The little train that could

Yep, that’s what i feel like on these days. Chugging along, going slowly down the path, having to take a breath and stop merely to get the gears rolling again. yesterday and today I went to the federal courthouse, climbed the many steps to the doorway, traversed the security detail (each time having to remove lots of clothing to pass the metal detectors - note to self don’t wear clothes with studs!!), turned over my cellphone (perhaps the hardest part of the day), walked down the long marble hallways and up the elevator to the next long marble hallway and finally made it into the courtroom. the courtroom itself is a stunning piece of architecture and stature. large looming antique glass overhead lights and wainscot walls in deep mahogany with alcoves and intricate carvings indicating aspects of the law. Antique pews for the viewers over specially crafted and designed carpeting with US logos (in case you forgot where you were). The front end of the courtroom had been modernized with computer monitors and microphones capturing each word for the court reporters. although I was having slight anemia I was psyched to testify. The first day after opening statements I began my expert testimony. It was, in my experience, like telling and teaching the jury at the same time. I’m passionate about my work and it’s history. After a brief intro into who i was and my ”expert” pedigree my attorney quizzed me about the industry and my job. At one point it felt a little like name that tune when he played video performances of artists and asked me to name the songs. All in all I wanted to engaged the jury. Day one I felt that a few were still pissed off at having to serve - they had just been selected that day - and a few were very interested in what i was saying. Day two it felt different. They were resigned to completing the case and the jurors overall appeared more engaged. I’m sure they just didn’t know what to expect on day one. the judge also asked me questions, trying to understand the complexity of our business and i was happy to provide more details. He had been told about my “condition” and wanted to make sure I took breaks as needed; but you know me. I insisted on toughing it out -waiting until he granted breaks rather than asking...besides, I was only sitting in a chair answering questions. Day two started earlier, again my attorney asked some questions and then it was time for the cross by the defendant. I was nervous and excited. I had heard the defendants attorney was tough and demanding. I guess she just wasn’t a match for me. I shortly answered her questions and pointed out her mistakes. Articles she pointed to as reference of my work, didnt have me quoted or any veracity. Contracts she asked me to verify were created when I was 10 years old far beyond the scope of my current employment! I took pleasure in seeing her come up empty handed; almost too much. when it was all said and done on my end I was exhausted but I’d accomplished my first ever expert witness testimony. I crashed at home tonight and have a full next two days of work plus a trip to DC Friday. I know I’m pushing myself but as I’ve said from the beginning I will not allow this disease to control me and what I do. I’m concerned I may not have that many choices since the Coronavirus expanding in the US. I’ve already made all my travel by private car - no public transit. I can only take so many precautions because i will not not live my life. So I keep calm, wash my hands and move on....my next treatment is March 12.....love and miss you mom.