December 02, 2011
Last week, I wrote the following “Message from the President” to my law firm:
I write to you from a somewhat different vantage point than in years past. Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday and I intend to enjoy every moment of this weekend, including the food, family and football. It will be particularly meaningful because I will be entering the new year with a huge battle on my hands. I have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and the treatment options are few and often futile. I want you to know that I have much to be grateful for and I am not going down without a fight.
All of my career, I have watched with pride the manner in which GLM cares for its own. Whether it be deaths in the family, marital problems, health issues or any of life’s many stressors, it seems that we give strength through our collective caring. Over these past several months, as the diagnosis went back and forth, I was not exactly the most focused lawyer. Thankfully, many of you have covered for me and allowed me the space to absorb all of the emotions and realities of a life threatening disease. I expect that I will be leaning on many of you in the months ahead as I venture into chemo, radiation and surgery. I cannot be more thankful for this law firm which is an amazing source of comfort to me.
I wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. I still have much to do and I intend to be your President for Life…however long that might be.
Fortunately, I have found a highly regarded surgeon, Dr. David Sugarbaker, who will operate on me later this year or in early 2012. I invite you to follow my progress toward full recovery at www.caringbridge.org (type in JAMESBORIN).
Presently, I feel well and I am working full time. When I go to Boston for the surgery, I will likely be absent from the office for 8-10 weeks. However, I do intend to use all the available mobile devices to maintain communication with my team members and my clients. I have every intention of returning to the full time practice of law and participating in the Firm’s No-Fault Seminar on April 19, 2012.
In the interim, the Firm will cover my pending files and assure that your questions are answered.
I have been blessed to work in a great law firm for almost 38 years. I consider the Firm’s clients to be my personal friends. You can rest assured that I will be back to work and serving your needs well before the snow melts.
JLB