That's my late father, Thomas Lee Atkins, on the far left.  A former Catholic priest, he was a great father, playing Mr. Mom while my mother worked full time and attended law school at night.  Along with cooking dinner, he took us skiing, camping, swimming, and to piano lessons, all while she studied and passed the Bar Exam on her first try.
     Now, my mother, Marylin Atkins - that's her next to me - is Chief Judge of Detroit's 36th District Court!  She is awesome, intelligent, fun, and I'm very proud of her!  The first in her family of auto workers (her mother was a piano teacher too) to finish college, my mother is an awe-inspiring example of how a woman can reach for a star, hold on despite the pressures of small children, a husband, and a job, and not let go until her dreams are real!  She is the ultimate role model!  Now, not only does she oversee more than 500 people at the busy courthouse, but she's a skilled carpenter who can hang wallpaper, build shelves, and even put up drywall with the best of them!
     My younger sister, Catherine, is a great inspiration, too.  She recently triumphed over a terrifying health crisis with amazing courage and grace.  This picture was taken in our backyard in Okemos, Michigan, where we attended high school.  We also lived in Saginaw and Oak Park.