Important Work
A dear friend of mine has some very unique family members. One favorite of mine was his grandmother “C” who had none of the stereotypical sweetness and charm that we tend to associate with the role. She was cheap, a bit abrasive, a touch of a pack rat, more than a little crazy, and oh so interesting.
Up until the time I met “C” the only contact I’d had with the court system had been in passing and remarkably unmemorable. In contrast, “C” had worked in the court system for years doing everything from clerical to court reporting and had stories galore. Still I couldn’t quite picture sitting in a court room all day keeping track of what people said.
A few years later, I came to see things in a different light when I was personally involved in a trial. It was amazing how important quality court reporting was to the whole trial process. Long before anyone entered a court room investigations were done, depositions were taken, and reports were written up. Accuracy, confidentiality, and speed were of the utmost importance in every matter. Suddenly “C” earned a whole new level of respect; she had done this job and done it well for years. In fact, more than once after she retired calls came requesting her return.
I’m pretty sure I’d be lousy at court reporting since my keyboard skills are lacking and my patience with the legal system is nil; but it’s nice to know that there are committed, qualified people out there doing this important work every day.
