January 21, 2016

This date in 2013 was the Inauguration of President Barack Obama for a second term.  I reflect back that I had two terms as a former judge in small claims court starting in 2007.  My second term began in 2011 and was the most challenging by far.  I had a contentious battle with several politicians and my court was targeted to be moved. In the end, I won the court battle but lost my bid for a third term and the politics wore me down.  Despite the wins and losses, I would not change the experience in my second term because of the lessons I learned in small claims court during the 4 year period.

Tenacity: the quality or fact of continuing to exist; persistence.

Courage: strength in the face of pain or grief.

Loyalty: a strong feeling of support or allegiance.

Creativity: the ability to make new things or think of new ideas.

Conflict: a difference that prevents agreement; a struggle for power, property, etc.

Failure: a falling short.

A protracted battle has it's costs and can wear on you.  I can only imagine how President Obama feels during his last years in office.  The magnitude of all he has accomplished, and fought, in a short period in history is overwhelming.  I started collecting magazines with President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on the cover right after the first election in 2008. The excitement of a new president that was more like me than any other made me into an instant fan.  I stacked magazines in closets and by my bedside and eventually put them in boxes. Seven years later I have looked back at some of the magazines, but most have become wrinkled, worn and recycled.  That is exactly how life happens in some situations. The excitement is palpable.  We cherish the moments and work hard, but eventually we get worn out and wrinkled over time. We must throw away the old and begin again.  There will not be another term, but life's next chapter awaits. I am happy that in January 2016, I can look back and reflect on a past with many bright moments.  I treasure the moments and I am grateful for the lessons that have made me a better person.  I may be wrinkled and worn, but I don't regret a thing.

Best regards,


Michelle Smith Scott