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BeSmartLegal.com | 419-LAW-2020 | March 2026
The Year I Was the ‘Cool Mom’
Spring break has always meant different things at different stages of life. When my children were young, it meant packing snacks, sunscreen, and an endless supply of patience. It meant sticky hands, sandy towels, and the constant vigilance that comes with keeping little ones safe. But Spring Break 2017 was different. By then, my children were older: independent, confident, and building lives of their own. I wasn’t the organizer anymore. I wasn’t the one setting the schedule or deciding what we would do next. I was simply … invited. And somehow, that made it even more special.
I remember feeling a quiet sense of pride, and, if I’m being honest, a little bit of disbelief, that they wanted me there. Not because they needed me. Not because they had to include me. But because they chose to. There’s something uniquely meaningful about being welcomed into your children’s world as they grow into adulthood. It’s no longer about guiding every step, but about walking beside them. Sharing laughter. Listening to their stories. Watching them become exactly who they were meant to be. That week, we spent long afternoons by the pool, talking and laughing about everything and nothing. There were moments when I simply sat back and observed them: so comfortable in their own skin, so connected to each other, and I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. At one point, one of them jokingly referred to me as the “cool mom,” and I remember laughing, knowing full well that title had probably come and gone many times over the years. But in that moment, I’ll admit … it felt pretty great. Looking back now, what stands out most isn’t where we went or what we did. It was the gift of being included. Of being present. Of witnessing, firsthand, the remarkable adults my children had become. Time has a way of moving faster than we expect. The seasons of life change quietly, often without announcement. But every once in a while, we’re given a moment to pause and recognize just how lucky we are. That spring break was one of those moments. And I will always treasure it.
-Hillary Rinehardt
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LUCKY BREAKS (and Lessons Learned)
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we asked our team to share a story about luck, a moment when things unexpectedly worked out, or perhaps didn’t … but led somewhere better. As it turns out, luck shows up in all kinds of ways, sometimes dramatic, sometimes funny, and sometimes only obvious in hindsight. Brilynn I was flying home from Florida with only a 15-minute layover in Atlanta and had to change planes that were four concourses away. I sprinted through the airport, convinced I was going to miss my flight. When I finally arrived at the gate, breathless and stressed, I learned that the pilot for my connecting flight had been on the same flight from Florida. We all ended up waiting an extra 45 minutes for him. I had sprinted for nothing! Melanie When my family was relocating to Mansfield, our offer on the house we really wanted was rejected. At the time, it felt disappointing. Instead, we ended up purchasing an old farmhouse that I absolutely adore, in a better school district, where we happily raised our children. Who would have thought that rejection would turn out to be such good fortune? Suzanna
Faith During family game night, we were playing Dumb Ways to Die, and I rolled a “1,” the only number that keeps you from losing during the Psycho Attack. Lucky me! Carrie In 2017, a few of us joined a March Madness pool through a coworker’s husband’s factory. I filled out my bracket based entirely on school colors, no stats, no research, just whichever color I liked best. Somehow, I won the entire pool. I’ve tried that strategy since, and it has never worked again. I’m pretty sure I used up all my bracket luck in one year. Rachel When my husband and I were preparing for our wedding weekend in Clearwater Beach in 2022, hurricanes were moving through Florida, and we were bracing for the worst. Somehow, the storms shifted just enough that we had no rain and no damage at our venue. Our entire weekend stayed clear. After watching the forecast for weeks, the perfect weather felt like the luckiest break we could have imagined, and made the celebration even more special. While some of these stories are lighthearted and
others more life-changing, they all share something in common: Sometimes what feels stressful, disappointing, or uncertain in the moment can turn into something unexpectedly positive. Whether it’s a missed house that leads to the right one, a pause that opens a better door, or even a last-minute weather miracle, luck has a way of showing up when we least expect it. And occasionally … it just gives us a good story to tell.
In 2020, when the pandemic hit, I had just finished my first year of grad school, which I had paid for out of savings. With businesses shutting down, I wasn’t sure my full-time job would remain secure, so I made the difficult decision to pause my education. A couple of years later, while searching for new opportunities, I found a full-time position at the very college I had previously attended. One of the employee benefits? Free tuition. I was able to resume my degree without paying for the remaining semesters. Talk about lucky!
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Luck Has Very Little to Do With It
Every March, four-leaf clovers appear everywhere — symbols of luck, chance, and good fortune. We wish each other “the luck of the Irish,” hoping for smooth paths and favorable outcomes. But in my work, I’m reminded daily that life can change in an instant, and luck often has very little to do with it. No one plans to be injured. No one expects an ordinary day to suddenly divide their life into a clear “before” and “after.” One moment, everything is familiar and certain. Next, there is pain, uncertainty, and a thousand questions about what comes next. When clients first come to us, many describe themselves as unlucky. They talk about the plans that have been disrupted, the routines that have been upended, and the independence they may have temporarily, or permanently, lost. Beneath those words, what we often hear is something deeper: fear of the unknown and uncertainty about how they will rebuild.
But what never ceases to inspire me is what happens next. I have the privilege of witnessing people discover reserves of strength they never knew they had. I see clients face long recoveries with quiet determination. I watch families rally around each other with extraordinary love and support. And I see individuals, step by step, reclaim their lives. Our role is, of course, to advocate, to ensure our clients are treated fairly and receive the resources they need to move forward. But just as important is our role as steady guides through an unfamiliar and often overwhelming process. We answer questions. We listen. We reassure. And we stand beside our clients during one of the most difficult chapters of their lives. Over time, something remarkable happens. The same people who once described themselves as unlucky begin to talk about progress. They celebrate small victories.
They regain confidence. They begin to look forward again. These moments are powerful reminders that while we cannot control everything that happens to us, we can control how we respond, and we can choose who we allow to stand beside us. I feel incredibly grateful for the trust our clients place in us. Their resilience, courage, and perseverance inspire our entire team every single day. It is an honor to do this work and to help people move forward, not because of luck, but because they refuse to give up. As we welcome the arrival of spring, a season of renewal and fresh beginnings, I am reminded that even after life’s most difficult seasons, healing and hope are always possible.
-John Rinehardt
INGREDIENTS • 4 salmon fillets (about 5–6 oz each) • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 lemon, zested and sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried) • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
A Fresh Start for Spring: LEMON HERB SALMON As winter fades and spring begins to emerge, I naturally find myself craving lighter, brighter meals. There is something about this time of year that invites renewal, not just in nature, but in how we care for ourselves. After months of heavier comfort foods, simple, nourishing ingredients feel especially satisfying. This lemon herb salmon has become one of my favorite spring staples. It’s elegant yet incredibly easy to prepare, and it comes together in less than 30 minutes. The fresh lemon and herbs bring vibrant flavor, while the salmon provides protein and healthy fats that leave you feeling energized and nourished. It’s the kind of meal that feels both intentional and effortless — a perfect reflection of the season.
OPTIONAL SPRING VEGETABLES: • Asparagus spears • Haricots verts (French green beans) • Cherry tomatoes • Zucchini slices
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Prepare the salmon. Place fillets on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and rub gently to coat. 3. Sprinkle with garlic, lemon zest, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. Lay lemon slices on top of each fillet. 4. Arrange vegetables around the salmon. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. 5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender. 6. Serve immediately, with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon if desired.
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2404 Park Ave. W, Mansfield, OH 44906 419-LAW-2020 BeSmartLegal.com
INSIDE THIS EDITION
1 The Moment I Realized They
Didn’t Need Me, They Chose Me
2 When Luck Shows Up Unexpectedly 3 Finding Strength After Life Changes in an Instant A Fresh Start for Spring: Lemon Herb Salmon 4 Protect Yourself This Season
After a long winter, the arrival of spring feels like a reset button. The days grow longer, the air feels lighter, and even small Five Simple Ways to Instantly Improve a Spring Day
or take a class you’ve always been curious about. A little novelty can go a long way in refreshing your mindset. 3. Connect with someone you enjoy. Send a quick text, call a friend, or meet someone for coffee. Meaningful connections — even brief ones — have a way of lifting our spirits and reminding us what really matters. 4. Put your phone down for an hour. It’s easy to fall into the habit of constantly checking notifications. Setting aside your phone for a short period can help you be more present and enjoy the moment you’re in. 5. Notice the small things. Spring is full of quiet reminders that life is always renewing itself: the first flowers blooming, birds returning, longer evenings, and warmer sunlight. Taking a moment to notice these small details can bring a surprising sense of calm and appreciation. Sometimes improving a day doesn’t require a big change. Often, it’s the small choices—fresh air, connection, curiosity, and a little mindfulness—that make the biggest difference.
changes in routine can make a day feel brighter. Here are a few simple ways to make the most of the season. 1. Step outside — even for a few minutes.
Fresh air and sunlight have an immediate impact on mood and energy. Whether it’s a quick walk around the block, lunch on the patio,
or simply stepping outside to take a few deep breaths, a few minutes outdoors can shift the entire tone of your day. 2. Try something new. Spring is the perfect time to shake up your routine. Visit a new park, try a new recipe, explore a different walking trail,
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