Take a look at our latest newsletter!
Lee Law News
804-204-1500 | www.mleelaw.com
August/September 2025
The Moments That Matter WHY AUGUST IS FOR MEMORY-MAKING
We’re approaching that time of year when life starts to feel way busier than usual. The kids are getting ready to return to school, which usually means our plates become more crowded. Maybe it’s helping kids with homework or taking them to extracurricular activities after school. At the same time, most of us are experiencing a higher workload and trying to put ourselves in the best position for success before entering the year’s final quarter. Sometimes, it can feel like we can’t enjoy a moment with our families or ourselves without sacrificing another responsibility. In these last days of summer, we should be intentional with our time. Instead of scrolling through our phones for hours or binge- watching our favorite TV shows, we should make an effort to spend as much time with our loved ones as possible. This is our opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. August is Family Fun Month, and it is a great time to participate in your family’s favorite activities before life gets busy again. When I reflect on my happiest memories, many occurred in this period, right at the end of summer before school started. I loved going for a drive with my family or walking around the block, something we still do today. I’m not the only one with fond memories of this special time, either. Many of us fondly remember family vacations, running through a sprinkler in the backyard, or just sitting around the breakfast table at grandma’s house! Now is the perfect time to recreate these memories for the younger generations. These memories will encourage, motivate, and inspire them throughout their lives.
We often think the big moments in our lives are the main things we’ll remember when we reach our senior years. While these are important, they’re only a fraction of what makes up our legacy. These little moments with loved ones leave a lasting impact. It doesn’t have to be anything extreme. Take a second to reflect on your most cherished memories with a loved one who is now gone. Are you remembering a specific occasion you shared, like a wedding day, or do you focus on memories of their behavior, words, or even scent? We don’t realize how precious the quality time we get with others is until we reach our later years. As I write this month’s newsletter, we’re gearing up for the Alzheimer’s Walk, another reminder of how powerful memories can be for our legacy. Caregivers take on such a challenging role, and it can be so difficult talking with a parent who doesn’t remember you. However, nothing lightens this situation more than when the person they’re caring for remembers a specific sound, action, or memory. It happens all the time, and more often than not, the memory is of something small that simply fills them with joy.
Over the next few weeks, spend quality time with your loved ones. Even if you don’t realize it now, these memories will last a lifetime.
–Melanie M. Lee
www.mleelaw.com | 1
GOLDEN YEARS, GOLDEN GAINS
A RETIREMENT RICHES ROAD MAP
Once you’ve reached the age where stepping away from your life’s work is feasible, it is essential to explore ways to make your retirement funds last as long as possible — a goal that involves more than just keeping your bills paid in your golden years. Here are three thoughts to help you move toward a comfortable, sustainable, and secure post-work life. Redefine the future. There are several ways to build a reliable retirement plan to ensure financial strength. First, consider whether your anticipated fund withdrawals align with your tax strategies. For example, a Roth IRA conversion could present opportunities to reduce your financial obligations if you anticipate reaching a higher income tax bracket later in life. At the same time, charitable giving could result in similar advantages. Balance benefits with needs. Factoring in your Social Security benefits is another way to determine your post-retirement financial health, but only if you carefully consider when you begin receiving them. Generally, you can begin claiming Social Security benefits between ages 62–70, and the age you choose to receive them determines the amount.
If you decide to begin receiving your benefits as soon as you turn 62, they will remain at the lowest amount available indefinitely. Full benefits kick in once you reach your full retirement age of 67, but delaying them until you’re 70 will add 8% to your annual income. Avoid the risks of restraint. Although patience comes with a payoff, you face a few dangers if you delay your Social Security benefits. For example, putting off receiving them could prevent you from having the funds necessary to address any unexpected medical situation. Additionally, waiting until 70 could have a negative financial impact on your significant other, as spousal benefits are capped when your partner reaches full retirement age under certain conditions.
As no two financial paths are the same, we encourage you to consult a financial advisor and/or estate planner to ensure the most comfortable retirement
and sustainable legacy possible.
Climbing Past Parkinson’s
ROCK WALLS ARE HELPING PATIENTS RISE ABOVE
In a remarkable twist on traditional
to ensure their safety while they climb. Cupka emphasizes that the act of climbing engages the body and mind, requiring climbers to assess routes and make calculated movements, which can enhance cognitive function and physical agility. One inspiring participant is Dr. John Lessin, a former cardiac anesthesiologist diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2003. Despite the disease’s progression, Lessin has embraced climbing, scaling walls up to 60 feet high. He describes reaching the summit as a triumphant experience: “I feel like I’ve conquered something. And I feel like the wall can’t beat me. I can beat the wall.” His daughter, Brittany, notes the significant impact rock climbing has had on her dad, claiming his newfound passion brings joy and a sense of accomplishment. Another climber, Vivek Puri, diagnosed at 38, refers to himself as “Spider-Man” when on the wall. He observes that climbing
sessions alleviate his symptoms, particularly improving his fine motor skills. Puri’s experience underscores the potential of climbing to mitigate some of the physical challenges Parkinson’s presents. Beyond individual achievements, the program fosters a supportive community among participants. Climbers often form bonds, encourage each other, and share their victories together — it’s a great way to build camaraderie and take stress off patients! While rock climbing may not be a conventional treatment for Parkinson’s, the success stories emerging from UpENDing Parkinson’s suggest that with innovation and determination, patients can find new avenues to combat the disease’s effects. This approach not only challenges the limitations imposed by Parkinson’s but also redefines what is possible in the realm of therapy and rehabilitation.Climb on!
therapy, individuals battling Parkinson’s disease are finding empowerment and improved well-being
through rock climbing. This unconventional approach is spearheaded by Molly Cupka, who founded the nonprofit organization UpENDing Parkinson’s over a decade ago. Her program introduces Parkinson’s patients to the vertical world of climbing, which offers both physical and mental benefits. Parkinson’s disease often impairs mobility, balance, and coordination. Rock climbing, with its demands for strength, strategic planning, and focus, serves as a comprehensive workout. Participants are securely harnessed
2 | 804-204-1500
Imagine wandering through a dense, misty forest when you spot a cozy little home carved into the base of a towering tree stump. It sounds like something straight out of a fairytale, but in the rugged 1800s, it was everyday reality for some of America’s earliest settlers on the West Coast. Back then, before the lumber industry toppled millions of ancient giants, the forests were filled with trees so massive their trunks could measure 20 feet across or more. Once felled (a task so intense it could take a month), these colossal stumps were too big, stubborn, and abundant to remove easily. Rather than blowing them up (though some tried with dynamite), the pioneers did what pioneers do best: They got scrappy. They turned the stumps into homes, post offices, barns, and even dance floors! Frontier Ingenuity at Its Finest HOW 1800s PIONEERS TURNED TREE STUMPS INTO COZY HOMES
TAKE A BREAK
BEER FAMILY LEO LUNCHBOX MUSTARD PERIDOT POPPY SISTERS TWINS VACATION WATERMELON ZUCCHINI
One of the most legendary stump homes was the Lennstrom Stump House in Edgecomb, Washington. Crafted from a cedar stump 22
Summer Chickpea Salad Inspired by HowSweetEats.com
feet wide, it sheltered three adults and three children, proving that creativity could turn leftover lumber into a home. Though the original Lennstrom house met its end in 1946, you can still marvel at an 18-foot stump house today at the Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum nearby. But stump houses weren’t just for surviving; they were for celebrating, too. In Calaveras, California, settlers turned a massive hollowed-out tree into a grand dance hall and hotel. Guests waltzed under twinkling candlelight and cedar boughs strung high above the forest floor. As one 1850s newspaper gushed, it was “romantic and beautiful beyond description” (although the ladies did wish the stump-turned-dance floor had a little more bounce)! In a time when luxury was a warm fire and a sturdy roof (or stump) over your head, these quirky homes captured the best of pioneer spirit: grit, resourcefulness, and a little bit of magic. Next time you pass an ancient stump on a hike, imagine what stories it might hold. In the right hands and with a bit of imagination, it might have been the coziest home on the frontier! The Lennstrom House ca. 1901
Ingredients
• 2 (15-oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 4 green onions, thinly sliced • 2 ears grilled corn, cut kernels from the cob • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered • 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/4 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar • 1 1/2 tbsp honey • 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed • 1 lime, zested and juiced
Directions 1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, onions, corn, tomatoes, basil, and chives. 2. Toss well with salt and pepper and set aside. 3. In a small saucepan over low heat, add oil, vinegar, honey, garlic, lime juice, and zest. 4. Whisk until the mixture is warm and garlic begins sizzling. 5. Pour over the chickpea mixture and toss well to coat. 6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
www.mleelaw.com | 3
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Lee Law Office 1809 W. Main St. Richmond, VA 23220 804-204-1500 www.mleelaw.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Cherish the Chapters Between the Milestones
2
Post-Work Wealth Wisdom
The Unlikely Therapy Transforming Lives
3
Summer Chickpea Salad
The Wild History of the Wild West’s Stump Houses
4
Don’t Worry About a Thing (Except Getting a Will)
BOB MARLEY’S ESTATE: EVERY LITTLE THING IS NOT GOING TO BE ALRIGHT
Over the years, numerous lawsuits popped up. There were legal battles between family members, former business managers, and even people who claimed to be Marley’s children. To make matters worse, in the mid-1990s, Rita was accused of trying to forge documents that would have given her control over Bob’s name and likeness rights. That claim led to a prolonged court case and more delays in distributing the estate. An Organized Estate Eventually, the Jamaican courts appointed a court-supervised administrator to handle Marley’s estate — a move meant to avoid further family infighting and keep things above board. The estate was restructured under a holding company, Nine Mile, and later managed by a team of professionals to protect Marley’s image and assets.
When Bob Marley passed away in 1981 at age 36, the reggae icon left behind a massive musical legacy and a major legal mess. Why? He didn’t leave a will. Despite being one of the most famous musicians on the planet, Marley died intestate (the legal term for dying without a will). At the time of his death, his estate was estimated to be worth around $30 million, and that number has only grown thanks to royalties, licensing deals, and merchandise. No Will, Big Problems Without a will, Marley’s estate was subject to Jamaican intestacy laws, which meant his wife, Rita Marley, and his 11 recognized children were supposed to share the estate. While this sounds simple, it didn’t work out that way.
To this day, the estate remains active and highly valuable. Marley still consistently ranks among the top-earning deceased celebrities, pulling in millions annually from music sales, merchandise, and licensing. Bob Marley’s probate case reminds us that no matter how famous or well-recognized you are, dying without a will can create chaos, especially when significant assets are involved. Legal fees pile up, relationships can fall apart, and it can take years to settle everything. So, the takeaway is to plan ahead. A will (and potentially a trust) can save your loved ones a world of trouble — and ensure your legacy is handled exactly the way you want.
4 | 804-204-1500
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator