Summoned

I don't believe in making generalizations, but I do think it is fair to say that most everybody dreads receiving a jury summons.  But why is that?  As we have learned from our high school civics classes it is our responsibility as citizens to make ourselves available to sit on a jury of our peers.  It  is not just our responsibility, but it is a privilege afforded us through our great Constitution, as great a privilege as voting.  I'm not trying to make light of this because I do believe that our Founding Fathers knew what they were doing.  I'm just not sure why it strikes fear in the hearts of so many citizens.

I can only speculate, but it might have something to do with over committal.  We are over committed with regards to our time.  We are over committed with regards to our finances.  We are over committed with regards to our energy.  Therefore, we don't want to commit to doing our civic duty.

The we I speak of is me too.  Last Friday, before I called in to find out if I would have to come in today I, secretly in my heart, was hoping against all odds that I would hear the automated angel at the end of the line say that my group number was not needed.  But alas, that is not what I heard.  Instead, I heard that I was required to appear at 8am.  Grrrr!

I had just finished a week of teaching at vacation Bible school.  My 16 month old daughter was already mad because, instead of Mommy, there were an assortment of care givers throughout the week and her schedule was completely messed up.  She didn't even get to go to Gymboree.  Come on already!  So, the last thing I wanted was another off day for the family.  My husband would have to take off of work in order to watch our daughter and once again, Mommy would be gone.

Once I got there though and went through the rah, rah, rah orientation I was pumped and ready.  But again, in the back of my mind was the thought that I was doing my daughter a disservice.  Yes, Daddy was watching her and I know they would be having fun, but her schedule was still off.  Although, at this point I even wonder if she remembered what her schedule was anymore.

My group was the last to be called.  The bailiff had us sit in numerical order in the courtroom.  Then the judge asked the group if there was anyone who would experience a financial or personal hardship serving on this jury. I didn't raise my hand immediately.  I listened to a few other jurors and when the judge asked for the final time if anyone had hardships they wanted to share I sheepishly raised my hand.

I explained that I am a stay at home mom of a 16 month old little girl and that my husband used the last of his leave time to stay home from work last night so that I could be there today.  I told the judge that we would still be able to pay our mortgage and we would not be hurting for food if I were to be a juror, but that it would have an impact our weekly budget.  I was honest.

After deliberating with the attorneys my number was called and I was told I could go home to my daughter.  The bailiff actually told me to go home and spend the afternoon with my precious little girl.

I'm happy I went.  I'm happy that I was reminded again of the fact that despite our country's flaws we really do live in a wonderful place where even an ordinary stay at home mom can potentially be a part of the judicial process.  I'm just hoping that the next time I am summoned I will have fewer personal commitments, so that I can commit to doing my civic duty without any reservations.