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All Posts, Parenthood

Prayers and Perseverance

First, a story.

Late in 2011, I got snapped by camera running a red light on Geary in the Inner Richmond. I knew it almost immediately, soon after I hit the gas pedal on a yellow light, as a series of white flashes flickered in my peripheral vision. A couple weeks later, a red light citation arrived in the mail with a fine of $480 to be paid even if I planned on contesting. I begrudgingly submitted the check, but was determined to see that money again.

No one said it could be done. Wait, I take that back. Dean nodded with apathy (as any good husband should) whenever I regaled him with my back-and-forth correspondence with the court. “I asked them about the accuracy of their photographic instruments. I want to know how often they’re maintained and checked for quality control!” Dean nodded off to sleep.

With the court rejecting all the evidence I could muster in letters, I had one last chance to appear in front of a judge with an officer assigned to my case. On D Day, my coworkers laughed when I told them I had to go to the court house. The cab driver insisted I was wasting my time. The uniformed officer sympathized when I told him my plight in line, but said gravely, “No one gets out of a red light citation!”

Eight months after knowingly and guiltily running a red light, despite what everyone claimed, what every said could not be done, I cashed a check from the San Francisco Superior Court for $480. I knew in my heart I was getting that money back.

That story isn’t about money. It’s about persistence. It’s about believing in yourself when the whole world is against you.

I’ve been meaning to rehash this story (I’ve written about it in piece-meal on my blog before) mainly for me because I need the inspiration. I need to believe. Dean and I could really use your prayers for a sick loved one as we have gotten some devastating medical news that we have been painfully dealing with for the past month. Honestly, I think I am all cried out for a lifetime. Never have I experienced such anguish. Prayers, your support, and good thoughts would be most appreciated during this time.

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05.10.13

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. CK

    May 10, 2013 at 2:04 pm

    Prayers for you and your family, like your red light ticket, don’t give up, medical technology is amazing.

    Reply
    • Catherine

      May 11, 2013 at 9:42 am

      Thank you so much, CK, trying to stay positive. You are definitely right about medical technology.

      Reply
  2. She'sWrite

    May 13, 2013 at 3:09 am

    So sorry to hear about your friend and the bad news. You’re right, there’s a lot to be said for perseverance! Prayers to you and yours as well. 🙂

    Reply
  3. She'sWrite

    May 13, 2013 at 3:14 am

    Also, I should have said “loved one” instead of “friend” since I clearly don’t know who is ill. My neurosis tried in vain to edit my comment, alas I couldn’t, so leaving a comment to my comment, which seems even crazier so now I’ll just try to exit gracefully. 🙂

    Reply
    • Catherine

      May 15, 2013 at 11:47 am

      Thank you so much for your prayers. They have meant the world to me during this difficult time.

      Reply

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Welcome to my site, derived from an advice column I wrote while getting my MBA. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. I give helpful, opinionated advice based on my own experience and from the expertise of my extensive network. For more, click here.

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