Ten years ago I worked with a man who embezzled millions of dollars. I of course didn't know that at the time but found out when he left a note and skipped town. After that it was interviews with the FBI, letters from attorneys, subpoena for my notary journal and depositions. Even though I hadn't thought about it in years I wasn't entirely surprised when the FBI showed up at my door 2 weeks before Christmas to subpoena me yet again. A few weeks later I had telephone interview with the attorney. I haven't felt that stupid in a long time. It started out okay but as he asked more questions I realized how little I remember and how muddled and hazy the details are. I have a terrible memory, but of course they don't know that and for some reason seem to expect me to remember things that happened 10 years ago. The FBI agent had made it sound like no big deal; just an interview that would most likely NOT lead to testifying in court. So at the conclusion of the terrible interview I found out that they actually did expect me to testify.
I was SO freaked out! James kept reminding me that I had done nothing wrong and didn't have to worry about anything, especially because after 10 years it was totally okay to just say, "I don't remember." But the idea of getting up in front of a court room full of people; attorneys, judge, jury and the guy I haven't seen in 10 years was terrifying to me. Especially when things are so unclear. I knew it would be okay and actually best to say I don't remember when I don't; but there were also things like dates that the attorney told me I needed to know for sure. I actually sat and made a timeline of my own life collecting as much information as I could from papers and the original FBI interview. I tried so hard to be calm; to not worry, to be as prepared as possible, but even still I stressed and panicked for almost 3 weeks.
And then the day before I was scheduled the FBI agent called to let me know that I would not be required to testify. I was so relieved! I immediately started crying. Max and Zane wanted to know what wast the matter so I explained that girls cry when they are happy :) I told them that I had been scared of something and now everything was okay. Then right there on the really nasty kitchen floor we had a prayer of gratitude.
A few days later Donny (who was there at the time and who I have worked with for years since then and who also did not have to testify) let me know that the trial was over. I will never have to worry about that again.
I was SO freaked out! James kept reminding me that I had done nothing wrong and didn't have to worry about anything, especially because after 10 years it was totally okay to just say, "I don't remember." But the idea of getting up in front of a court room full of people; attorneys, judge, jury and the guy I haven't seen in 10 years was terrifying to me. Especially when things are so unclear. I knew it would be okay and actually best to say I don't remember when I don't; but there were also things like dates that the attorney told me I needed to know for sure. I actually sat and made a timeline of my own life collecting as much information as I could from papers and the original FBI interview. I tried so hard to be calm; to not worry, to be as prepared as possible, but even still I stressed and panicked for almost 3 weeks.
And then the day before I was scheduled the FBI agent called to let me know that I would not be required to testify. I was so relieved! I immediately started crying. Max and Zane wanted to know what wast the matter so I explained that girls cry when they are happy :) I told them that I had been scared of something and now everything was okay. Then right there on the really nasty kitchen floor we had a prayer of gratitude.
A few days later Donny (who was there at the time and who I have worked with for years since then and who also did not have to testify) let me know that the trial was over. I will never have to worry about that again.
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