When Even a Sparrow Falls

Have I ever told you the story ... wait I mean the tale of when I went before the judge to see if Tom and I could be together or at the least meet together with our Bishop (clergy)?

I learned while in Utah that I could ask a judge to let Tom and I meet together or under supervision be together. So there was a date set and I came down from Utah to see a judge.

I entered the court room early and was told that there were other's to be seen so it might be quite a while.  I was fine and settled in for whatever it would take.

Soon the Judge came in and we all stood for her as she took her seat. The court proceeded in this manner. There was a little chit chat between the judge and the clerk. Then the first plaintiff's name was called out. A door in the front of the courtroom and to my left opened. In walked a young black man what looked like between the age of twenty seven to thirty. He wore the orange jump suit of uncle Joe's and some of Joe's finer jewelry around both wrist (handcuffs). He approached the small stand with the mic and his lawyer met him there.

The judge asked him to state his name and birthdate. He did. Then she asked him "Do you understand that you have charges against you of accosting children on the playgrounds?"
"Yes judge." Came the reply
"Is it true that you have been diagnosed depressant?" Asked the judge
"Yes judge." He answered
"Do you take medication?" She asked
"No judge. I have none." He said
" Are you homeless?" She asked
"Yes judge." He answered
"If I release you will you take your medication and come back to court in two weeks?" She asked
"Yes judge." He said
"Bailiff take him to be released." The judge said.

Once again a name is called and the same door opens and in walks a white man in his late forties to early fifties same jumpsuit and handcuffs.
He was asked to state his name and birthdate.
The judge asked "Do you understand that you have been accused of being drunk and beating the handicap while you are on public transportation?"
"Yes judge. His wheelchair was in my way so I knocked him down." He stated
"Have you been diagnosed depressant?" The judge asked
"Yes." He answered
"Will you take your medication and stay sober?" She asked
"No." he said
Then his lawyer elbowed him and whispered to him to tell the judge yes. As the mic picked up their hushed voices.
The plaintiff quickly answered "Yes judge."
"Are you homeless?" She asked
"Yes judge." He said
"If I release you will you take your medication and come to court in two weeks?" She asked
"Yes judge." He answered.
He was escorted out.

Then I hear the judge say Thomas Blaine Baker. My brain immediately believes this won't be difficult. She seems quiet lenient.
Tom has to state his name and birthdate then his lawyer gives the reason I have come today.

Then I am called up. I stand there thinking I will be asked a series of questions but we all remain in silence. I then speak up and ask if we can be together to see our clergy for counseling. The judge turns to the prosecuting attorney and asks if there is anything she would like to add.
The prosecuting attorney says "We have no problem them going to see their clergy together."
The judge says "Denied at this time."

I left but Tom's lawyer, I heard tried to reason with the judge since the prosecuting attorney said it would be fine. But I guess his request fell on deaf ears also.

Next time I am going in homeless, depressed with no medication and known to be violent to children and handicapped. Then receive the sympathy as I plead my desires.

That is my tale. I don't understand why it is this way. I believe with all my heart if judges has to explain their judgements instead of just ruling our system might be improved.

When we stop to state our reasons it gives us reason. We have had to put our gut feelings or heart in context.

But that is just me thinking out loud.

“Be assured that there is a safe harbor. You can find peace amidst the storms that threaten you. Your Heavenly Father—who knows when even a sparrow falls—knows of your heartache and suffering. He loves you and wants the best for you. Never doubt this. While He allows all of us to make choices that may not always be for our own or even others’ well-being, and while He does not always intervene in the course of events, He has promised the faithful peace even in their trials and tribulations.”

—Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Finding a Safe Harbor,” Ensign, May 2000,