by Tina Seymour Demoran Esq., Seymour Law Firm, PLLC
This morning, I was in County Court, and as I walked up to Judge Watt’s bench to hand him an Order for a case, I caught my left heel on a microphone cord that was on the carpet in front of me.
I tried to catch myself, but I went down.
Gasps filled the courtroom, and a few of the attorneys stood up to assist.
As a person who is not exactly graceful, I have learned how to fall in a manner that minimizes the risk of harm to myself and others.
I let myself sink to the ground, pushed back up off the carpet, and rose as gracefully as possible after taking a header in front of 15 or so of my fellow members of the Bar and court staff, a judge I’ve known since I started private practice, and several plaintiffs and defendants who had no clue who I was (I take solace in that particular fact).
As I rose, I realized that I had a choice.
I could act embarrassed (which I was, trust me), or I could play it off with humor.
I chose the latter, and as I rose, I threw my hands out in a dramatic flair, took a deep bow, and thanked the court for allowing me to entertain them this morning.
Several chuckles and a bit of applause followed.
After both of my cases were finished, I again bowed and apologized to my “audience” for having to leave, but my entertainment segment for court this morning was now over.
Again, a few chuckles, and I hightailed it out of that courtroom as fast as my heels and throbbing knee would take me.
Yes, I was embarrassed.
Yes, it was the first time I have ever fallen in court.
Hopefully, it will be the last time.
But, as I told the new attorney shadowing me for the day: bad things are going to happen.
You have two choices when they happen.
You can choose to let it get to you…let it affect your day…and your attitude and what you are doing.
Or, you can take a bow, play it off with as much humor as you can, and move along.
We are all going to fall.
Trust me on this one.
But the question is…when it happens…will you run away in shame…or will you take a bow?
Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions at (228)224-6781 or editor@thegazebogazette.com.
