Reflections of a Beautiful Day

So, yesterday was one of the best days ever! We arrived at the courthouse early, and we were pretty nervous. Aidan was tense, and I was tense Although I'm a positive person and knew chances were slim that she would be denied her petition, I was still wondering how I would help her cope with the devastating blow of denial, if that was God's will.

There were only a few people in the courtroom. We sat in the second row. I wore my scrubs to project a professional appearance. I've found people in scrubs are treated better just about everywhere. I wanted the judge to see her mom was a working professional and not some junkie on crack like so many other kids who go in and out of the court system. It still breaks my heart that so many young women and men don't have parents that love and support them.

The judge came in, a tall, skinny serious looking guy, but Aidan had heard stories that he was the coolest judge to have.

He asked who in the courtroom was there without their lawyer today. Aidan timidly raised her hand, but the girl sitting behind us raised her hand higher. The judge called her, and from what we could gather, she was requesting an early release from something, too. She spoke a little bit about her progress with a small, shaking voice. The state attorney stood up and argued that the girl still had $11,000 in fees, and shouldn't be released.

Aidan and I sank in our seat. Aidan still has about $1500 in fees left. So, we waited with butterflies flying in mocking summersaults in our stomachs.

The judge asked the girl if she was making payments on time, and if she'd ever missed a payment. She said she had never missed a payment and was always on time. The state attorney reluctantly agreed, and the judge said, "Motion granted."

Aidan and I both breathed an audible sigh of relief.

The judge then asked if anyone else was there without a lawyer, and Aidan apparently still wasn't ready, so the judge called on a young man. His probation officer read a letter with the reasons why this kid should be released from probation. He'd started school, remained clean for over a year, and was working and volunteering. His motion was granted.

Then it was Aidan's turn. I was hoping that the judge wouldn't feel he had to deny someone to maintain some kind of karmic justice because he'd just granted two petitions.

He asked Aidan what she would like, and she said in a very strong, yet gentle voice, "I would like to be released from house arrest, and have the possibility of being released from probation in a few months after I've proven to the court that I'm still responsible and doing well. Since I've gotten out of jail..."

The judge cut her off and smiled. He said, "I've read all the letters (from family, coworkers, and friends) you submitted several times, Aidan, and I'm very impressed with your progress. Your petition is granted, and I will be happy to see you here in a few months to release you from probation. Does the state attorney have any objections?"

He said, "We have no objections your honor.

The judge smiled at Aidan. "Good job, young lady."

I'm not sure, but I might've squealed in joy a little, because one of the bailiffs glanced back at me and smiled.

She said, "Thank you, you honor."

She came back to our pew to await the paperwork, and we couldn't stop hugging and smiling. Aidan had tears in her eyes, and I was close to having tears in my eyes.

So, we immediately went outside and took this happy picture:

Then, we had to celebrate for awhile. We went to Ruthy's for a late breakfast, and Aidan took my picture and posted it on Facebook.

After that, I had to go to my pre-op appointment at the hospital All my labs and bloodwork look good.

Then, I had a little time to relax before I picked up Tom from the airport. We went out and had a nice dinner, and today, we're going to go sightseeing a bit.

So, yesterday was the perfect start to a perfect weekend before the terrible day I'm sure to have Monday. Lol.

I hope you all have as great a weekend as I will!

We went and got our hair cut and styled, then went to the