Encouragement with a Little Annoyance Thrown in!

             Forty-seven years ago tomorrow, I was sworn in as an attorney.  I still remember the day well as I took the oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the State of Kentucky.  I still chuckle every time I recall the part where we had to swear that we had never fought a duel.  I guess no one ever thought that the oath might need a little updating.

            It was a magical day until I stepped up to the Clerk’s desk to receive my certificate showing that I was a licensed attorney for the State of Kentucky.  I gave the clerk my name, and she looked at me with a scowl and said, “So, you are Elaine Duncan!”.  I sheepishly said, “Yes”, not having a clue what she meant by that.  When I returned to the Capitol Rotunda and shared the story with my family, it became all too clear.

            My parents had been planning a fall vacation with some friends, but they didn’t want to risk missing my big day, so my Mother contacted one of our State Representatives whom she knew, and the Rep had contacted the Clerk’s office regularly trying to find out when the new attorneys would be sworn in.  Of course, she had given them my name each time!

            While I was not pleased that my Mother had managed to make me infamous before I even stepped into a courtroom, I was also proud to know that my parents cared enough to manage their plans around my accomplishment.  Still, I silently hoped I would not have to deal with the Kentucky Supreme Court Clerk’s office anytime soon!

            My point is that parents can be great encouragers, even when their idea of encouragement may not be the same as ours.  My parents supported and encouraged me all my life.  They were probably my biggest fans.  I could tell you about various projects over the years where I felt defeated, but they always came to my rescue, helping me figure out how to pick up the pieces and move forward.  Many of those times, it would have been easier to just quit but I don’t think “quitting” was in their vocabulary.

            On that day in 1976, I must admit I was a little upset with my Mom, but later it became a family joke.  My overzealous Mom wasn’t going to let anything keep her away from seeing her daughter become a full-fledged attorney. If you are a parent, a grandparent, or an aunt, don’t pass up any opportunity to encourage your kids.  They will thank you later.

            By the way, it was several years before I had a case with the Kentucky Supreme Court, and by then, the clerk had forgotten all about me! 😊

I Thessalonians 5: 11

II Timothy 4:2

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