Protection-Weimaraner Style

Today marks my fifth week of Jury Duty. Three more weeks to go. As you walk through the maze of halls that comprise the Courthouse you cannot help but feel the cling of darkness that are the cases we hear. You believe people are inherently good, that your neighbors are trustworthy, and that the community you live in is safe. I am not so sure I feel that way anymore. Victims of crime parade in and out telling their stories, and your veil of innocence lifts. The tears tell the story, the bruises tell the story, and the small stuffie a child holds for comfort, tells the story. You feel the weight. The minutes tick off slowly. The silence in the room after particularly difficult testimony is deafening. All you can think is- What is wrong with people? When the day blessedly ends, you step out into the sunlight, take a breathe of the fresh, warm air and you feel an unbelievable sense of relief. You pull out of the Courthouse slowly, and make your way home. To a nice house, in a nice neighborhood, that has my two boys waiting for me. Where in a few hours my husband who loves me, as I do him, will arrive. Where the worst thing that ever happens is nothing a trip to Lowe's will not fix. Yet, it feels tarnished somehow. As you let the dogs back in the house, you firmly close and lock door. The door, that five weeks prior stood open nearly around the clock. I will be glad when my service is complete. I want my life back, and I want my door open again.

The boys add a layer of protection to my life. Especially Taren. He is always with me, following me from room to room. When he cannot, he waits outside my door till I return. In this photo Taren is watching a family walking their dogs, who has crossed our path. We stop and let them walk ahead. Taren is alert, the hair on his back is bristled, his tail is fluffed. He doesn't bark, but he wants to. I snap this photo to capture the moment, and the light. We go on our way. I rub my hand down his back and tell him he is a good boy. He is my protector.

As always, textures compliments of the ever generous and talented Jerry Jones

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