Holiday Thoughts

Holiday Thoughts

This is one time of the year that our thoughts go out to others and we try to reflect upon the good things in life: loved ones, family gatherings, generosity, peace, goodwill, and the hope for a better tomorrow. In the course of these few weeks, we will really take notice of the panhandler on the corner with the cardboard sign and the solitary little old person who seems to be so alone. This is just wonderful, but reaching out to help others should not be saved only for this one time of the year, and for most of us, it isn't. With the exception of just a few Scrooges in the world, the rest of us are basicially caring, generous and kind. It gives us all pleasure to do for others, and even more pleasure to see that our efforts are appreciated. We all respond to the Angel Tree where we give a gift to the Salvation Army or some other organization for the needy kids, and we donate to other organziations who provide meals for the homeless, etc. Some organizations will "adopt" a nursing home, or donate comfort toys and blankets or jackets to child protection agencies. Each of us likes to do something.

At some point in our lives someone has reached out and done a kindness to each of us. It is appropriate to Pay it Forward and do a kindness to someone else. In our nursing homes, are countless elderly men and women who are forgotten at Christmas, Mother's Day and Father's Day, not to mention their birthdays. There are WWII heros who are overlooked on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. During the ordinary workday there are countless elderly folks who have nobody to visit them, and nobody who cares. Sure there are organizations who volunteer but that effort is often limited to the holiday season and forgotten after New Years Day. If you are looking for an opportunity to make a different in just one life, I challenge you to make a trip to a convalescent care center, VA hospital or skilled care unit, or a residential board and care. Mingle among the residents and find that one person that touches your heart, and get to know them. Adopt this little person and become his/her little guardian angel in providing some holiday cheer, but also a bit of company on a lonely day, someone to remember them on their birthday, Mother's Day or Father's Day or just any day. Sit with them and listen to their stories of their lives, read to them, listen to music with them, just sit and enjoy the quiet times, and you will come away much richer. Share with them your time, your interests, your heart, and you will be surprised that the one who gained the most will be you. Now. . . .am I suggesting that you invest your whole life into this challenge? Of course not. In reality, most of these people are coming to the end of their lives anyways, and they are simply at The Train Station of Life waiting for the next stop so you are only going to have a short period of time available. Make the most of what time there is, make a difference to someone just because you can, and wait to reap rewards of your heartfelt efforts. Remember, one day very soon, you could be where they are now. Open up your hearts to give of your own heart to others, and see what blessings may result. It could be the best gift you ever gave yourself. Happy Holidays.

Coming of (Old) Age

Since my last post, my friends and I went to San Francisco to Pier 39 to attend Menopause, the Musical. It was a 90 minute, one act musical performance by four extremely talented and funny women that covered this entire topic perfectly. Anyone who suffers thru "The Change" whether it is female or her husband and/or significant other, or for that matter, other women around you, can really relate to this one. You begin laughing from the minute the curtain comes up to the very end. Following the matinee, we went to dinner and then shopping before heading home. What a wonderful change of pace, and what fun. It was one of the most memorable birthdays to date. You will notice that my title for this post is "Coming of (Old) Age". . . .well, I don't feel old just yet, but in dog years I should have seen rigormortis set in two or three times! According to current opinion, 40 is the new 20, 60 is the new 40 and so the delusional thought goes on. . . . .I may not be "Old" yet, but I am approaching it faster than I would like to, so I consider this a "coming of old age." How old am I? I am not to the "New 40" just yet, but getting uncomfortably close!

My infamous litigation case that was continued to another date. . . .well, our attorney is back to the drawing table and working on a new amended petition. Bless his heart, I think he is getting sick of this case! Wonder why! But the funniest thing happened. The woman who took the case over and sat back on her big broad butt watching from the sidelines while we dealt with this crazy old woman, is now the target herself. Seems that this old lady and her ghoulish attorney believe that by suing her, they can reap financial rewards for themselves that they couldn't get out of us. So. . .this woman's attorney sends us this declaration in support of her and takes on responsibility for a few actions that took place during the tranfer of the case between us. When I read the docs, I rolled on the floor laughing. . . .shared it with my business partner who did the same. Called and talked with our attorney and told him, "Nothing Doing." I refuse to help her, refuse to put my name to any piece of paper that might hinder my ability to get out of this case & away from this crazy old broad, and her ghoul of an attorney. . . .! Ya know. . . .I would have been more than happy to help this lady out who is now in her own court fight, if she would have just lifted one little finger to support us. . . .especially when she acknowledged that she did not see anything that we did wrong. But she didn't want to get in the middle of a fight between us and the crazy woman, so she just held her tongue. Boy, her simple participation with a document to the court in support would have saved so much time, money, etc.. . . . .but, now it is payback time.
This is going to be one of those court fights that defines the future of how you approach every case and how willing you are to put your neck out on the chopping block for the next little old lady who lives out of her car!

On a positive note, I wanted to share good news on this post about a difficult and challenging case that we have been working on for the past year. We took on a conservatorship of a developmentally disabled young man following the death of his close friend, best buddie and father last September 2005. He
really seems to appreciate everything that we do. This young man is my "Radio" and he is developmentally disabled. He lived with his elderly dad until last year when his dad died of a heart attack and left this young man with no more than $130 and a little house. Now, "Radio" (if you have not seen that movie which stars Cuba Gooding, it is a must rent because that is THIS client to a tee.) lives all alone and we took on a mission to help him, preserve and protect his home, and set up a life plan that would maintain his independence. It has been a year, and we have successfully, protected him from a scheming mother who wants his SSI checks and title to his little home, we have obtained regional center services to maximize his self-reliance and independence, and we have services in the home to keep him safe and meet daily needs. The home is very old and there are structural deficiencies with the foundation that need immediate correction before the place falls down. Unable to find anyone who was able and willing to provide the repairs to the home, and having no money to work with, we set about to find a lender. After 5 rejects by banks because my "Radio" has no real income and has no credit history, we finally found one bank with a huge HEART who was willing to put themselves out on a limb for this young man. TRI COUNTIES BANK out of Chico, California has agreed to help with a line of credit so we can have the funds needed to repair and maintain the house. Hugh Mattingly is the gentleman who deserves the biggest round of applause because he was willing to listen and work hard to find a solution to meet this young man's greatest need. This home is all "Radio" has in the world since dad died. Bless this bank and Hugh Mattingly! My young client can live with assurance that he won't be displaced into a group home because the house is falling apart and becomes unsafe. This is one of those cases where you walk away feeling good!