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The past few months have been life-altering for everyone. The pandemic has caused folks to quarantine in their homes, keep children from physically attending school and wear masks even when you enter a bank. (Who would ever believe that anyone except a bank robber would be required to wear a mask at a bank?) As a lawyer who has been practicing for more than 30 years, I never would have contemplated the recent changes in practicing law and in life we now experience. Nor would I have thought that I can be as productive working from home as I am at my law office.
As I write this article, my thoughts are focusing on the future and what I anticipate doing again when we return to normal — whatever that normal may be. Some who know me — and especially my wife — know that I am more of a “half-empty glass” than a “half-full glass” person. That probably results from being a defense lawyer who gets hired after accidents happen and folks get hurt. However, with an optimistic eye, I will look forward to what the future may be when we return to normal.
When we return to normal, I hope to sit in the stands to watch a baseball game (as opposed to watching TV and cardboard cutouts sitting where I should be). My life has been blessed with the opportunity to watch games at 79 major and minor league baseball stadiums. I love watching a game with a hot dog and a beer while keeping score (yes, I am an old-timer who has a scorebook). While some people find baseball boring, knowing the intricacies of the game and the skill needed to play makes it relaxing and enjoyable. I want to visit four more major league parks to complete the entire major league circuit.
When we return to normal, I hope to be able to see movies at our local cinema. I miss seeing Bob Hammerle’s reviews of the latest flicks in the Indiana Lawyer that preview the movies to see. (Editor’s note: Bob Hammerle’s movie reviews return here.) I hope to step away from the pressure of practicing law to enjoy a few hours of an unrealistic action or comedy movie and to eat the unhealthy, overpriced popcorn you can get only at the cinema.
When we return to normal, I hope to feel safe going to a restaurant with family and friends. I miss the days when folks could meet for dinner by offering a hug or a handshake instead of a nod of the head or an elbow bump. Today many restaurants are struggling to survive, and I hope they make it through this pandemic so we can enjoy their offerings.
When we return to normal, I hope to be able to walk around the law office without wearing a mask and to be able to see a person’s entire face when we speak. Today we wear masks for safety, but while I am not a lip reader, there is something about being able to more fully understand and appreciate a conversation when you can see a person’s facial expressions.
When we return to normal, I hope Zoom depositions and mediations do not become the norm. While they are certainly helpful, I want to be able to see fellow attorneys. I have been fortunate to meet and practice with many good plaintiff and defense attorneys throughout the state. Those relationships and the friendships that develop happen from physically meeting and conversing with one another.
When we return to normal, I hope to travel again to see what the world has to offer. I have been blessed with many opportunities to travel all over the U.S. and to many other countries. I have taken these trips with my kids and hope I have opened their eyes to explore what this world has to offer. I hope to visit many more new places in the future.
When we return to normal, I hope the appreciation of family continues. Before the pandemic, my family life with two attorneys and older children was hectic. With depositions, mediations and trials along with the constant need to meet deadlines, life for me and my wife was constantly on the go. When the pandemic hit, life slowed down for a while and required an adjustment in our legal practices and in life. Children were not going to school and events, hearings and depositions were canceled (at least until we mastered Zoom). During that time, our family was forced to spend more time together. I appreciate the opportunity to spend time with the family, whether it be working a puzzle, playing cards or having a dinner together.
I believe life will return to “normal.” It may not be same as the old normal. I have shared some of my life experiences that I hope will be part of my “new normal.” In living through these difficult times, it has been helpful for me to look forward to what I hope becomes part of my future normal. I encourage everyone to contemplate what they wish to be included in their new normal. Stay safe and enjoy your normal!•
• Richard K. Shoultz is a partner in the Indianapolis firm of Lewis Wagner and serves on the board of directors of DTCI. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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