I've been on jury duty call for 3 weeks now. This is the first time I've ever been on jury duty. A lot of people hate to get called. I did not. Even though it is inconvenient, I believe it is a very important part of our way of life in the United States. Last Friday, my belief in this process was solidified by the incredible experience I had.
I was called to the court house for jury selection on Friday. I had no idea what to expect. After the long, emotionally draining day, I knew I had to tell others about the experience. All I can say is, UNBELIEVABLE.
The jury we were being considered for was a first degree murder trial that was a change of venue from another county. It had already had three mistrials because they didn't think they were able to sit an unbiased jury. Wow! The whole day was a lesson to me in our freedom and liberty here in the United States. I ended up not being selected for the jury, but I certainly left there a more educated and proud citizen of this great country. I was proud of the whole system. I know it isn't perfect. We sometimes convict people that aren't guilt - which is unforgiveable. We sometimes don't convict those who are guilty and justice isn't served for the victim(s) - which is unforgiveable. However, the overwhelming majority of times, we get it right!! When you really think about it, it is hard to wrap your brain around - at least for me. Common people, with only laymen's knowledge of the law and judicial system, live out the process and get it right!!!!
As I sat in that courtroom, answering questions and listening to the other potential jurors answer the questions, it was almost surreal. Sometimes my heart would flutter when the judge would talk about the crime and the defendent (who was sitting in the room) and I would again realize, this is REAL. This is about someones life that was cut short and someone else's life who was being tried for a crime that had ended anothers life. This defendents life would be in the hands of the jury. A conviction would mean a life sentence - either with or without the chance of parole. Again, my heart would flutter when it was discussed. I can NOT imagine if we were a state with the death penalty. What???? This wasn't TV. It was real. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced.
I was impressed by the judge, the prosecuters, the defense attorneys and my fellow potential jurors. At one point, the judge addressed the two jurors who were over 70 and said they could be excused because of age if they chose. Both agreed to stay. I was impressed. Out of the 50+ of us, there was only one person who very clearly expressed her desire to NOT be selected (and she wasn't). Everyone else, although perhaps inconvenienced, seemed to understand their role in this process was necessary for our country to live out its promise of liberty and justice for all.
I have always been patriotic - thank you to my parents - but this experience increased my love for this country exponentially. It was an experience I will not soon forgot - hopefully, I won't ever forget it. I am a better person for it, that is for sure. I thank all those people who participate in our judicial system as true and honest representatives of the process. I thank all of my fellow citizens who have ever served on a jury in an effort to bring justice to an unjust situation.
We are a lucky bunch to be citizens of this great country. I will never forget that - I hope you won't either.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Mom & Dad's Wedding Anniversary
Yesterday was my parent's 52nd wedding anniversary. What???? 52 years. Hard to imagine. I've been married 18 1/2 years, and I'm proud of that!!! Did I say 52 years!!!
Over the years, I've watched my parents live through lots of ups and downs. It would be a lie to say it was all sunshine and roses. However, one of the things that I admire the most is that they did work through the hard times of raising children, changing jobs, financial strains, illness, extended family demands, etc. Now, coming out on the other end of 52 years, they seem to be more in Love than ever before. Seeing them holding hands in the park, a gentle touch on the arm one gives to the other, a peck on the cheek as one leaves the room, gives insight into their deep Love for one another.
There are a few things that I think that have helped sustained my parents in their marriage. A deep abiding Faith may have been the key; believing the commitment they made before God WAS truly for life. They remind me of Olivia and John Walton - which is probably why I love that show. Like Olivia, my mother is the ever faithful servant attending church and making sure we understood what it meant to be a christian. She is the image of Love. Like John, my father didn't regularly attend church. However, you couldn't find a more godly man. Loving, kind, compassionate, faithful; that would describe my father. "He didn't tell me how to live. He lived and allowed me to watch."
Another reason I think my parents have reached 52 years is the trust they had for one another. Neither of them every overroad the other with their beliefs or desires. They compromised and allowed their trust of the other to guide their discussions and decisions. There were not power struggles. They trusted each other and worked things out. Did they always agree - absolutely not but they always found a way to work it out.
Finally, throughout my life, I watched my parents hold the other in the highest regard. The respect they showed one another was amazing. When I was younger, I didn't realize that's what it was, but as I grew older, I began to understand how they each repected the other. Mom was home full-time when I was growing up and Dad was always praising her for the way she managed our home. He never, ever showed anything but respect for her and all she did to raise the children and make our house a home - and what a GREAT job she did. I still have the highest regard for women who are full-time in the home. Holy moly - what an important job.
Dad is a free thinker and mom always respected the ideas he had and the need he had to live "outside the box" - before that was even a catch phrase. He walked a different path than most men of his generation - perhaps one of the reasons mom fell in love with him. She knew he would "do the right thing" and stand up for what was right - even if he stood alone. He never really stood alone, because she was with him.
Faith, Trust and Respect. Are these the things that allow two people to Love one another and live together for over 52 years? I don't know, but I sure think having these three things in a relationship can help to build a life long Love.
Here's to Jack and Bidgie!!!! How you did it, I don't know but you did it! You are an inspiration. I love you, I respect you. Happy Anniversary!!! You're just too precious for words.
Over the years, I've watched my parents live through lots of ups and downs. It would be a lie to say it was all sunshine and roses. However, one of the things that I admire the most is that they did work through the hard times of raising children, changing jobs, financial strains, illness, extended family demands, etc. Now, coming out on the other end of 52 years, they seem to be more in Love than ever before. Seeing them holding hands in the park, a gentle touch on the arm one gives to the other, a peck on the cheek as one leaves the room, gives insight into their deep Love for one another.
There are a few things that I think that have helped sustained my parents in their marriage. A deep abiding Faith may have been the key; believing the commitment they made before God WAS truly for life. They remind me of Olivia and John Walton - which is probably why I love that show. Like Olivia, my mother is the ever faithful servant attending church and making sure we understood what it meant to be a christian. She is the image of Love. Like John, my father didn't regularly attend church. However, you couldn't find a more godly man. Loving, kind, compassionate, faithful; that would describe my father. "He didn't tell me how to live. He lived and allowed me to watch."
Another reason I think my parents have reached 52 years is the trust they had for one another. Neither of them every overroad the other with their beliefs or desires. They compromised and allowed their trust of the other to guide their discussions and decisions. There were not power struggles. They trusted each other and worked things out. Did they always agree - absolutely not but they always found a way to work it out.
Finally, throughout my life, I watched my parents hold the other in the highest regard. The respect they showed one another was amazing. When I was younger, I didn't realize that's what it was, but as I grew older, I began to understand how they each repected the other. Mom was home full-time when I was growing up and Dad was always praising her for the way she managed our home. He never, ever showed anything but respect for her and all she did to raise the children and make our house a home - and what a GREAT job she did. I still have the highest regard for women who are full-time in the home. Holy moly - what an important job.
Dad is a free thinker and mom always respected the ideas he had and the need he had to live "outside the box" - before that was even a catch phrase. He walked a different path than most men of his generation - perhaps one of the reasons mom fell in love with him. She knew he would "do the right thing" and stand up for what was right - even if he stood alone. He never really stood alone, because she was with him.
Faith, Trust and Respect. Are these the things that allow two people to Love one another and live together for over 52 years? I don't know, but I sure think having these three things in a relationship can help to build a life long Love.
Here's to Jack and Bidgie!!!! How you did it, I don't know but you did it! You are an inspiration. I love you, I respect you. Happy Anniversary!!! You're just too precious for words.
Taking the High Road
Taking the high road in life is not always the easiest choice. It is, however, the right choice. It may be lonely up there, but there ARE a few people on the high road. I promise. I also promise, those are the people with whom you want to surround yourself.
Sometimes it is a hard decision to take the high road. It may not be the most popular decision at the time. Sometimes it doesn't even feel good at the time. Perhaps you want to get back at someone for something bad they've done to you. Maybe you want to point out they are a hypocrit; maybe a liar; maybe they've hurt someone you love. Your first reaction might be to "attack" or lash out.
However, as we all know, it is always better to take a deep breath and step back from the situation before responding.
I know that when I take the high road, I may be the only one that knows I've taken the high road. That isn't always easy. You have to be able to feel good about feeling good INSIDE yourself. Ask yourself, "What is the right thing to do?" TRULY the right thing. You know what that is - and don't act like you don't.
Taking the high road doesn't mean you don't stand up for yourself or that you let people walk all over you. It means you are Loving, respectful, and compassionate in your response and behavior. If you feel you have to respond to someone in a difficult situation, you can respond in a calm and kind manner being truthful and fair. However, it may also mean the best thing is to walk away. Every situation is different. You have to decide.
The truth is that making the choice to take the high road is ABOUT YOU - NOT THEM. You have to make the decision to do the right thing and stop the madness. Let it go. It is the only way to move on and not get bogged down with anger and sadness in your heart. You may be surprised at how good it feels to take the high road. It lightens the heart and makes the world a better place. It allows you to move past the anger, hurt and fear to a place of Love and light. Doesn't that sound better??? Try it. I think you'll find it a wondrous place to be.
Sometimes it is a hard decision to take the high road. It may not be the most popular decision at the time. Sometimes it doesn't even feel good at the time. Perhaps you want to get back at someone for something bad they've done to you. Maybe you want to point out they are a hypocrit; maybe a liar; maybe they've hurt someone you love. Your first reaction might be to "attack" or lash out.
However, as we all know, it is always better to take a deep breath and step back from the situation before responding.
I know that when I take the high road, I may be the only one that knows I've taken the high road. That isn't always easy. You have to be able to feel good about feeling good INSIDE yourself. Ask yourself, "What is the right thing to do?" TRULY the right thing. You know what that is - and don't act like you don't.
Taking the high road doesn't mean you don't stand up for yourself or that you let people walk all over you. It means you are Loving, respectful, and compassionate in your response and behavior. If you feel you have to respond to someone in a difficult situation, you can respond in a calm and kind manner being truthful and fair. However, it may also mean the best thing is to walk away. Every situation is different. You have to decide.
The truth is that making the choice to take the high road is ABOUT YOU - NOT THEM. You have to make the decision to do the right thing and stop the madness. Let it go. It is the only way to move on and not get bogged down with anger and sadness in your heart. You may be surprised at how good it feels to take the high road. It lightens the heart and makes the world a better place. It allows you to move past the anger, hurt and fear to a place of Love and light. Doesn't that sound better??? Try it. I think you'll find it a wondrous place to be.
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