February 10, 2011

On my way to Montana to see my grammy about a year ago, I met her best friend, Camie, in Salt Lake City. She told me she had met Sarah Weddington, the woman who successfully argued Roe v. Wade in front of the United States Supreme Court, on her flight from Austin. Nine months later, I happened to meet Ms. Weddington at a talk given by former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. In introducing myself, I mentioned my friendship with Camie, who she remembered, and we agreed to get together over coffee or lunch one day. Today was that day. The three of us sat in a sunny corner at Z'Tejas downtown and talked about everything from energy policy to Texas politics to women's rights. I expected to be the one piquing her brain with inane questions about Supreme Court arguments and whatnot, but was not expecting her to pique mine with such genuine interest. Her immense and unqualified respect for the people around her is truly inspiring.