(The Beacon editor chose not to publish this as it doesn't fit new guidelines for Valley Voices columns)
Ten days after her due date Katherine Anne was suddenly in a big hurry to greet the world. It was one of the scariest times of my life when she was born before the doctor arrived, with her cord wrapped around her neck, and she did not breathe or cry right away. The nurses did everything right and soon enough all was well. From birth this child was a shy one and didn’t want to be held by anyone other than her mom, dad, or grandma. She did not want to sleep at all unless we were holding her, and there was no tricking her with moving her to the crib after she fell asleep. Her favorite time to cry was during hours most people like to sleep.
She has grown into a beautiful, talented, and bright young woman who turns eighteen today and graduates from Waubonsie Valley High School tomorrow. Her dad and I are so proud of her.
She grew from the days of Girl Scouts, cheerleading, ballet, gymnastics, and piano to become a violinist, a stellar student, a dedicated worker and a cherished friend. She started out wanting to be a doctor, a best-selling author, a teacher, then a professional violinist and finally deciding to become a math major (like her mom!).
When she was little she was so shy that for years our extended family didn’t even know she could talk. At first, she really didn’t talk because she’d had months of ear infections. After she got ear tubes she began talking in paragraphs and she had plenty to say. She became the card shark of the family at a young age and that competitiveness stuck with her through the years. When first learning to write, she chose to write each letter dozens of times, filling notebook pages with one letter per page to perfect her writing skills. She loved writing stories and when she was in fifth grade her “pencil story” was acted out at Brooks by students from Waubonsie Valley HS.
When it came to money, she was always a saver rather than a spender. When we explained that we could not afford a certain vacation one year, she proclaimed “Well, if you saved your money like I do, we could go to Disney World every year!”
Moving from Cowlishaw where she had been the Queen of the Playground in 2nd grade, to Brooks, where she knew almost no one, was a hard time for her. Yet that first year when she was in third grade she read more books for W.E.B. reading than the next two or three kids combined. Even though she remained quiet in school, she apparently made an impression because when the fifth graders had to vote for one boy and one girl to represent their school at an awards breakfast, they chose Kathy.
Since the age of 1 we have known Kathy as “The World’s Pickiest Eater.” The list of foods she likes usually hovers around 10 different items. She will usually choose to stop eating a particular food once I have a couple months’ worth of it stocked up, and she moves on to something else. School lunches have always been hard for a kid who doesn’t eat fruits, vegetables, or sandwiches. She did fine eating a Kid Pack Yogurt for every school day of elementary school, until the company stopped making it, and more than 7 years later we still haven’t found a substitute. We figure when she leaves for college her eating habits can’t possibly get any worse than they already are.
At her 6th grade spring orchestra concert we found out that there are year-end awards given out to the most outstanding orchestra student in each grade. Kathy then did every orchestra-related activity she could in 7th and 8th grade and managed to earn that most outstanding award both years. She played in both Fiddlers and Select Strings (extra-curricular groups that each met two mornings a week before school) and performed in several solo and ensemble events each year plus IMEA and Full Orchestra. During high school she played in Warrior Strings, the Europe trip orchestra, and the New York trip orchestra, was also a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society for two years, and played in the top level Chamber Strings Orchestra for three years.
She consistently worked hard on academics and took very challenging courses while earning a spot on the high honor roll for every single term of middle school and high school. She has been named an Illinois State Scholar, Indian Prairie Scholar and an AP Scholar with Honor. This despite missing several days of school many years due to illnesses and minor surgeries. She has always been very determined and persistent at working toward her goals. These skills will serve her well as she goes off to Illinois Wesleyan University in just 87 days.
I know she will miss her private music students, the children she watches in the nursery at church, her friends, and her family as she embarks on this exciting new chapter of life. We will certainly miss her. Happy birthday, Kathy, and congratulations on graduation!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
2010-05-14 My day of jury duty (not published)
(The Beacon editor chose not to publish this as it doesn't fit new guidelines for Valley Voices columns)
Some grumble at the inconvenience when they are called for jury duty, but not me. I was amazed that when DuPage County finally requested my presence, it was for a day I could attend without any conflicts other than work.
As instructed, I called the evening before, and the recording informed me that I was indeed expected to show up. I arrived at 9:30 the next morning with books and without my cell phone, because anything that can take photos is not allowed in the building.
The jury room was a pleasant surprise. It is a large, wide lounge with a curving wall of windows overlooking water, with couches, tables, and chairs throughout, lockers and restrooms, coffee and tea. I checked in and got comfortable. Shortly after 10 we were told what we could expect for the day as well as about the one day/one trial system of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court, in which any jurors not seated for a trial today would be discharged and not summoned again for at least one year. We were told that a number of courtrooms had trials going on today, but that only two might require a jury. We watched a brief video about being a juror.
It was fairly quiet being in a room sprinkled with people who were strangers to one another and who, for the most part, didn’t have cell phones with them. Returning jurors from a trial-in-progress from the previous day were called to report to the courtroom. Shortly after 11am twenty-four juror numbers were called, including mine. The 24 of us were lead up three flights to a courtroom. There we were seated and sworn in. The judge introduced us to himself, the court reporter, the court clerk, the defendant and her attorney, the two States Attorneys, and two security officers. He described to us the roles of the people in the room, the nature of the charges (drunk driving), the names of the witnesses expected to be called, the expected length of the trial (that afternoon and the next day, possibly going one additional day), and the expectations for jurors.
Six jurors and one alternate needed to be selected. Six juror numbers were called and those people were then questioned by the judge, sometimes as a group and sometimes as individuals. One of the prosecutors then asked questions of the jurors.
The jurors were asked several questions including whether they have ever had a drink and then driven a vehicle (with mention that it is legal in Illinois to drink some alcohol and then drive a vehicle), whether they are seen by others as a leader or a follower, whether they belong to Mothers Against Drunk Driving or similar organizations, what prior involvement they and close family members have had with the law, whether they have any objection to passing judgment on another person, whether they have ever been wrongfully accused of something based on apparent facts, whether they have ever wrongfully accused someone of something, whether they would be able to find the person guilty or not guilty on the basis of law as provided by the judge and not their own opinion, and whether they can work with a group of strangers to reach a verdict.
The judge referred to the jurors by number, but the attorneys made a point to refer to each separately by name. One of the potential jurors, who had previously been arrested for drunk driving herself, was excused and replaced. The new person then had to answer the same set of questions and once the prosecution was happy with these six, the defense attorney began his questioning. The questions from both sides appeared to be asked with expectations of certain answers. The prosecution objected to some of the leading questions asked of the jury pool. Eventually the six were agreed upon by both sides and dismissed for lunch. A similar but shorter set of questioning then went on for the alternate juror.
The rest of us were dismissed from the courtroom, and after lunch I read until we were told that the other court case had been resolved without the need for a jury and we were dismissed.
It was an interesting day even though I didn't wind up seated on a jury.
Some grumble at the inconvenience when they are called for jury duty, but not me. I was amazed that when DuPage County finally requested my presence, it was for a day I could attend without any conflicts other than work.
As instructed, I called the evening before, and the recording informed me that I was indeed expected to show up. I arrived at 9:30 the next morning with books and without my cell phone, because anything that can take photos is not allowed in the building.
The jury room was a pleasant surprise. It is a large, wide lounge with a curving wall of windows overlooking water, with couches, tables, and chairs throughout, lockers and restrooms, coffee and tea. I checked in and got comfortable. Shortly after 10 we were told what we could expect for the day as well as about the one day/one trial system of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court, in which any jurors not seated for a trial today would be discharged and not summoned again for at least one year. We were told that a number of courtrooms had trials going on today, but that only two might require a jury. We watched a brief video about being a juror.
It was fairly quiet being in a room sprinkled with people who were strangers to one another and who, for the most part, didn’t have cell phones with them. Returning jurors from a trial-in-progress from the previous day were called to report to the courtroom. Shortly after 11am twenty-four juror numbers were called, including mine. The 24 of us were lead up three flights to a courtroom. There we were seated and sworn in. The judge introduced us to himself, the court reporter, the court clerk, the defendant and her attorney, the two States Attorneys, and two security officers. He described to us the roles of the people in the room, the nature of the charges (drunk driving), the names of the witnesses expected to be called, the expected length of the trial (that afternoon and the next day, possibly going one additional day), and the expectations for jurors.
Six jurors and one alternate needed to be selected. Six juror numbers were called and those people were then questioned by the judge, sometimes as a group and sometimes as individuals. One of the prosecutors then asked questions of the jurors.
The jurors were asked several questions including whether they have ever had a drink and then driven a vehicle (with mention that it is legal in Illinois to drink some alcohol and then drive a vehicle), whether they are seen by others as a leader or a follower, whether they belong to Mothers Against Drunk Driving or similar organizations, what prior involvement they and close family members have had with the law, whether they have any objection to passing judgment on another person, whether they have ever been wrongfully accused of something based on apparent facts, whether they have ever wrongfully accused someone of something, whether they would be able to find the person guilty or not guilty on the basis of law as provided by the judge and not their own opinion, and whether they can work with a group of strangers to reach a verdict.
The judge referred to the jurors by number, but the attorneys made a point to refer to each separately by name. One of the potential jurors, who had previously been arrested for drunk driving herself, was excused and replaced. The new person then had to answer the same set of questions and once the prosecution was happy with these six, the defense attorney began his questioning. The questions from both sides appeared to be asked with expectations of certain answers. The prosecution objected to some of the leading questions asked of the jury pool. Eventually the six were agreed upon by both sides and dismissed for lunch. A similar but shorter set of questioning then went on for the alternate juror.
The rest of us were dismissed from the courtroom, and after lunch I read until we were told that the other court case had been resolved without the need for a jury and we were dismissed.
It was an interesting day even though I didn't wind up seated on a jury.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
2010-05-07 Mother's Day
Mother’s Day 2010
I'm very lucky because my mom really is the best. She is the kindest, most generous person I know.
She was a big help in her own family growing up as the oldest daughter and has always set an excellent example as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, neighbor, and friend to those in her life. She is always willing to give her time and energy to help out others - whether they are family members, friends, or even strangers. She and my dad have done so much to help those who are elderly, ill, or otherwise in need.
My mom chose to quit her job when I was a baby and she was and still is always there for me and my brother, and now our families, too. While growing up I can remember my mom being busy with room parties, leading scout troops, helping out at church, organizing her East High class reunions, being PTA president at Bardwell, and taking care of several family pets. I thank my parents for years full of wonderful childhood memories.
When my own children were born my mom arranged her work schedule so she could frequently spend the day with them while my husband and I were at work. Now the grandkids are older and needs have changed, but Grandma and Grandpa are always happy to help out as needed. They attend all of the kids’ concerts, plays, school open houses, and other events. They take the grandkids on fun outings and have them overnight. They have rearranged their lives to be in charge of our crazy busy household when my husband and I were out of town.
We have always lived within a short distance of my parents. They and my children have spent a lot of time together and I'm glad that they have such a great relationship. This August I will have been married twenty-five years and many of those years my husband and I (and children) enjoyed going on a vacation with my parents and my brother's family.
My mom retired from her job at Dreyer Medical Clinic but likes to still go back each fall to help out during the flu shot clinic. She also ushers at The Paramount, works as an election judge, and volunteers with the VNA, including spending time with hospice patients. Along with my dad she delivers Meals on Wheels and helps in a variety of ways at Fourth Street United Methodist Church.
Our family celebrates many events together all year long and my mom always makes sure that none of us go hungry, pushing seconds, thirds and desserts, and making different food for the picky eaters. This weekend we will again share Mother’s Day and my birthday as we’ve done all my life.
I wish everyone could have a mom like mine.
Happy Mother's Day, Mom,
I'm very lucky because my mom really is the best. She is the kindest, most generous person I know.
She was a big help in her own family growing up as the oldest daughter and has always set an excellent example as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, neighbor, and friend to those in her life. She is always willing to give her time and energy to help out others - whether they are family members, friends, or even strangers. She and my dad have done so much to help those who are elderly, ill, or otherwise in need.
My mom chose to quit her job when I was a baby and she was and still is always there for me and my brother, and now our families, too. While growing up I can remember my mom being busy with room parties, leading scout troops, helping out at church, organizing her East High class reunions, being PTA president at Bardwell, and taking care of several family pets. I thank my parents for years full of wonderful childhood memories.
When my own children were born my mom arranged her work schedule so she could frequently spend the day with them while my husband and I were at work. Now the grandkids are older and needs have changed, but Grandma and Grandpa are always happy to help out as needed. They attend all of the kids’ concerts, plays, school open houses, and other events. They take the grandkids on fun outings and have them overnight. They have rearranged their lives to be in charge of our crazy busy household when my husband and I were out of town.
We have always lived within a short distance of my parents. They and my children have spent a lot of time together and I'm glad that they have such a great relationship. This August I will have been married twenty-five years and many of those years my husband and I (and children) enjoyed going on a vacation with my parents and my brother's family.
My mom retired from her job at Dreyer Medical Clinic but likes to still go back each fall to help out during the flu shot clinic. She also ushers at The Paramount, works as an election judge, and volunteers with the VNA, including spending time with hospice patients. Along with my dad she delivers Meals on Wheels and helps in a variety of ways at Fourth Street United Methodist Church.
Our family celebrates many events together all year long and my mom always makes sure that none of us go hungry, pushing seconds, thirds and desserts, and making different food for the picky eaters. This weekend we will again share Mother’s Day and my birthday as we’ve done all my life.
I wish everyone could have a mom like mine.
Happy Mother's Day, Mom,
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