This morning, I noticed there was quite a hubbub going on at the state's oldest courthouse. My husband shared that the NC Supreme Court was in Edenton
hearing cases and before he knew it, I was in fancy clothes (white jeans) and manhandled Amos into knee socks and saddle shoes. One must look the
part when you haven't been invited, haven't signed up, don't hold a ticket for entry and arrive wrestling a three year old with autism. We are
not exactly on the most wanted list.
We moseyed down to the courthouse and I asked someone with a name badge for a chance to take a picture. Pictures were yesterday he told me, but I didn't
know, I told him. He paused and smiled and said, let me see what I can do. A few minutes later he agreed and so, we waited. I sat quietly and Amos
explored, not so quietly, the old courtroom. No one seemed to mind, though after a while, we made our way outside to burn up some energy. Cars
arrived and smiling men and women stepped out, just regular folks, friendly to Amos and his mama. I didn't know they would be like that.
We smiled and said hello and they lingered, several spoke to me for quite a while about Amos, our area, poverty, schools and yes, having a child with
special needs and life for him in NC. They asked thoughtful questions, offered advice, spoke to Amos and made me feel like I mattered. When you
make a mama feel important, you do the same for her child. The Chief invited us into the judges' chambers for a photo and before I knew it, Amos
climbed in a chair to sample the untouched delectables offered to the North Carolina Judicial Branch's most important court in NC.
To be three with autism means you don't give a damn about whose snacks are whose. Nope, he yelled "nana" and the Chief was quick to oblige. The small
blond boy whose place in the puzzle is not neat and tidy was welcome amidst the best and brightest. They laughed and smiled and offered grace to
the mother who longs for a world where perfection isn't required. I can't tell you much about their rulings or credentials or political affiliations,
but I hope that I've offered a glimpse of the human nature of seven individuals that make me proud to be a North Carolinian.
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