Ladies & Gentlemen, I Have Arrived!

It came today!

The letter I've been anticipating, hoping for, dreaming of for the past 20 years.

The proof that I decided long ago would confirm I was a capable, mature grown-up who contributed something meaningful to her community.

I was summoned to JURY DUTY!!!!!!

In case you think I'm exercising my sarcastic wit right now, let me assure you I am not.

Just ask my husband. My bewildered, confused husband who watched me wave my letter around the kitchen tonight as I exclaimed, "Do you know what this is!? Did you see it?!? Did you see what I got today!"

"Um.... yes." I could see him searching his inner database for the correct response. He knew it wasn't the one that was coming naturally to him at the moment.

"I've ALWAYS wanted to do this! I've NEVER been called to jury duty before! NOT ONCE!" I grinned widely, hoping my excitement might fuel an equal response.

His face went blank. He had clearly given up, feeling as if he had no chance of even feigning an appropriate reaction.

Despite his lack of enthusiasm, I carried on, reading the details aloud of the date and time my presence was being requested to serve my civic duty.

And then I got to the part where they list possible reasons a potential juror might be excused from this high and lofty honor.

AND I QUALIFY to be dismissed... no questions asked. I am the parent of a child under the age of six years old and I am not employed full-time.

(image courtesy of freestockphotos.biz)

In other words, the State of Florida would like for me to check the box, mail back my excuse, and get on with my job of, you know, being a mom. According to my hubby, the general population would be relieved by such a turn of events.

So now, ladies & gentlemen, I have arrived... at a quandary!

Do I bow out or step up?

What IS a wannabe civil servant to do????