How often do you reflect? Ferris Beuller (Paramount 1986) noted aptly, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." The older I get, the more that resonates. At the WCI in August, I was actually flattered a few times. I don't flatter easily.
One might think that the parade of compliments is endearing and fruitful. Know this, I take public statements with a grain of salt. We all should. I do not fault people for their stated sentiments, but we all must remain aware of motivation and appearances.
Judge Lazzara used to quote an Arabid proverb: "When the judge’s mule dies, everybody goes to the funeral; when the judge himself dies, nobody goes.” See, once the judge is dead, they are irrelevant, and can lend relevance neither to themselves nor their Equidae.
Judge Robert Deitz used to say in a similar vein, "my jokes became 63.2% funnier the day I became a judge." See Humor and Failure (August 2022). Speaking of humor, it is a difficult tool. See Night Court (May 2025). I got some laughs from the "newer" lawyers at the OJCC Academy last week. But I am not sure I was funny.
I often think of Judges Dietz and Lazzara when there are expressions of praise. I am usually grateful that the speaker is not chiding or criticizing; those are uncomfortable. Nonetheless, it is easier to trust in the sincerity of criticism. I deeply value the critics and the cynics. Honest critics are worth their weight in gold.
The praise is harder.
But around the 2026 WCI, I was blessed with three interactions that I value. They occurred in private, which enhances credibility. They were delivered by those who gain no benefit from favor, nor could ever hope to from me, as their stature and prestige are far beyond anything to which I could ever aspire.
One was complimentary of a collaboration of which I am quite proud. Over a period of years, I have been privileged to be associated with a group of dedicated, brilliant, and critical people. I have striven unsuccessfully to match their pace and mirror their dedication. I have undoubtedly failed. Nonetheless, one of them acknowledged my efforts in trying.
Another was of the efficacy and efficiency of the Florida OJCC. This was praise of the highest and broadest degree. The speaker has the credibility that comes from national experience and exposure. They assured that Florida's adjudication system is widely and openly recognized in various conversations and distant reform exhortations. The conclusion there was that Florida is "the best." That is humbling.
To be fair, any praise for the Florida OJCC belongs to a variety of souls in this extremely small agency. The judges, mediators, clerks, and staff are the strength and the spirit. I am merely privileged to sit at the head of the table and enjoy their successes. Sure, they make errors and mistakes at times. Don't we all? But most days in most ways they are exemplary and make me look good.
Finally, the most important of the three was by far the simplest. Delivered in the most casual of observations and carrying an unintended sense of some impending doom. This speaker simply and succinctly said, "Thank you for years of friendship. I am grateful for so many conversations."
That one has resonated repeatedly since. It reminds me of Bob Hope (Thanks for the Memories, The Big Broadcast, 1938) or Carol Burnett (I'm so Glad we had this Time Together, The Carol Burnett Show, 1967). Yes, I am glad, and thanks.
The fact is, "Life (does) move pretty fast." Imagine that you are being effective in sharing your gratitude with those who make your journey better. Imagine that you are not, and that you could be more succinct, straightforward, and effective.
Pick up the phone. Call someone whom you appreciate. Let them know in a sentence or two that they are valued in your world, perspective, and belief. Believe me or don't, your days are numbered. Tell someone they matter before your chance has passed. Do it in private, be direct, and be quick. The clock is ticking whether you think so or not.
