The Bar results were supposed to come in sometime on September 23rd (Monday), but we had no idea what time of day. My brother got his results at midnight. A previous FSU grad got her results at 9:15am. and one of the partners from work got his results at 11am! So basically--we were very very anxious.
Of course we stayed up until midnight on Sunday juuuust to be sure they didn't come in. Somehow, we all slept ok that night. I thought for sure we would both be tossing and turning all night. I woke up that morning remembering THIS IS THE DAY. The day we've been waiting soooo long for. The day that tells our future.
Ryan and I texted back and forth that morning about how sick our stomachs were. I was so anxious. I put on a movie for Brinley and just anxiously cleaned the house to try and keep my mind off of it.
At 9:25am, Ryan called. My stomach dropped.
M: hello?
R: I passed.
I haven't screamed that loud in a long time and I just couldn't stop smiling. We were laughing and saying lots of oh my gosh I can't believe it! It was a short phone call because he needed to compose himself before telling the managing partners and other partners and associates the good news.
I got of the phone and started running around in circles saying Daddy Passed the BAR!!!!!!!!
and Brinley, who is always so focused on her movies, jumped right up and yelled daddy pass-ed the Bar!? So then we can go fishing!!???
We hugged on the floor and I just lost it. My sweet baby girl who has been here since day 1 of law school can finally have her daddy back. She was jumping and dancing and singing for the next few minutes. After daddy passes the Bar, they are going fishing. That was their deal. That sweet girl has been so patient and my heart was just so overwhelmed with love and appreciation for her.
Ryan came home from work during his lunch time and we just hugged and laughed and talked about the whole finding out. I made sure that he double checked his file number and his results 100 times juuuuust to be sure.
Ryan picked where he wanted to eat that night to celebrate. Benihana's. What a fun place! I've been to a few other Hibachi restuarants, but this was our first time going to Benihana's. Our chef was amazing with the girls. He really included Brinley in every step of the way. He made a mommy chicken and a baby chicken out of EGG. It was ridiculous.
We talked to family that night and really just kept looking at each other like, did this just happen?? We are still on cloud 9 and feel like we are going through the motions. I'm not sure when it will really hit us that Ryan is officially an attorney and our life as students is forever over. We are just so so happy.
On Wednesday, the firm set up Ryan's induction into the Florida Bar. What a neat experience. We met Ryan at the Courthouse in the afternoon and I couldn't believe the amount of Partners and Associates that came for Ryan's induction. People just kept coming into our courtroom. Such an impressive group of people. I don't know if the Firm has ever hired someone right out of school and have been apart of a new associates induction ceremony, so it was honestly so special for everyone present. Brinley and Ellie did really well and loved being apart of it.
The Judge first had Ryan sit in a specific seat because she wanted to talk to him directly about the importance of the phrase "passing the Bar." (see here under Terminology). Yes, passing the Bar is the test. But it is also meaningful in a courtroom. For everyday pedestrians like you and me who aren't attorney's, we have to be invited to pass the "bar" (the waist high wall that separates the civilians and the prosecutors/rest of the courtroom where the Judge sits). We have to be invited to cross over that partition. But once Ryan takes that oath, he will never have to be invited to cross the bar again. He is welcome to freely pass over anytime he wants while inside the courtroom. I don't know if that makes sense, but it was so spiritual and moving. I did not expect that from the Judge and it took me back. I couldn't help but get emotional. This journey has been so emotionally and physically draining. And what a way to end. A physical journey and an emotional journey too while inside that courtroom. It really meant a lot to me that the Judge took the time to really talk to us before Ryan gave the Oath.
The Oath took a minute or so for him to read, and once it was over, it was over! They shook hands and that was that. We took pictures and hugged and away we went.
Judge blacked out due to respect on her behalf and privacy reasons.
WE DID IT.
pinch me.
We got Ryan's official letter from the Supreme Court of Florida, and we are waiting for his license to come. Next to come, framing his diploma's and license for his office!
I know I've said this a hundred times, and I'm going to keep saying it until the end of time, we could not have made it to this day if it wasn't for all of you. Family, friends, blog readers, complete strangers. You have supported us, encouraged us, and inspired us since the beginning of law school. I am so blessed. WE are so blessed. God is good. and we are a living testament that miracles are all around us and we just need to humble ourselves and realize the good in our lives. There is so much good. Ryan and I keep talking about the many little miracles along the way and it is so humbling. The Lord really was with us the entire way and He made all this possible. This journey has been painful and beautiful at the same time. One of these days, it is going to hit me, and I won't be able to stop smiling and crying at the same time. It has been extremely hard. BUT so worth it. We are incredibly blessed and I haven't stopped thanking my Heavenly Father for sustaining us to make it to the end. It was worth it. Every bit of it. So thank you again. We love you all and we appreciate every one of you!
