At 6:45am on an early December morning, I left the house to take Pepper for a morning walk, and was greeted by a friendly process server, looking to serve Ron with a subpoena. You would think after 13 years it would be over, but it's not. There is a lawsuit by some victims against a bank, and although Ron is not involved in the case, he has knowledge of what happened. He had met with the attorneys the month before, and had been assured he would not be called to testify. Well, someone didn't get that memo, and he received an early morning subpoena that ruined his day, and was yet another reminder that it's not over until it's over.
Things have been straightened out now. The law firm that subpoenaed Ron apologized profusely. No subpoena was supposed to be sent. Someone screwed up. Getting the deposition reminded us again of how many lives are effected by a single act. Without getting into Ron's case, I often think how many lives were changed because of this case. Not only did it effect hundreds of people personally, but it effected decades long friendships and family relationships.
We recently went to Phoenix to visit Ron's friends Phil and Ellen, both of whom he has known for 58 years. Phil had some business to discuss with Ron, and Ron had another client to see. Prior to our trip, Ron thought a lot about being in the same city with the man who had caused him so much grief over the last decade. The question he kept asking himself was, "I wonder who he's scamming now." The answer is, "Probably someone."
Of course Ron never went to see the man, never would, but just knowing that he would be several miles away from him, made Ron a little uncomfortable. We live far away from Los Angeles, where all Ron's troubles started and ended. We have a wonderful life in San Diego, with new friends and where Ron's past problems are pretty much in the past. Ron's partner Jack chose to stay in Los Angeles, where I guess he has made a life for himself. I think that would be difficult, with people and places as constant reminders, but I guess it has worked for him.
It's easy for people to say to Ron, "It's over, just move on." It's not that easy. The process of being pursued by the government, threatened and having your family threatened, and ultimately incarceration, changes you. When people know your history, many look at you differently. People are not lining up to give felons a second chance, unless you have a famous name. Then you will get your book deal or another chance at what you were previously doing. (Michael Vick, Martha Stewart). So everyday you are reminded of what you've been through, and at some point, it wears you down. I marvel at how Ron keeps a positive attitude. He just got an opportunity to do more umpiring in Carlsbad and La Costa. He's happy for that opportunity. He just got a new tax client, too. Not much, but each little bit builds his confidence. I remember what his criminal lawyer told him when he was first charged. He said that once you're in the system, you in for life, and it will change your life forever, because you're never getting out. He was right.
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