Page 76 - FDCC Pandemic Book

Living in a Pandemic: A Collection of Stories on Coping, Resilience & Hope
were so unbelievably kind. It made me step back for a moment and realize that whether I noticed it or not, while my head was down and I was grinding away, I made an impact on many people, by just doing what I love doing every day.
After this incredible privilege of being elected to the management committee, more professional accolades flowed and it was an embarrassment of riches. I was named a Top 20 Women in Law in New Jersey by the New Jersey Law Journal and one of the “Best Lawyers in America 2020” for Healthcare. In September 2019, I was the program chair for the DRI Nursing Home and Assisted Living conference which was a very fulfilling professional experience. I was awarded the 2020 DRI Albert Parnell Outstanding Seminar Chair Award for my efforts in the fall. I also had the opportunity to be featured on a podcast involving women and business development, which I very much enjoyed as well.
I continued sprinting the marathon known as 2020 straight through until the the end. The sprint has continued into the first quarter of this year.
As better days look to be on the horizon, I have had some time to self-reflect and process 2020, although not quite fully. I love my job despite its challenges and pressures and I enjoy helping people. One of the main reasons I became a lawyer was to be of service to others and due to the intellectual stimulation this job provides on a daily basis. This year was by far the most stimulating, stressful, but the most rewarding, challenging and difficult. However, it was also the most stressful. Despite all of his difficulties, my father had a quiet inner strength and never complained. He stepped up to care for my mother for 10 years after her life-altering stroke when on many days it was hard to take care of himself. He was able to provide for us growing up even, despite some significant hospitalizations and medication changes due to bi-polar disorder. He was a quiet warrior and selfless.
So as I reflect on this year and wonder how on earth I was able to juggle what I did, I realize I must have inherited some of the best qualities my father possessed. I like to think he gave me some of his strength this past year as my plate was overflowing. I carry him with me each and every day and I know that no matter what 2021 brings, I am ready.
71