Medford, New Jersey -- night

It's still crazy to see 'Medford, New Jersey' in the caption. Although being back still feels quite bittersweet, there have already been some touching, positive moments.

Later in the work day today, I had a chance to talk with Michael, my 15-year old Ukrainian friend. He told me that the first Monday at work after I had left for my trip, he had felt very sad. He told me that later that same night, he felt so depressed that he took a few drinks from a bottle of whiskey to put him to sleep. From that point on, he would tap my door every day when passing as a far-away gesture of friendship; it was his way of making daily contact with me despite the distance. He told me that before I had left, I had been his best friend. I had always tried to bring Michael under my wing to provide him a good example of a good man who treats everyone with love and respect. His admissions really touched me, especially that he had the strength and sensitivity to open up to me. I felt very honored.

Soon after, when I had left work, I stopped to talk to the black homeless man on 15th and Chestnut, always sitting on an upturned bucket next to the blue mailboxes. I had promised him a good conversation. But very quickly into it, he told me about how so many times he had considered killing himself by throwing himself in front of a bus or a Mack truck. What he said stopped him were his friendships. Then, he told me how much he missed me while I was gone. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he had to wipe his eyes. I told him my thoughts, that I respected him very much to remain so strong in his position. I also pointed out that during our conversation, at least several people had said 'hello' to him. I said that is the purpose of life: to spread love, and then to wait for it to come back to you. I told him that I considered him my friend, as I consider everyone. And I said that each person has a purpose in this lifetime, although one may never discover it while walking on this earth. I told him that he is effecting other people's lives, whether he realizes it or not. For that reason, he must continue to live, and to spread love. And that as long as the sun shall rise each day, so shall I. And hence, so must he. I told him to always have faith in God, and to live and love. His feelings and expressions really touched me. It made me feel good to help someone. And I feel better for the day when I will need help.

Besides that, the only other big news is that I spoke with Evan tonight, and he asked me to be a part of his groom's party. Of course I accepted.

Also, I met with my first client in person since my return. It was a complex case comprising of custody, child support, and protection from abuse. I took the facts, analyzed them, and advised her. To verify my skills, I checked with Stephanie to check my advice. She told me that I hadn't lost my touch. It felt good to know that. Although I wasn't really surprised, it was a nice challenge.

Well, tomorrow I go to court with Richard, dressed in shirt, tie, and jacket, whereas that time last week I was walking down the main street of Samara, Costa Rica in just a bathing suit and flip-flops. Oh well, it's all good. There's a reason for all of this. Just gotta have faith and keep on moving.