(My comments at Andrea’s swearing-in ceremony)

It’s hard to believe, but I have known Andrea Mazzula for over 30 years.

Since this is a courtroom, I am obligated to provide evidence to support my statement.

I will now pass the evidence around for your examination:

A photo from 1994 that indicates Andrea is skilled at eating. Exhibit A

A photo from 2000 indicating that she did actually go to college and graduate. Exhibit A

Written documentation that Andrea once wrote for a publication called MIDtropolis news. Exhibit B

More documentation that she was organized, a characteristic not common to young people. Exhibit C

Written documentation that at an early age, Andrea wanted to be a lawyer. A great example of foresight and dedication to a long challenging road. Exhibit D

More photos as Andrea took her case to a higher court – I means school – and graduated. Exhibit E

Much later, testimony from Andrea on how she felt about high school and college education. Exhibit F

As you can tell, one of the joys of my life has been to see Andrea move ahead – with education, with her career, with her family.

Along the way, she helped me do a real estate transaction. The result was an Ecuadorian family now slept in their own house instead of on couches at a friend’s place.

Her intelligence, professionalism, attention to detail, her forthrightness – all were on display.

Andrea helped me do a second real estate transaction, this time with a Colombian family. They are now in their first house in this country.

To say that thirty years had no bumps would be misleading. Growth often is stimulated by adversity.

I have documentation that 30 years ago, she had a goal of staying out of trouble. Exhibit G

She also said OJ was innocent. It’s right there in Exhibit H.

She also got mad at me once. I had been falsely accused of drunk driving and handcuffed. I was so traumatized that I neglected to call and wake her up in the middle of the night.

Later, Andrea recommended the book about trauma called “The Body keeps the Score.”

I read it and then gave away a half-dozen copies to professionals who interact with those who have experienced trauma. Depending on your definition, that pretty much includes most of us.

When I was in grade school, there was a quiet kid named Richard Naven who had earned some prize. The teacher asked him to say a few words. He stood up, said “a few words” and sat down.

I have topped him so it’s time to sit down. This is a wonderful occasion and Andrea is a wonderful woman it has been my pleasure to have known. Yes, for over 30 years.

I love you Andrea.