Just keep swimming

This past week felt like I was drowning. It's not the first time, but every time that happens, I try to remember the words of Dory, to "just keep swimming."
(See this video if you don't know what I'm talking about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxB_TemN1pc).



I did have a wonderful fall break during the prior week (visited Boston and Philadelphia, both of which I had always wanted to visit but never found time to do so), but then returning to classes, keeping up with meetings, and throw in some unexpected changes, and it felt like a wipeout by the time Tuesday rolled along! It really felt like a very looooong week.



So this weekend, I finally made some time to slow down, and rest a bit. It's getting to that point of the semester, when most students feel overwhelmed/worried/stressed/anxious/tired/etc. There's so much to prepare for (ahem, final exams!) but yet there's so much reading, projects, and learning still to try to stay focused on.



I try to remind myself that law school is really worth it all. And some days are easier than others. I can only thank God for His incomparable strength in my life.

And, I of course thank God for Starbucks. That place and those drinks help keep me going when I think I can't any longer. I'm frequently amazed at the surprises and little treats I get to experience while at the local Starbucks, my usual study spot.


This Sunday, while sitting at one of my favorite tables by the big windows at Starbucks (soaking in the sunshine on a chilly day), fully absorbed in law school reading and work, I looked up and a little girl about 4 or 5 years old, was intently staring at me. She had walked in with her mom and sat at a table near me. Maybe it was my pink notebook computer or pink iPod, or something else bright and pink in my possession, that caught her attention. (Due to my "legally latina" approach to life, it's not the first time that all the pink and bright colors I regularly wear and choose for my belongings capture little girls' attention.)


Either way, the little girl gleefully smiled at me as she held up her chocolate milk for me to see, all while sitting next to her mom. I, of course, smiled back at her and and said hello.


I kept reading, but then minutes later, I looked up again and realized that my amiguita (little friend) was trying to play peek a boo with me -- she lowered her face behind the chair's backrest and would slowly move her head up and peek at me again. It was simply adorable, and definitely beat reading anything in my law casebook. Any day and any time.


And it was precisely at that moment, that I was reminded of why I'm a law student. After taking off my pink earphones and chuckling, while starting small talk with the little girl and her mom, and complimenting my new amiguita about how pretty the pink flower and heart painted on her cheeks were (at which she beamed and then fluttered off her chair and over to her mom to cheerfully hug her), I remembered why I love children.



There's just something about the innocence and gentleness of a child's smile. Their bright eyes and little grins focused on getting a person's attention can warm a heart faster than any ray of sunshine. Maybe it's their little hands gripping yours or their little arms wrapped around you begging to get attention and love. The truth is that all children are heavenly gifts we must admire and cherish.


Call me a dreamer, but one of my life goals is to do whatever I can so that all niños and niñas have the opportunity to be safe. To be loved and cherished. To be able to share and enjoy happy moments with families who seek their wellbeing. My heart beats for advocating for justice and protection for children, in the United States and everywhere.


More than five children suffer and die, every single day, here, in the USA (for further information and other statistics, see: http://www.childhelp.org/pages/statistics?gclid=CKK-nLD0hqwCFYSo4AodMnPk8w#gen-stats). The suffering and need for protection of children is also incredible in other countries worldwide. I want to always be willing and available to do what I can to help children. My prayers, my education, my abilities, my interests, and pretty much everything else God allows me is all something I can (and aim to) offer to help children. Most importantly, given any opportunity, I can (and should always) share God's love with the children I am blessed to encounter.


So, I share the challenge with all of you reading this as well. Next time a little girl or boy is near you, or if you have children of your own, don't take them for granted. Share a smile and let your heart be open to what God allows you to experience by reaching out and loving one of "the least of these."


Finally, in Dr. Seuss's words, always remember that "A person's a person, no matter how small."