I publish the following only because it's been sitting as a draft for 10 months, and I don't want to delete it. When I accompanied Robyn to court last February I jotted down a few notes about things I noticed. It's interesting to read things you've written in the past, especially when you don't remember exactly what you wrote. Ahh, dementia....

Without further ado:

COURT

Court is very long and very boring. It's similar to what I remember church being when I was a a kid. Everyone is dressed nice, it's formal, and everyone is quiet. There's a lot of waiting, so if you have to go I suggest bringing something quiet to do. (I'm doing this to pass the tme)

Robyn's lawyer is deceptively hale. He must be pushing 90. He totters about like a strong breeze would snap him, but his gaze is piercing and his handshake feels like it should come from someone 30 years younger in a time where firm handshakes meant something. On the amusing side though his ears are huge! It's like his head could take flight at any moment.

Jamie brought plenty of support, although I can't say whether they are here for moral support or just as witnesses. Phil, Kevin Roe, Busybody Lineback and someone I've never met (who could only be his brother). Robyn is stuck without the full weight of organized religions behind her. Right now she only has her mother, brother and me.

The guys in County Jail orange fascinate me for some reason. Maybe because this is family court and I didn't expect them, or perhaps maybe the lax attitude towards keeping them handcuffed. When they are sitting they are restrained , but when they walk they take them off. The one guy kept his hands twisted behind his back though. The tatoo on the back of his neck seems strangely innocent . Like the 3d beveled stars we used to doodle in elementary school in school. This one has points though. I need some county orange scrubs to wear around the house. That would be great

Tick tock... The waiting. I've been here for 2 hours now and I can’t imagine going anywhere soon.

I was pleased to see the courthouse flying both tx and us flags at the same height. Not sure why that’s so important to me but it is.

I wish the benches were replaced with the big comfy chairs they have for lawyers.

I wonder about the long line of people who sat right where I am and watched their lives
change

I wonder who gave the judge that giant boquet of flowers

Lawyers amuse me. a handfull are straight from a cbs drama, but most are great rotund gentlemen in bad suits with goofy haircuts. Its like being a member of the Bar for X number of years gets you a license for bad taste rather than a cheap gold watch.