What really matters

The presidential debate is over. Each one accused the other of being wrong. This is nothing new. Neighbors and friends are mad at one another over lines drawn in the sand. The leadership of our nation is important. But what is more important? My family. My child. Her happiness. Giving her my attention. I took down the political sign in my yard. I performed my civic duty. I voted. As far as I am concerned, this campaign is over. We do not know the results. But I know its over for me. A 3rd grader needs me.
She is what really matters.

Inspiration in an elementary school

I had an opportunity to volunteer at my daughter's school this week. I was inspired by the speech therapists and physical therapists who attended the school to assist students in the life skills class. These teachers were amazing cheerleaders for kids who were limited by wheel chairs and walkers. One instructor created a song which I hold in my heart. "Liam is walking". I am thankful my daughter is not insulated from the real world and attends a school which is diverse.
I felt lucky to be there and think all parents should take at least 1 day from work sometime during the year to volunteer in their child's school. You may be surprised at what you learn there.

For whom the bell tolls

"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were. Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee..." John Donne-
Meditation 17

Liberal versus Conservative

I have friends on both sides of the political aisle. One of them read this blog and assumed I was liberal. Funny......I did not think that caring about other people was a political barometer. I thought the debate about whether or not to ask the government to pay people was the political issue. You can reach out and help another person no matter what your politics are. In fact, you don't need to have a political opinion at all. Just go out and help one person whether its referral to an agency, offering work or providing a sounding board and advice. This blog is not easy to find. If you are reading this blog, your educational level is among the highest in the world. If you don't know how to find a person to help, email me and I'll help you find someone.

Medical debts compound Nashvillians' pain | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

Medical debts compound Nashvillians' pain | tennessean.com | The Tennessean

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Quiet Heros

You see them every day and never realize who they are. They are the unsung, the dedicated and the loyal people who toil away making this world better. If you look around you and watch the teachers who place children first, you will see a new world. Stop and take the time to thank them for what they do.

Conversations one cannot enjoy

Many people think that lawyers enjoy great privilege and wealth. In many ways, they do. However, the daily practice of law can often involve seeing a view of the worst side of humanity. I look around and see my colleagues aging rapidly after they conclude particular cases.

Its not uncommon for lawyers to hear the inner most fears that clients often maintain within. Here's a sample of one lawyer's week (names changed for privacy) :

1. Observe 12 year old "Joe" break down in tears when he realizes his father is going to prison for 17 years.
2. Listen to " Pam" collapse emotionally when she realizes she is losing her home when she is the sole caretaker for her ill and infirm 80 year old parents.
3. Console "Bob" and " Julie" that their son's death would likely be ignored by the drug company with the defective product while the drug company slandered their dead son's name implying that he must have used illegal drugs or would not have died.( although he never did)
4. Tell the single mom that the Court will take away her car when she files bankruptcy because it's worth $5,000.00

And this is just from one lawyer in one week. Is it any wonder that lawyers become hardened or cynical? Do you think it must be easy? The emotional toll does not make the comfortable