Life as an “always on call mommy,” a full time public servant and a part time volunteer is fairly exhausting; but I wouldn’t trade it for a diamond bedazzled, size two jean – that would actually fit over my right ankle. My name is Erin Leigh Waddell Garrett and I am a married, mother of three (age 4 and under), who spends her days judging cases at the First Judicial District Court.
I was elected as a Caddo Parish District Judge in November 2014, after a yearlong campaign, which, incidentally, felt like it lasted for the better part of my adult life. Also, let me say, campaigning is not for the birds, especially not pregnant, while practicing law, tending to a one year old and selling a house. It’s no surprise then, when I tell you that I love chaos; although I am certain, my friends would choose another adjective to describe it. Having been two years since my election, I’d like to report that I’ve figured out a healthy balance between work and home, mom and judge, crazy and sane. But let me be real – that is most certainly not the case. Most days, I’m running late, wheeling through carpool, finishing my makeup, spilling coffee, noticing I’ve forgotten a bag or realizing I failed to dress a child in activity appropriate clothing (soccer/gymnastics/yoga). See, my children (yes, even my boys) wear smocked clothing seven days per week, because I only have a few years to dress them like little dolls – before they go all Kardashian on me. Bless their hearts, a smocked frock is hardly the best clothing for kicking a ball or head standing. But I digress, the point is, my “balance” is really more of a see-saw.
As you may imagine, being a judge is no more predictable than life with three little children. Even though I know I have court, I have absolutely no idea what will happen in court: how people will act, what they will say or how it will make me feel. Some people are respectful, some aren’t; some people are resentful, some aren’t; some people are misunderstood, some aren’t. Nevertheless, I am expected to behave in an appropriate manner – which isn’t always easy; and there is no room for error, due to the work of my fabulous court reporter who is vigorously transcribing my every word. That’s right. I have to be especially purposeful in my words and my actions. Seriously though, I’m purposeful because how I act, what I say, the decisions I make, on a daily basis, directly impact the lives of people, for better or worse. Sometimes, the stress is so intense that I can actually feel my muscles petrifying.
It’s worth it though, and I am so very thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people – especially these days. Too often, it seems like everywhere I turn, someone is angry or placing blame. So many people are caught up in what they think is right or wrong, that they forget the fundamentals of humanity – love, respect, compassion, empathy. If I’m honest, I probably don’t have a lot in common with 90% of the people that come through my courtroom; but I treat them with respect. The way I see it, I can balance fair and impartial justice while exemplifying compassion, empathy and common sense. I can be firm, and still be kind; one does not negate the other. Maybe, just maybe, my compassion helped motivate recovery. Maybe, just maybe, one person needed someone – anyone – to care. Maybe, just maybe, a mistake was made and a second chance was well deserved. Maybe, just maybe, I made a difference. Maybe, just maybe, despite all the mistakes I’ve made, the pearly gates will open when I ascend to meet my Maker.
Maybe most importantly, I want a better environment for my children as they grow. I want my children to live in a world less filled with hate, and more filled with love, than what we are experiencing right now. I want my children to know that they don’t have to agree with someone to show them kindness; and they can stand firm in their beliefs and still empathize with others when expressing those views. In my opinion, adversity is better received if it is made without insults and threats anyway. My daddy always says, “you get more bees with honey.” I don’t want to send the message to my children, or anyone else’s children for that matter, that we shouldn’t treat each other with mutual respect. I want my children to live their lives in a world where they’re not always afraid of what’s around the next turn, but instead, they can live vividly and let their little lights shine brightly! I think that starts with the basics, the fundamentals. And from my perspective, that’s what it’s all about – making the future better for our children. Despite all of the chaos, if we all choose to show more love, empathy, and respect; then maybe, just maybe, we can make the future a little better, a little brighter, for our children.