Shelley Walcott: Don't Tell The Boss

You're shoving me?? I'm pregnant!!!

Shelley Walcott

Pregnant or not, I seriously wanted to kick someone's butt today. 

My photographer Mark and I were at the Sheboygan County Courthouse.  We were there to cover the court appearance of that mom who allegedly shot her child in the leg with a BB gun.  You know... Angelique Vandeberg.  The one accused of assaulting the child to win a $1 bet with her boyfriend.

I tell you... never a dull day in the world of reporting.

After the court proceeding, Mark and I ran out to try and talk to the woman.  You know, to see if she had anything to say on her own behalf.

"Angelique," I said, "What do you have to say..."

Before I could even finish my sentence, a family member (I'm guessing mom or a much, much older sister) came flying around from behind, and gave me a good shove.  I nearly lost my footing.

"Leave her alone!!" the woman bellowed.

Ok, seriously.  Seriously.  The woman pushed me!  I'm nine months pregnant.  And it's kind of obvious.  It's not like I was beating the woman.  I was just trying to get a sound bite for my story!  Good grief! 

I was furious... but pressed on with my questioning.  Vandeberg and her posse ran into a men's room.   Mark and I waited.  Then confronted them again as they came out.  "Don't you have anything better to do??" they screamed at me.

Well lady, truth is... no.  This is my job.  I try to get soundbites from people like you.  In situations like this.  It ain't pretty, but that's the life of a reporter.  Even pregnant reporters.

Of course, my child comes first.  And I would never put myself into any truly dangerous situations.  And I figure there's only so much danger in a courthouse crawling with armed deputies.

Siggghhh.

Three weeks to maternity leave...

 

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