Supporting Ascendancy - September 18, 2007

If your family is the framework of your soul, then your friends are the nails, or, perhaps, the aluminum siding.

I have had friends come and go - quite frequently - but a few have stayed. These few are the ones who my kids will refer to as their Uncles and Aunts. Some will become doctors, other renowned directors, and even a fellow attorney or two.

I cannot explain how it happened, but I was bound with two of my peers, though younger in age, almost entirely overnight. I am not bad at making friends; I am not good at making friends that are lasting. But, somehow I found these two and I am proud of who we all are and who we will become. We have all accomplished a lot and have been a source of strength and support for each other. Of the few close friends - all of these people know they hold this role - these two have entered into a support system and a friendship-bordering-family that I have come to rely upon.

The three of us created our own brotherhood that has come to stand for the merits and moral characteristics we possess. Each of us brings something unique to our brotherhood; we each represent something that the other two seemingly strive to attain. In short, we push each other to be the best we can be, and in doing so are quite the handful.

One of us is the go-getter. He strives to be the best at everything he does, be it in an academic, athletic or extra-curricular setting. He wants the best so that he can be the best. He role-models high-quality achievement and tenacity.

The next person is the dreamer and philosopher. He continually provides words of encouragement, and has an anecdote for any occasion. He is looked up to by many, and has gained the respect of more. His catch-phrases and abnormally interesting speech patterns make him the perfect psychologist. He role-models positive attitude, inspiring genius and service to others.

The third of the group is easy-going, funny, and a closet "brainiac". He knows what he wants and will take any avenue to get there, even if the avenue is not as glamorous as that which he imagined. He is the one who could easily live in the woods, secluded from public - the constant optimist (who will gladly take a golf-ball in the back for a friend). He role-models ingenuity, fun and resilience.

We are a proverbial tri-force. We balance each other out - almost too well. Each supports the next; we are more like brothers than anything else.

But, it is hard to power the tri-force when one is not near the others. Plans were made that were rumored, quite literally, across the nation. But, as we all know, nothing goes according to plan.

I am worried that either (1) some trials are not understood completely or (2)absence does not make anything grow fonder. Distance is an obstacle - a test - that is meant to be overcome. Taking the next step in life, be it law or film school, cannot get in the way of the strongest relationship. The ideals by which our mini-brotherhood is bound does not rely upon a certain proximity or an equality in life-stages.

Such relationships are made to last. A title is not necessary, especially when we attempt to accomplish ascendancy to new stages in our lives.

My friends have deflected much of my stress and have been a major source of support in my life, especially in the last few years. I am just starting to find those who will be my support throughout the next three years of law school. I only hope they will be a force that challenges and pushes me to be the best, as so many of my friends have.

Law school is my stage. The friendships and undiminished support in the three-letter organization has been enabling.

I am a member for life.