June 27, 2025

“All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream” – Edgar Allan Poe  

I have a pretty cool job. To say I love what I do is an understatement. I get to meet all kinds of people, in all walks of life and hear all sorts of things. I am the person in the courtroom that gets to use the cool steno machine to take down what everyone is saying. I am the proverbial fly on the wall. I am a court stenographer.

I do a lot of different types of proceedings working for the courts and I never quite know what I’m walking into, which is as exciting as it is terrifying.

A few weeks ago, I worked on a case involving a man who has a diagnosis of schizophrenia but lacks insight into his illness. He lives in his own world. He’s content with his reality.

When he’s on meds, he’s able to be a productive member of society. He doesn’t feel he needs these medications and doesn’t want to take them but, unfortunately, is inappropriate and unsafe in the community without them.

The meds can have unpleasant side effects that he worries will make him sick and he wants control over his body and, I presume, his reality. Some of these meds, it is said, can make a person feel catatonic or even zombie-like.

On a break, I was sitting in the courtroom and the man started talking to me. He was pleasant and quite articulate and I could tell he just wanted to talk. A very large part of my job is listening, so I was happy to oblige. After all, everyone wants to feel heard. Of course, I was very careful not to offer advice or really say much of anything.

He referenced testimony from the doctor in the case who said the man refers to himself as Hippy Jesus and he commented that I must think that’s pretty silly. I said, “No, I don’t think it’s silly at all.”

Actually, by my observation, the name was very fitting. His hair and beard were consistent with the portrayal of Jesus in storybooks and movies. His clothing was, well, hippy-like.

He smiled and enthusiastically told me that God talks to him and he doesn’t think it’s a bad thing that he listens, because the world would be better off if more people listened when God spoke.

Hippy Jesus gets it.

***

I’m happy to report that this week was a very peaceful week. Mike’s pain is no longer a big part of his reality.. He still has some residual kidney pain but that is improving every day.

He had a good week with therapy. The physical therapist is having him practice standing up to strengthen his left leg. They’ve also been working on strengthening his core.

Mike wears the electrical stimulation daily for his left arm and has been able to move it up and down more easily. He is excited to demonstrate this for me.

Talking to doctors and other people that have experience with stroke, one year seems to be the realistic timeframe for recovery. I’ve gotten Mike to accept this reality and relax a bit more when he hears that number. It gives him something to shoot for and try to beat. I remind him if it is a year, that’s not the end of the world. It’s a small blip in the road of his life.

We are enjoying better spirits these days and loving on each other. We plan date nights and try to get out of the house as much as possible.

We drive around and listen to music. We eagerly talk about our wedding next year.

Mike made it to church with me last Sunday. The sermon was about the afflicted and their caregivers. It gave the harsh reality of being on both sides. It was sobering yet comforting. God is talking to both Mike and I and, believe me, we are listening.

***

I’ve gotten to do some pretty fascinating assignments as a court reporter. I’ve been flown to Jackson, Mississippi and reported confidential assignments for the military as a POTUS directive. I had the amazing opportunity to take Larry King’s deposition. He was a very kind and personable man. Much smaller physically in person than I’d imagined.

I also got to meet the main photographer at Woodstock who testified in a copyright infringement case. I heard stories surrounding each picture he took and how he managed to maneuver around the massive crowds and get the iconic shots depicting that momentous event.

Well, here’s to a reality that includes some peace, love and Hippy Jesus! 😜