“I Don’t Listen Well,” He Said, Part III of III
“I Don’t Listen Well,” He Said, Part III of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Part I and II began:
My mother was admitted into the hospital via ER. We thought it was a virus or food poisoning.
Soon, she was in intensive care.
Mom spent nine days, including Christmas Eve and Christmas day, in ICU.
Several professionals pushed eyeglasses down their noses to look into my eyes and ask, “Who are you again?” when I asked a direct question, then fully listened.
Part III:
At one meeting (with multiple disciplines) I asked Dad entering the large room, “Do you think we should ask about palliative care for Mom?”
Dad snapped his head and said, “Palliative care? I just don’t want her leaving in a box today!”
At Mom’s bedside today, she asked what I was writing.
Nurses look directly into my lap to see ‘what’ I am writing now (with my pen) in my lap. I told Mom I was working on this article.
I did not name the topic.
Mom, a degreed elementary special education instructor, said, “You have been listening since you’ve been here. You’re not afraid of anyone. You know details. Write about this. Write about my experiences here.”
I winced, “Well, maybe not your experiences here.”
Mom looked directly to me, “Use the facts. Tell the truth. You are a court reporter! You listen.”
I ducked my head as nurses immediately stopped changing IV bags to look into my eyes.
One nurse – fully listening – draped IV lines over her shoulders.
I did not share this article started with “Gilgamesh” and a private conversation.
I smiled to Mom and kept my head down.
Later, Mom opened her eyes and asked, “What are you really writing about?”
(That woman can hunt.)
The nurse and the aid paused, and I said softly, “Lemonade, Mom. I’m writing about making lemonade.”
My mother, who has been so ill, giggled and said, “My daughter is a court reporter.
She can listen! All court reporters have sharp minds! They all do! They listen! People think I’m not listening when I lie here with my eyes closed. I don’t have to. My daughter is an experienced court reporter. They miss nothing!”
She looked to me and slowly winked her left eye.
I almost fell over with laughter.
I focused to remain ‘listening’ with the court reporter look.
Now I ask you: Have you noticed our listening moments?
We have skills that are different than other professionals. I have been told this over and over, and I have listened.
When you read this, I pray that Mom is in a healthier place.
And I thank you for listening.
Part I of III is posted April 7, 2011, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted April 19, 2011, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette, the Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Empowerment Coach,
Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART, & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
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About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material, and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART providers, captioners, students, and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students, and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.