A Week Later

OK, now it's been a week and two days. It's been somewhat of a bumpy ride. For some reason, sleep has been an issue starting with Monday night of this week - got only 1-1/2 hours that night. Night before last was somewhat better - about a total of 3 hours. Last night I slept about 4 hours, then was awake for an hour or so, then slept pretty well the rest of the night until just before 6:30 a.m.

There have been so many thoughts go through my brain. Lots of people - including people in positions of authority and who are politically savvy - have told me they are shocked that my opponent won. As I may have said, while not shocked, I was surprised -- and I think it's fair to say part of my grief reaction has been what properly could be called "shock." I'm a little numb right now.

There've been light moments for sure. We're trying to "make lemonade" with these lemons that life has handed us. All of us -- my family and I, my staff and I, other friends and I -- have even been able to joke about it a bit. I think it's all pretty healthy -

I called my opponent's office on Monday morning and left a message of congratulations. She called me back about 1/2 hour later to acknowledge my call, and I repeated my congratulations and offered any assistance I could in the transition at the end of this year. She said thank you. The conversation was courteous and short. That was a tough call for me but I know it was the right thing to do.

I love the Family Court and while I am not happy with the thought of leaving my job at the end of this year, I certainly want to do all I can to make the transition as easy a process as possible. I want the Family Court not only to continue as it has but to continue growing in service to the people of this area.

Back to my insomnia - although it started Monday night, I never felt tired until about 7:30 last evening and then I just about dropped. Today, I am tired and am looking forward to going home and resting this evening. And balancing my checkbook, catching up on my tithe, and whatever else I can find as far as those routine responsibilities go.

I've had a busy week of hearings. Tomorrow I have to speak at a career day and read at my son's school. It'll be my last time reading to his class - I've done that almost every month since he's been in grade school. So another part of my life coming to a close - sad, but at the same time neat to see him and his friends growing up -

It's a transition time for all of us.