The last few weeks have been a blur and, as a result, I haven’t had time to slow down and write a blog.

In reality, I haven’t had time to think of a law-related topic to write a blog. We all have been there, so I know that I am preaching to the choir. Whether it’s an upcoming trial, a conference where you are a speaker, children that you would like to spend time with, a marathon that you need to train for, your seven-year anniversary, or all of the above in a span of two weeks, life is chaotic and stressful.

I have come to the realization that this may just be the life of a lawyer (and its double for my family, since my wife is an attorney, also). I have written a few number of blogs on perspective and stress management and making time. While I try to be a man of my word, I am not infallible and I (often) get trapped in the heat of the moment and cannot see the forest from the trees.

Sometimes, a story comes along that gives you a dose of reality and perspective in one huge package.  Mine came from a Facebook update about someone I knew in high school. While we were not friends (he was a few years ahead of me), I still have some recollection of him as part of my high school experience. Here’s the story in a nutshell:

Nate Bond is 38, married with an 18-month-old daughter in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer on Feb. 14. Nine days later, his wife, Elisa, at the age of 36, was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer.

They now both face treatment for aggressive forms of cancer, while caring for their daughter, Sadie. Prior to all of this, they started a blog about their lives as parents, but have decided to continue to blog on treatment and raising their daughter.

Friends have put together a website to help the couple defray the costs of medical expenses.  Friends and strangers have rallied to support them with kind words and financial donations.

I have spent some time reading through the blog and looking through the website and am amazed at the strength and courage of Nate and Elisa (and feeling somewhat voyeuristic, as I learn about these very personal details of people that I do not know).  I have read some of the comments, which are uplifting in the wake of such personal tragedy.

There is no need to belabor the point of this blog. Go home, hug your kids, kiss your spouse, and be thankful. I plan on doing that tonight and every night. I also plan on praying for a happy ending for Nate, Elisa, and Sadie.

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