It’s clear I haven’t been writing as much since my son was born. And I wanted to be fairly clear that I do intend to continue writing and informing people throughout the years. There are some things people have sent me that will be written about, but it’s taking much more time than usual because I’m taking most of my time for me and my family.
To this day I give guidance, advice, and information to students and reporters that write to me. That’s unlikely to end. I give and gave a great deal of my life to this career. I made it a point to publish information no other interest group would and raise questions that most others wouldn’t. I faced praise and success, which I am grateful for, but I also faced a great deal of derision and discrimination, which opened my eyes more widely to what’s important in life. My family and friends love me. My career does not.
DANY family, court family, union brothers and sisters — this kind of talk can suck in someone in their 20s and have them believe that the teams they’re a part of have love for them. My advice to the young would be to not be sucked in by such rhetoric. There is no replacement for family and friends. Maybe some of your coworkers become real family and friends. But for the most part, this is not the case.
I have love for a lot of people in this field. I am hopeful that those that have love for me will understand.
If you’re in dire need of court reporting reading, Steno Imperium has been writing up a storm. The recent piece on Wenhold was interesting, though admittedly I only skimmed it.
To every reader: Always be hopeful.
Wonderful wisdom. I definitely can benefit and learn greatly from your wisdom, i.e. importance of family over work relationships. Thanks for your years of fantastic
contributions to everyone.
” … this kind of talk can suck in someone in their 20s and have them believe that the teams they’re a part of have love for them. My advice to the young would be to not be sucked in by such rhetoric.”
This is true of every profession, and every age. I was 60 when I started playing music for a church. (I had been a church musician for 25 years before this.) I thought, wrongly, that I was loved there. After five years I left, but that experience was the source of much pain, and I really should have left long before. I’ll probably never set foot in a church again.
Thank you for your thoughts, and I’m thrilled for you and your family!
Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Well said. Enjoy time with your son, even the tedious and tiring parts of caring for him. This time will be over too soon, and once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Time with your family and friends is always a good investment, Chris. Much love, Lisa.
I’d been wondering where you were. Thanks for checking in. Take all the time you need for your new family. Give that baby a kiss from me and Dylan!
I sure will.
Thanks for the update. I am happy you have been blessed with a wonderful son and family! I agree on many of your great words and hard work and time you have given our profession. You have my deepest respect. I am sorry the truth comes at such a high cost for all who speak the truth. Your advocacy and support has meant a lot to many of us reporters from all over the country.
Thank you so much. I still hold out hope that many will open their eyes to many of the facts I’ve published.
Thank you for this honest, grounded reflection. It’s easy in this field to get consumed by the fight—whether it’s for truth, reform, or just basic recognition. You’ve carried so much of that burden publicly, often putting yourself in the crosshairs to ask the questions no one else would touch. That’s not a small thing.
But what you’ve written here is a powerful reminder: this profession can take and take until there’s nothing left to give—unless we draw a line and reclaim space for our families, for peace, and for our own sanity. You’ve earned every second of this pause, and the work you’ve already done will continue to ripple outward, even while you’re quiet.
You’ve helped people see through the fog, inspired many of us to speak out when it would’ve been easier to stay silent. And while your pen may be slower these days, it’s still sharp—and deeply appreciated when it shows up.
Having a child—there truly are no words. Life shifts in the most profound way, and everything else takes its rightful place behind that. I respect and honor your choice to step back and be present for your family. But I do believe you’ll come back to us—and when you do, your voice will be sharper, wiser, and even more essential. I look forward to it.
And thank you for the shoutout to StenoImperium—it means a lot coming from someone who’s done so much to light the path for others. I’ll keep doing my part while you take this time for what matters most. The more voices we have, the stronger we are – if anyone is tempted to start a blog.
Here’s to balance, to real love, and to building something better—not just in our field, but in our lives.
Until you return, enjoy every moment. We’ll be here. Always rooting for you.