Well, so as many of you know, I was NOT happy about my jury summons. I have 5 children. One of these children is under the age of 2 (for another month) and constantly testing gravity, toilets, doorknobs, and the patience of cats, etc. Three of them I homeschool and we are already behind a good 2 weeks. And ALL of them had recently been left out of a most lovely, week long vacation. I was NOT happy about leaving them again so soon. To further complicate matters, my husband had 3 days of important meetings and would not be available at all to offer help in any way. ( I tried telling him that HE at least wouldn't be in contempt of court if he missed.) I also despise being all by myself in new "people situations". This would include (but not be limited to): finding parking in an unfamiliar area, locating an elusive jury entrance and going through security, finding a place to sit in a room with NO extra chairs for personal space/comfort, sitting in uncomfortable silence with complete strangers, waiting for my fate to be announced,and ESPECIALLY speaking up and trying to make a clear point in front of strangers.
But I told myself that I WAS a big girl after all and that I COULD act like one and that God would take care of the kids and "so what" if we didn't finish school by June 1st-ish. I had no legitimate excuse in that I was not over the age of 70, had no illness or condition, and no pressing duties ( my kids would be home alone, but I knew they were capable and God would take care of them.) So, I sucked it up and went.
I had a sinking feeling the entire time I was in the big jury room. I was between two guys with colds. I prayed for my kids to be safe. I felt guilty for asking for the $10 instead of donating it to "enhancing the comfort of future jurors". I tried to remember that God was is control and things don't happen by accident.
Then, they announced that one of the 3 trials had been postponed and they were going to let 50 of us go. I was surprised to find that I was not that devastated when my name was not called. We were then shown an orientation video to tell us what to expect, etc and to try and stir our patriotic feelings. It began to sink in that we have this right to a trial by jury. That is no small deal. That somebody's future would rest in complete stranger's hands. You get the picture. I'm kind of an idealist. I see things fairly black and white. I'm easily stirred. I felt like a dork for being so easily stirred by a county video and I felt guilty for feeling like a dork. But even as they let another 50 people go because somebody pled guilty, I knew that God was in control. If I was supposed to be on that jury, I was willing. If not, I'd soon be driving home-- good for another 2 years.
I tell you my thoughts because I think I'm normal. (I think.) Most of us don't like to be told we HAVE to do anything. It's part of our American independence and partly, human nature. A lot of us don't have a lot of time to give up.** Some have important appointments. Most moms I know don't find it easy to leave behind their children and their duties (some truly can't). Most career people I know do have meetings and deadlines and responsibilities. But I think if we are completely honest, most of us can postpone those things, find childcare, show up for a day--be "Big girls" so to speak.
It is a sacrifice--for some harder than others, but I think we need to do it. If all the common sense people who are taking great care of their children, who's company depends on them, if they all defer or are excused, we are doing those families and companies a dis-service. We end up with verdicts that leave us watching the evening news and shaking our heads. We pray that people of wisdom WILL step up if, heaven forbid, WE end up a Plaintiff, Deffendant or Victim.
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