The Verdict Is In

A few weeks ago, I received a much dreaded piece of mail. You know what I am talking about. Jury Duty! Actually, I think I would have quite enjoyed jury duty. Had I been working outside of the home. A chance to skip work to do my civic duty and make responsible decisions that would change people's lives forever. Sounds right up my alley!

Instead, I worried about what I was going to do with my son if I was picked to serve. Mama could keep him for two days; my cousin volunteered to babysit one day; and then I was going to have to hire a babysitter for the remainder of the week. And you know babysitters ain't cheap! About $7-$10 an hour!! Of course, I was going to get paid for jury duty.....a whopping $25....a DAY! Which would only cover about two hours of a babysitter.

So, needless to say, I was stressed about having to serve. I began to formulate a strategy to get out of serving (horrible, I know, but I was desperate). I had only one thing going for me: I am 5 months pregnant. And, I don't know about you, but I sure wouldn't want an emotional pregnant woman deciding my fate! So my plan was to appear very pregnant; act emotional and stressed; and make several trips to the restroom. Perfect!! I was also going to casually mention that I had "complications" in my last pregnancy that caused me to deliver early. I mean, really, nothing like the stress of deciding someones fate to cause a woman to go into early labor!

I arrived ready to put my plan into action. Just as I was about to make my first trip to the restroom, a mere five minutes after I arrived, the judged entered the room and addressed the crowd.

And, by the grace of God because he knows that my acting skills aren't what they used to be, the judged DISMISSED us. Everyone last one of us!! I served all of 5 minutes and I was done with jury duty. After we collected our $25 for showing up, we were allowed to leave. Finished. Easiest $25 I have ever made. The judge did mention that his position is elected by the public. Hey, he's got my vote at the next election!

As I pulled in my driveway, where mama was watching Andrew, I silently prayed that she would still agree to let him spend the night with her. Wow! Was God really watching out for me that day or what because not only did Andrew spend the night with mama that night, but I did not get him back until 1:30 the next day! I had entire afternoon and following morning to myself! It was glorious.

Of course, I missed my little wild man terribly and was happy to see him walk through my door the following afternoon. I just knew he felt the same way. Missing his mama. I knelt down to give him hug and do you know what that stinker did? He pushed past me and raced to the back door calling, "Bibi! Bibi!". The dog. The dog who thinks he is quite annoying and, unless she is chewing up one of his toys, deliberately spends her time far away from him. That is who he raced around his mama to see!

I'm not gonna lie. I may have teared up. But, then again, I am just an emotional pregnant woman!

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