So I'm a second year law student.
It's so much better than being a first year law student! My schedule is flexible, I no longer spend every day with the same 15 people (even if they're great, that's a lot of enforced togetherness), and I get to choose my own courses. This term I'm taking Aboriginal Law, Intellectual Property, Real Estate and Administrative Law. Next term I've got Media Law, Advanced Intellectual Property, Trusts and Civil Procedure. I'm beginning to narrow my focus to the various forms of property law - real estate, creative works, media, aboriginal land claims - and it feels good to be making my own choices. Last year I felt babysat. This year, I feel much more independent.
Uncertainty used to scare me, but somewhere along the line it has started to feel the opposite. It's somehow comforting to think that I can't plan everything or see into the future. I turned 28 this week, and I could never have predicted much of what has happened over the past year. Some of it has not been so great - I had absolutely no idea I'd get a shock from my defibrillator or need it replaced, and no idea that my hips would get so bad. But I also couldn't have imagined getting through the shock and the surgery, or feeling excited and content again after my breakup last summer. I'm even dating someone - someone I knew years before - and I definitely didn't foresee that.
When I worry about my future with RA, I remind myself how much things can change in a year. I can't predict how I'll feel or what treatments will be available to me, but I think I can be confident that, whatever happens, I'll have what it takes to adapt and respond. That's all I can do, but I think it's enough.
So things are good. Hips not great, but swimming a lot. School stressful but interesting. Weather starting to turn.
Happy fall everyone.
7 comments:
I'm so glad you're enjoying your classes, Helen, and that you're recovering so well from that unexpected shock and the subsequent surgery. You're absolutely right that we cannot foresee the changes that inevitably occur over the space of year--if I'd been told last year at this time that I'd become my mother's full-time and my uncle's part-time caregiver, living away from my own home, for a year at least and perhaps longer, I'd not have believed it. And yet... and yet. I also wouldn't have believed how deeply gratifying, even comforting, my new life can be.
I've told you before, I think, that I believe you're a very wise person for your age, but I'll tell you again anyway. You are very wise for a 28-year-old, much wiser than I was at your age. Enjoy law school, enjoy the oncoming autumn. There are great things--yes, unknown--but great nonetheless,in your future.
Hugs for you.
Yay for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so happy to read your blog!
On another note...I thought of you the other day when I felt a shock to my heart....and then an electrical feeling out of my limbs....real fun and probably just related to my nerve issues from Lyme disease.
Happy fall to you too!
Helen, this post is wonderful. As I was reading it, I was reminded of a children's pop up book. Your excitement about life just seems to "pop up" from the blog and creates wonderful pictures in my mind of the wonderful things that are happening for you. Yay!!! I love that uncertainty no longer scares you. That is how I have been feeling lately too. I am really happy for you Helen and appreciate that you are sharing these happy days with us.
Yay for being a 2L - you are right it is WAY better than being a 1L. Enjoy it! ~;o)
Awesome! Just stopped by to see how you were doing. I'm really sick of doctors myself right now.
Melissa
Wren - thank you for your lovely comment. You've been through a lot of changes in the past year, too, but I'm so glad to hear you are finding comfort and value in those changes. I always love hearing from you. :)
Britta - that sounds scary! Yikes.
Cathy - thank you. :) I always feel the same about your posts. Your excitement about life is so obvious and inspiring.
Mariah - SO much better than 1L!
And, hello Melissa! Great to hear from you again. And I still think you should have a blog!
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