Dean Archibald knew my name seemingly before I even stepped into the law school. She was, I realize now, like that with everyone--quick to know you, quick to love you, and quick to heal you in whatever way she could.
Her passing was honestly a surprise to me. I knew the danger of her illness, but after seeing her work so many miracles for us at the law school, I guess I just assumed her cancer would miraculously disappear. I realize now that Dean Archibald was and is the miracle, regardless of her cancer-status. She has always been a miracle.
Since I learned of her passing, this poem (one dear to me) has been on my mind:
God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be.
So He put His arms around you
and whispered, "Come to me."
With careful eyes we watched you,
we saw you pass away.
Although we love you dearly,
we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
hard working hands to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.
Dean Archibald was the best. Her smile warmed the whole law school--and she wore it fearlessly even when I know it was tough. Her laugh was rich and relentless--and she used it to lift heads, hands, and hearts. And her eyes were true--she SAW everyone she met.
I am forever grateful for the influence she has had on my life, and forever indebted to her dear family for sharing her with us. God bless you, and God bless Dean Archibald.
