In the summer of 2023 I was summoned to jury duty in Arapahoe County, Colorado. It was a blistering day, and it started off poorly. First, the handicap spots were further from the building than the able-bodied ones. Then there was an extremely long line to check in, show ID, prove myself to be legal and eligible to perform a civic responsibility. The barely air-conditioned waiting area was overflowing with not one empty seat. I went back into the hallway and told the registrar that I needed a chair to which she replied I could ask someone to give theirs up for me. Um – no. The ADA tells me I can have a reasonable accommodation, not a potential confrontation.
In the digital age this county agency was woefully lacking technology. The screening questionnaire was done the old-fashioned way via paper and pen. It was mostly multiple choice with a few opportunities to write a sentence or two. At least the writer in me would have a chance to practice my craft. After completion these papers were collected and shuttled upstairs to be read individually because the scanner was out of commission. I resigned to settle in for a long day.
Just before lunch my name and assigned number were announced as being excused. I knew this would happen as my son is a detective and Cop Moms need not apply. I was grateful to be released and have this morning at the courthouse count on my permanent record as having served.
On the way out of my final visit to the ladies room I encountered a gentleman instructing a woman how to navigate the labyrinth of the loo. I realized she was blind and offered to assist her. When she was done lathering up we left the lavatory together. I informed her I was leaving the courthouse and asked if she’d like to exit in tandem. She hooked her free arm (the other had a cane) in mine and told me she was excused because of her visual impairment. Then she told me how disappointed she was because before her accident she was an attorney and thought she’d make an excellent juror. Instead of prying I offered her a ride as she was readying to hail a Lyft.
I could sense her hesitation, but she accepted. She told me she lived in Littleton, and I intuited that she must somehow be associated with The Colorado Center for The Blind. One of my yoga guides also teaches there, and when we hit upon a mutual acquaintance the stranger in my car visibly relaxed. Of course I had already told her the reason I was excused, but this connection seemed more meaningful than me claiming to be a Cop Mom.
She then asked if I would take her to the craft store and I said yes, of course. She needed supplies for keychains she was making for a fundraiser. I patiently explained colors, bead sizes and pricing to her as we meandered the aisles. Hesitantly she wanted to know if I minded going over to the fabric section as she wanted to sew a case for her computer. After describing a Van Gogh-esque starry night pattern her decision was made, and we were ready to check out.
Jenny struggled with the Joann’s app at the register. She was trying to pull up a coupon code on her phone – a model designed for those who are visually impaired. And the line behind us grew and grew, longer and longer. Jenny explained how non-ADA compliant the app was to the cashier who never offered to just give her the discount. I refrained from jumping in to solve the problem. (Which in itself is a challenge for me) That is when it occurred to me I was more stressed out than my newfound friend.
I could see the people in line eye-rolling and toe-tapping, but Jenny had no idea how long the queue had become. It was a moment of actualization for me. A lesson I needed to learn from a new teacher in my life.
PS – Jenny got the discount and we had a lovely lunch at my favorite Shawarma place.
Edict Is it all divinely written Determined by The Fates That nature versus nurture Debate thrust upon us By professors and philosophers Is it set in stone On the day we are born Given a name to carry for a lifetime Before the bestowers even know Anything about us What if one deviates from The empyrean plan Ignores all warning signs A mother’s gentle nudge The father’s stern sermon What happens when Mountains call her name Rivers beg her to swim Trees insist she climb The sky falls upward into her arms She has waited her whole life For the mystical moment To know she’s fulfilled her mission Is the concept so elusive It prompts perpetual seeking Is that in itself The true message of the Universe
Isn’t it wonderful to help someone. And believe it or not I like Jury Duty - it makes me feel like an American 🇺🇸