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The Witzer family

Anything and everything I have achieved of any worth in my life has been the result of the influence of my mother. She believed I could be president of the United States or accomplish anything I set my cap towards. My mom was a Minnesotan, and at the time she came to Philadelphia, (although she had college under her belt at a time when college wasn't that common), she didn't drive, she was a housewife, and she was devoted to raising her family. Through various circumstances, and my father's leaving our family, my mom learned to drive in her 40s for the first time. She opened a business. My mother had to become our family’s breadwinner. My mom essentially had her life turned upside down and redefined herself. And that redefinition is one of the hallmarks of what I think is most exciting about life. My mother was an interior designer, a reader, an avid follower of international events, and a people person. I oftentimes take a walk outside, and speak with her about the alternatives and choices that I have to make. I still think she speaks to me. The fact that she is not here to see the level of success I have achieved is the greatest single disappointment in my life. But nonetheless, the influence has had on me is the greatest single asset that I have as I go forward. I try to bring everything I remember about her values, about her compassion, and about her sense of style into my life. The single most important role that I presently play outside the courtroom is my parenting role with my eight-year-old daughter. The fact that I have a daughter was an eye-opening experience in the first place. It wasn't planned. I had always expected that I would have a boy to play trains with and wrestle with, but the fact that I have a girl broadened me to things that I had not otherwise anticipated. She has, as I have said, made me softer, made me laugh more, and made me become even more protective. I am aware of the different choices we will make and the opportunities that are going to be placed before her to be a successful human being. It has really been a wonderful experience to be with my daughter, and each year it gets better.

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