drilled into me 15 years ago.
Better get some sleep. Thanks for all, tallgirl. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben
Ben u sound like an amazing person, u have been through alot and u should be proud of urself for thinking so positively!!! I must say please dont bother listening to kiwirain, as far as i have seen he only ever has negative things to say about people! i dont know why he feels he has something to contribute to this board when all he does is say negative things about people all the time! As i said u should be proud of urself bender!!! all the best!
Dear Elvis,
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for those kind words. As I said, I take each day as it comes and also look at life's "big picture." Much of my determination comes from Kelly Beth, who asked me never to give up on my goal of becoming a judge. I promised Kel, before she passed away, that I'd do everything do make both of our dreams come true. The unselfish person that Kel was, all she wanted in her short life of 24 years, was to make other people happy.
As far as the post from Kiwirain, each and every person has a right to say what that person thinks. And, although I disagree with his post, I'm content with knowing that what I think is right. And, since 1997, I've had severe pain which is why I need opioids. If that is what I need, then so be it. As I said in my initial post, I'm looking into: (1) A non-opioid alternative - the Dorsal Column Stimulator; and, (2) An intrathecal opioid/ketamine pump that delivers micrograms/ml, some even deliver amounts that are so small, the dosage is nanograms/ml.
If I may ask, what is your history? I'd like to extend you a "welcome" to this great forum, since I haven't posted to you before now.
Once again, thank you for your kind words. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for those kind words. As I said, I take each day as it comes and also look at life's "big picture." Much of my determination comes from Kelly Beth, who asked me never to give up on my goal of becoming a judge. I promised Kel, before she passed away, that I'd do everything do make both of our dreams come true. The unselfish person that Kel was, all she wanted in her short life of 24 years, was to make other people happy.
As far as the post from Kiwirain, each and every person has a right to say what that person thinks. And, although I disagree with his post, I'm content with knowing that what I think is right. And, since 1997, I've had severe pain which is why I need opioids. If that is what I need, then so be it. As I said in my initial post, I'm looking into: (1) A non-opioid alternative - the Dorsal Column Stimulator; and, (2) An intrathecal opioid/ketamine pump that delivers micrograms/ml, some even deliver amounts that are so small, the dosage is nanograms/ml.
If I may ask, what is your history? I'd like to extend you a "welcome" to this great forum, since I haven't posted to you before now.
Once again, thank you for your kind words. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben
Ben, I found your story amazing. What a hell of a nice guy you are!
You have endured so much in your short life. I hope that's your share for a lifetime and the rest of your life is just as you've dreamed. Good luck!
You'll make a wonderful judge. Never let go of that dream.
