Justice Meredith Sasso dons her judicial robe with an assist from her husband, Michael, at her ceremonial investiture in Tallahassee. Sasso had a long list of people to thank, including her parents who taught her the art of argument. But, perhaps most significantly, she thanked her nearly 102-year-old grandfather Roberto “Poppy Bear” Barrios, who fled Cuba in 1953 and who was widely credited that day for her work ethic and worldview. “Poppy Bear, you gave me something money can’t buy,” Sasso said to Barrios. “You lit a fire in me that’s carried me through my life and my career.”

Described as a determined originalist, diligent worker, and devoted mother (and Gator fan), Meredith Sasso was ceremonially sworn into the Florida Supreme Court on January 19 on a late Friday afternoon.

Near the end of the ceremony, Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz commented: “After hearing all those speeches, I think you can see why our court loves the investitures so much and why we’re so excited to be working with you, Meredith. And also, why I feel so weak and soft in comparison.”