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A little while ago I told you about Josh being selected for jury duty. In case you just tuned in, he was selected to decide a child molestation case. The perp was convicted on all five charges. He molested two sisters, ages 13 and 14. I don't know what the sentence is yet but he should be going away for a long time.

Here's what flabbergasts me. He served. He came home. We thought it was over. Apparently not so ... but in a good way.

A few days ago he got a nice letter from the District Attorney thanking him for serving. He included a VERY nice Certificate of Appreciation, suitable for framing, thanking him for his service. I thought that was pretty cool.

Today, he got a letter from Louisiana's Thirty-Sixth Judicial Court. I assumed it was his check. See he had to take time off work so they gave him $25 per day and mileage to and from the courthouse. It came to just under $80.

It wasn't his check.

It was another letter.

From the Judge in the case.

Read it for yourself:

Dear Mr. Gunn

Although I expressed my thanks to you in the courtroom for your recent jury service, I want to take this opportunity to tell you personally how deeply I appreciate the attitude of seriousness and devotion to task that you demonstrated while you were discharging your public duty.

I recognize that the time you gave as a citizen was a duty that you had under law. Further, I realize that it was a matter of some inconvenience and did involve some personal sacrifice. Yet, you discharged this obligation of citizenship which you had with a positive spirit and with full appreciation for the importance and seriousness of your responsibility. People like yourself are what make America the great country that it is and make Beauregard Parish a wonderful place in which to live.

Again, on behalf of the citizens of Beauregard Parish, I thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Joe D. Judge
District Judge, Division Z
36th Judicial District Court

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I am blown away. I have a question for those of you who have served. Have you ever received a letter like this? I never have. I'm just curious. And again let me tell you how proud I am of him for doing his civic duty ... mandated by law or not. I'm verklempt. I need to go cry. Talk to you later.