Chapter One
Today I graduated from law school. What a wonderful day we were having. Jacob and I were taking selfies together after the ceremony was over. It took me seven years to finish college and law school. Jacob was enormously proud of me. I graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Law, in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
As a law graduate, I was required to wear a black gown with green velvet on the front, a black tam, a purple tassel hanging on the side, and a hood. My law degree was held proudly underneath my arm, as I laughed, telling Jacob that I thought we had taken enough selfies for the day. Jacob sighed and told me how proud he was of me. I graduated summa cum laude from college and law school with a 4.0 GPA from each. Jacob told me that, if our parents were still alive, they would be proud of me. I just smiled at Jacob. He smiled back at me.
We went out shopping together and to see a movie to celebrate my graduation as well as my 26th birthday as it was in the same week as my graduation. I was immensely proud of myself for my accomplishments. Four months later, Jacob and I moved back to Fargo where we had grown up. I passed the bar exam on the first try. The North Dakota bar examination lasted for two days. I had to take a 90-minute Multistate Performance Test (MPT) and six 30-minute Multistate Essay Exam (MEE) questions. It took me approximately six months to study for the test. I had to pass both sections to be able to practice law in North Dakota.
If I ever want to practice law in any other state, I will have to pass that state's bar exam as well. A promise was made to my parents that I would take good care of Jacob if anything bad happened to them. Jacob has been autistic since his childhood. Most people don't understand what it's like to raise a kid with autism. It is not easy. Walking to the closet I picked out daily clothes for Jacob, grabbed a pair of jeans, a T-shirt with Jacob's favorite sports logo on it, some underwear, socks, and shoes.
I took all the items with me. Meanwhile, Jacob waited patiently. Jacob is quite hyperactive but very smart. I sighed as Jacob went into the bathroom and started his shower. Jacob can take care of himself— his autism is not extreme—-but he still needs quite a bit of help. He is always good at making his bed after showering and getting dressed by himself. Jacob will be fifteen years old soon. I look forward to the day when he can live a normal life. Hopefully, it is just a matter of time.
I have days when I am exhausted, and I just wish I could stay home and have the whole day to myself. I then realize I have a child to take care of and he must come first in my life. Jacob can be a challenging person to handle. For example, he has tantrums at times which are difficult to manage. However, we love each other very much so this makes it a little easier. Today is Jacob's first day of ninth grade in Fargo. It is also my first day working at the prosecutor's office.
When Jacob was ready for school, I went into my bedroom to get ready for work. I showered and dried myself off. I then went to my closet and put on my suit. I hurriedly dried my hair, brushed my teeth, combed my hair, and put on some cologne. Shortly afterward, I left my bedroom and went to get Jacob. We both hurried down the stairs. My briefcase was hanging over my shoulder, and Jacob had put his backpack on. We rushed to get into the car.
I was nervous about my first day of work as an attorney, and I wondered if I was going to be good enough. Little did I know that practicing law is a lot different than reading textbooks and cases. I would have to spend many hours learning the practicality of everyday legal practice. Jacob was also extremely nervous about his first day of school. Izza Miller and David Matthews, Jacob's two best friends, were waiting at the front of the high school for Jacob to arrive.
Jacob grabbed his backpack and unbuckled himself. I sighed, saying, "I hope you have a good day; I love you." Jacob smiled and told me he loved me, too. Izza and David walked up to greet Jacob. They all walked into school together. Izza and David understand Jacob's autism. They promised each other to take care of Jacob as though he were their brother. Jacob met Izza and David when they were in kindergarten, and they have been best friends ever since. Jacob's favorite teacher is his special education teacher, Mrs. Joanna.
She has always been supportive of Jacob and understands what it's like to raise a child with autism. Her daughter, Tessa, has autism as well. Jacob has an IEP, also known as Individualized Education Program. His favorite subject is history. It is a struggle for Jacob to get through school, so I hired a tutor named Mrs. Baker who helps Jacob with his homework. She is from Illinois and has worked as a nanny and tutor for ten years. I appreciate everything Mrs. Baker does for Jacob. She is such a significant help.