I Am Woman

by Julie Lusthaus

I am a mother, wife, friend, sister and daughter. Until 2021, I was a granddaughter. I am a 5th generation attorney, and I am proud to continue the family legacy. I am a franchise attorney. I am a business owner and entrepreneur though I did not realize my entrepreneurial spirit until I opened my law firm in 2017. I am passionate about my work. I am organized, detail oriented and diligent. I strive to be honest, conscientious and ethical in my work and my relationships. I am kind and curious and I value honesty, sincerity and humility.

I endeavor to have an open mind and I am learning to say yes. As a dog owner, I have always eschewed small dogs. I only related to big dogs but then the 2020 pandemic hit. We could not find a local puppy available for adoption and thus agreed to adopt a puppy from afar. When he arrived, to our dismay, instead of being the large breed puppy we were expecting, he was a small dog. Against what I thought was my better judgment, I nonetheless said “yes” and we adopted him. What a wonderful surprise I received from saying yes. I discovered the benefits of small dogs: less hair, less mess, less food and same great company.

Mostly, however, I am grateful. So very grateful. For my freedom, my husband and children and their well-being, my extended family, friends and my communities. I am grateful for what I have, what I no longer have and for that which I have not received. I am grateful for my strength and my sensitivity. I am grateful for my education and the opportunities I have been given. I am grateful for opportunities for growth even if they do not always feel like opportunities. I am grateful to know that I count. I am grateful to know that notwithstanding my fears, there has been ground beneath me all along.