The Noble Profession

 When someone offers you a lifetime achievement award, you're a little wary.  Does this mean you're old?  That you have already contributed everything they want you to contribute?  Is it the ultimate platitude before they send you into retirement?  No!  At least my dad hopes not!  The Utah State Bar honored a small handful of men this week for their contributions to the legal profession here in Utah, and Felshaw was among them.  The whole family attended a beautiful luncheon where each recipient of the award was lauded for their contributions.  Josh and Emily had a tough time deciding which table to join, as Emily's father was also given the lifetime achievement award.  What a happy confluence of circumstances!

The Bar president-elect, Angelina Tsu, offered her congratulations to my dad, then turned to me and said, "And thank you, too, for all the sacrifices you have made for his career.  We know it's a sacrifice."  I know that families do sacrifice time for careers, and that it "takes a village" for the success of the individual, no matter who the individual is.  However, I have never once felt that I sacrificed for my dad's career.  Always for my dad, family was first, and then The Law.  And that is saying a lot, because my dad loves The Law.  He gets tears in his eyes when he talks about "The Noble Profession."  Because of his attitude, Dad's devotion to his work only served as proof of his devotion to his family.  He has given service to his profession through numerous committees, leadership positions, and terms in the Utah State Legislature.  One of the award recipients said, "We are not here to be happy, we are here to serve."  My dad doesn't question the mandate to serve, to contribute, to lead.  For him and for many attorneys, it is part and parcel of their profession.  Another recipient, Judge Uno, was incarcerated in a Japanese internment camp, went on to have a brilliant career as an attorney and a judge, and now, as a diminutive, unassuming man, helps his son at his five buck pizza place in Rose Park.  Remember that next time you encounter a pizza man.  He may well have a J.D., a masters in social work and a PhD in Humanities, like Judge Uno.

Needless to say, I came away inspired by the award recipients, especially my dad.  He is never recognized for his accomplishments.  He is always just there to admire and support his kids and grandkids.  He had a hard time even telling us about the award because it seemed uncouth to brag.  Thanks for spilling the beans, Dad.  We wouldn't have missed this day for the world!

 HERE is Dad's speech.  He looks a little nervous when Richard is talking about his achievements!

 Rod's speech

 Micaela was there too, just socializing at the time of the photo.  :)

 Rod Snow, Emily's dad, gave an excellent speech.  With his electronic voice box, he even used his robot voice for a little extra humor!  We're so lucky to be related to the Snows, and to have been able to admire both dads together at the lunch.

Grand America macaroon store, after the festivities.  I love these two!  Thanks for living with vigor, passion and dedication to your values.