Long fingers like a pianist.  I use them every day as I write on my steno machine.  Though the machines have evolved and changed over time, my fingers still rapidly stroke the same keys.  I listen to spoken words and my amazing brain translates it to sounds, symbols, syllables and strokes.  I even have time to add in punctuation.

My fingers have taken me to islands, to ivy league college and a navy school, to town halls and high school auditoriums, outdoor venues with waterfire, a lighthouse tour on a ferry boat, the zoo, and numerous graduations and ceremonies.

I’ve captioned words for hundreds to read projected onto a screen.  I am not intimidated.  I am highly skilled and competent with over 22 years of experience.  Even if they say Steno is a dying art, I am proof that it’s not.  My career is thriving.  My salary supports and sustains me and my family.

My fingers fire rapidly across the keyboard hanging on to every word.  Sometimes just waiting for what’s next.  From the courthouse to web hearings, I am front and center.  My body is still.  My arms hardly move as my fingers do all the work.  I can read back what was just said confidently and with clarity.  I am the keeper of the official record now.  All thanks to my amazing fingers.