I enjoyed reading Lonnie Braxton's recent piece and earlier accolades. I met Lonnie when he was a UConn law student in 1987 and I was teaching a seminar on dispute resolution. I had the notion that for future lawyers to assist clients in conflict they should have some understanding of how they deal with their own conflicts. I invited a therapist who, during his presentation, commented that it is important to make eye contact. Unbidden, the lone African American in the class spoke up: "You obviously didn't grow up as a Black man in Mississippi where Black men don't make eye contact with white people." Because of Lonnie's comment, the class pivoted to a discussion of cultural varieties in conflict resolution. That was the start of my enduring admiration and respect for Lonnie.

I have always been grateful to Lonnie for his courage in speaking up and lighting the way. I have watched with admiration as Prosecutor Lonnie Braxton brought fairness and compassion to so many youngsters in juvenile court. I join in thanking Lonnie for his unique contributions to our criminal justice system and in wishing him happiness in his richly deserved retirement.

Tom Bishop

North Stonington

The writer is a semi-retired judge of the Connecticut Appellate Court.