With the final outcome of the Jon Goldberg case; for one of two families that day will bring more heartache

I reached out to some members of the Smith Family attending court during the first break today after Jessica Springer's testimony.

Unlike other reporters covering this case; I understand and have experienced the pain, the stress, the emotions they are going through because I have experienced that pain and what it feels like sitting in court day after day reliving an unexpected, personal loss.

That loss is compounded as you wait for the wheels of justice which turn slowly.

I don't cover cases superficially and I cover cases that others don't.  Cases that are emotionally exhausting and not neccesarily always high profile.

Even after three years of  being in that Courthouse daily; covering multiple cases, simultaneously and then going home, typing hours of testimony, being there for families and answering readers questions daily; covering this trial still evokes the same passion and dedication.

That is a good thing. I haven't become numb to other's suffering.

The Smith Family and I never talked directly before today so they just know me from my posts on this case and I don't know them because many others clouded that opportunity.

It was a brief moment; a human moment. I chose to apologize because I recognize the pain they are in but I also explained where I was coming from with my court observations.  I expressed my sympathies.

Today and when Tim Smith Jr and Douglas Smith testify will be very difficult on the Smith family.

However, it is just as hard for Jon Goldberg's family. It is a small town, a small courthouse. All of us are cramped in a tiny space. The weather has made it more intense to spend 7 hours a day in a busy courthouse.

The Goldberg family doesn't have the local support, the community connections. It is easy to forget their pain.

I speak up because I care.

There have been a lot of positive changes in Humboldt Superior Court, including more court coverage because of what I do.

The job of a true reporter is to report and observe the truth; even when it is inconvenient and despite any backlash.

It is even more crucial in court reporting because lives are at stake.