Stories of Kindness from Around the World

I was really anxious when I had to enlist the expertise of a solicitor/lawyer. My life was in shatters and my esteem was at an all-time-low and my anxiety through the roof. It had to be done though. I had to wade through the mud in the vain hope that eventually I'd come out the other side of the dark muddy tunnel cleaner. I'm talking about legal separation from my husband.

Though this was an unpleasant experience, Janice, my solicitor, was very supportive. Professional, yet supportive. I got on well with her and we did laugh a lot once I started to relax. I remember her telling me it made her day to see me. I protested my life was a mess and I wasn't interested in spending a clean fortune to divulge it to her and 'make her day'. We both laughed.

I remember Janice sending me a bill for her services. It was also accompanied with an email. She apologized for the bill and told me she had even given me a discount for a referral (apparently another member of staff sought her expertise where I had unknowingly given a testimonial about Janice). I replied to Janice's email. It was a lengthy and detailed email amongst other things, telling her she was worth every penny. The next time I went to see Janice she told me she was so touched with my words that she forwarded the email to her husband who was a partner in the practice, and he in turn showed it to the Partners. Janice jokingly said, "They said I should frame this!"

Janice's words and deep appreciation of my email got me thinking. I logged onto the internet and downloaded an image of a beautiful orange sunset. Then I superimposed my email onto the image. I then brought an electronic copy to Snappy Shots (they make personalized mugs, etc.) and asked them to provide a framed,  professional copy for me.

When it was ready, I called in to see Janice. She was in a hurry to go to court but she still rushed me into her room. I told her if she was to have a framed copy of my email, it should be presented to her from me. She was stunned, hugged me and still made time to run down the corridor and show it to her husband. She told me this would find pride of place in her office. Next time I had an appointment with Janice she showed me the framed email. It was opposite her desk, full view from her desk and placed between her Law Degrees!!

Many years later I had to carry out a student assessment in their work placement. The student was working with this solicitors' practice. Janice had now become a partner and had moved to a bigger office. Despite this, my framed email still took pride of place between her framed degrees.

This is a deeply felt tribute to me. Even though we had a professional relationship a part of me still moved up the ranks and stayed with Janice. We both had a mutual respect and left a marked impression on each other. I still think  warmly of her when I pass the practice.