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Twin-Like Ties CELEBRATING HERITAGE DAY WITH MY SISTER IN THE WINDY CITY Every year, Sept. 25 marks Heritage Day, and this year it gave me the perfect excuse to do something a bit special — spend some quality time with my little sister, Katie. She’s what you might call my almost-twin, born just 17 months after me, and we’ve shared more scrapes and escapades than I can count. Growing up as the youngest of five, Katie and I were the dynamic duo always lumped together as “the kids.” At first, it kind of bugged us — like, hey, we have names! But as we grew older, we realized it was actually pretty incredible to have a sibling so close. We were each other’s constant playmates, whether we were turning our backyard into an obstacle course or teaming up for basketball at the local court. We even had the same friend circle throughout high school, played the same sports, and were just generally interested in the same hobbies. Yet, our paths took different turns as adults. Katie ventured off to Las Vegas after high school and stayed there for 15 years, while I settled in the Midwest and then moved to the Northeast. We weren’t exactly on opposite coasts, but sometimes it felt like it. Despite the miles between us, our bond never wavered, though the nature of our interactions changed with life’s shifts. This Heritage Day, nudged by my wife (and missing those carefree days with my sister), I decided it was high time for a reunion. I headed to Chicago, where Katie now lives, for a three-day trip that was just about us — no kids, no extended family, just me and Katie, and maybe a bit of sibling rivalry for old times’ sake. While she is a fantastic aunt, any time we did reunite at family get-togethers, the kids were always the heartwarming focus, but we needed quality sibling time.
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Katie and me in Chicago
We packed those three days with things that scream “us.” We ate at the oldest German restaurant in town, a nod to our German roots on Dad’s side, especially timely since Katie and her husband are planning a trip to Germany. We caught a comedy show at Second City (we both love a good laugh) and even hit a baseball game at Wrigley Field — reminiscent of all those games we played and watched growing up. But the highlight? Just being able to hang out like we used to. No agendas, just going with the flow and catching up on everything. It was almost like no time had passed whatsoever. All we needed was a moment to become “the kids” again. Visiting Katie reminded me of why days like Heritage Day matter. It’s not just about honoring where you come from; it’s about celebrating whom you’ve shared all those memories with. So, here’s my bit of advice: Take the time
to reconnect with your roots and the people who make them meaningful. Whether it’s a call, a visit, or just flipping through old photo albums, it’s these connections that keep our stories alive and kicking. And who knows? It might just be the best trip down memory lane you’ve had in ages!
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SCORE BIG WITH KID-FRIENDLY TAILGATES
Football season is underway, and many Americans will start spending their Saturdays and Sundays tailgating in stadium parking lots. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to an NFL or college game; tailgating is a great way to spend time with your friends and family before the big game. While many tailgates consist of adult activities like drinking alcohol and blasting loud music, many prefer to make it a family affair. If you plan to have kids at your tailgate, you need to ensure they have everything they need to have fun. Here are a few ways you can help your kids make the most of their day at the tailgate! Bring kid-friendly snacks and drinks. The average tailgate lasts a few hours, and most people enjoy at least one meal during that time frame. While most tailgate foods are simple appetizers and easy-to-make dishes, ask your
kids or any kids attending if they want anything specific. Fill one of your coolers with sliced fruit and juice boxes to ensure your kids have a healthy food option and child-friendly drinks. Plan a few different activities. Your kids will get bored if there’s nothing to do at the tailgate besides listening to pregame coverage and talking to others. Invest in cornhole boards or other games, and see if someone in your group is comfortable with face painting. It doesn’t have to be extensive, but having a few kid-friendly activities prepared will keep boredom at bay. Encourage your kids to show support for their team. Whether you’re a fan of the home or away team, you and your kids should wear the right colors to show your support. Let your kids pick
out a shirt, jersey, hat, or other team-affiliated apparel to help them get involved.
Finally, don’t forget about your child’s need for a nap. Be sure to bring pillows and a blanket for them, and set up a comfortable spot for them to rest when needed. Doing so will allow everyone to enjoy the upcoming game to the fullest.
HOW TO PROVE NARCOLEPSY AS A DISABILITY FOR SSDI BENEFITS Struggling With Narcolepsy?
Your Ability to Work Narcolepsy can make certain jobs hazardous. Falling asleep while operating heavy machinery or driving can be extremely dangerous. Cooking can also be risky due to the chance of falling asleep and getting injured. Sudden sleep episodes can last from a few seconds to 30 minutes and may happen anytime. People with narcolepsy might seem awake but be in a sleep state, leading to mistakes at work. For example, an accountant might continue typing, but the output may be gibberish. This invisible condition can also cause cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle tone, which can result in collapsing while still conscious. Qualifying for SSDI To get SSDI benefits, you need to prove the severity of your narcolepsy. A Residual Functional
Unfortunately, narcolepsy is often misunderstood
Capacity (RFC) assessment can help. Your doctor will evaluate how your symptoms impact your ability to work. It’s crucial to document the frequency and severity of your symptoms. Expert Support on Your Application One of the main reasons SSDI claims are denied is a lack of medical evidence. An experienced SSDI lawyer can help you gather and present the necessary medical documentation, including a formal diagnosis, medical records, sleep study results, treatment history, and an RFC assessment. Navigating the SSDI application process can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our team at Keefe Disability Law is here to help. Schedule a free consultation by calling us at 800-776-2929 . Let’s discuss how we can help you get the benefits you deserve.
as a “hidden” disability and may not be taken as seriously as other medical conditions. Yet, with daytime fatigue and sudden bouts of sleepiness, narcolepsy is a condition that can make full-time work a challenge. As a result, you may want to apply for Social Security disability benefits. Understanding Narcolepsy Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder with symptoms that vary in severity. People with narcolepsy experience sudden and extreme sleepiness during the day, struggle to stay awake, and may fall asleep without warning. The Social Security Administration (SSA) also acknowledges other symptoms like loss of muscle tone, hallucinations, and sleep paralysis. Narcolepsy currently has no known cure.
• 1-800-776-2929 • KeefeLaw.com
Thank You, Jim!
This comforting dish, packed with seasonal flavors, is perfect when the weather starts to get chilly. BAKED SAUSAGE WITH APPLES AND FENNEL
We’re excited to spotlight one of our dedicated team members, Jim, who has been with Keefe Disability Law for an impressive seven years as the Head of Intake. Since starting at the firm, Jim has seen significant growth within the firm and in his role. Initially responsible for intake, Jim now leads a team of intake specialists, ensuring our clients receive the best possible support from the very first contact. Meanwhile, plenty has happened in Jim’s life since we last featured him in our newsletter! Exciting family updates include the arrival of two nephews and a niece, adding more joy to his family gatherings. On the automotive front, Jim scored an incredible deal on a white Dodge Charger RT, complete with a Hemi engine — a fact he proudly shares when asked. But that’s not all! Jim has been diving into some fascinating hobbies. He recently ventured into homebrew game creation for Gameboy Color, learned some chords on the ukulele, and even picked up a tin whistle to master “Do-Re-Mi” from “The Sound of Music.” Of course, Jim also celebrated a surprise 40th birthday party surrounded by friends, family, and coworkers, including Patrick Hartwig, which truly highlights the close-knit community we’ve built at Keefe Disability Law. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Jim earned second place in a Street Fighter 6 tournament and continued his annual tradition of attending the Pintastic pinball show, a passion he’s pursued since its inception. And let’s not forget the many karaoke sessions belting out “Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran Duran, proving they know how to have a good time! When we asked Jim what he enjoys most about his work, his answer was simple: helping people. Many of our clients come to us in desperate situations, and Jim wants to help make a real difference in their lives. CELEBRATING 7 YEARS OF HARD WORK WITH KEEFE DISABILITY LAW
INGREDIENTS
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2 apples
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1 tsp fennel seeds 2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves
1 fennel bulb
8 raw, flavored sausages 2 red onions cut into wedges
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2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp honey
2–3 oz dry white wine
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. Cut apples into six wedges and slice off any core, leaving the skin on. Place in a roasting pan. 3. Slice fennel in half and remove the core. Chop and add to pan along with sausages and onion wedges. 4. Using a pestle and mortar, break up fennel seeds and sprinkle over the pan. Add oregano. 5. Next, drizzle oil, honey, and wine over the ingredients, then toss all together. 6. Roast for 40 minutes, tossing occasionally until sausages are golden and fruit and veggies are tender.
Inspired by GoodHousekeeping.com
Looking to the future, Jim hopes to retire a little early at 58 and finally tackle his backlog of video games. Having lived in Plymouth for 40 years, he hopes to continue enjoying the community for many more years to come.
We’re incredibly grateful for Jim’s dedication, hard work, and the positivity he brings to Keefe Disability Law. Here’s to many more years of success and fun both in and out of the office!
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Share Your Story! Do you want to share a story about your disability claim, experience with Keefe Disability Law, or just a funny story in general? Contact Andrea at 1-800-776-2929 or via email at Patrick@KeefeLaw.com, and you could be featured in our next newsletter!
inside this issue 385 Court St., Suite 210 • Plymouth, MA 02360 1-800-776-2929 • KeefeLaw.com
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How Heritage Day Brought 2 Siblings Closer
Family Fun at the Tailgate
Get Expert Help With Your Narcolepsy SSDI Claim
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Catch Up With Jim, Our Head of Intake!
Baked Sausage With Apples and Fennel
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Completing Your Fall Bucket List
Ideas for Your Fall Bucket List AUTUMN AWAITS
Blazing Bonfire Now that summer is spent, a good, old-fashioned bonfire is in order. Whether making s’mores or sharing ghost stories, a bonfire is a recipe for a good time with friends, family, and the occasional apparition. Horrifying Halloween Home We have all seen the homes on the block with bare lawns and dark porches during Halloween. But what’s the fun in that? If that was your home last year, now is the perfect time to turn it around
After a summer spent adventuring outdoors, you may feel like turning into
a pumpkin come fall. But fall is full of uniquely enjoyable opportunities. From brewing cider to hanging up creepy Halloween decorations, here are three bucket-worthy activities that make the most of autumnal creativity and coziness. Apple Picking for Apple Cider Apple picking season starts in the waning days of summer before ending in October, making September the best time to visit a local orchard. Whether you’re in Alaska, Wyoming, or almost any state in the alphabet, pick-your-own apple orchards offer you and your friends the chance to get back out in nature, exercise, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Best of all? Apples are the easiest fruit to pick, and the reward is a delicious, ready-to-eat snack or an ingredient in a refreshing beverage. Ground-up apples are the base ingredient for apple cider, a delicious drink that epitomizes the greatness of fall!
and embrace the most macabre, creative ideas for decking out your home — inside and out. From creatively posed skeletons to a front porch full of jack-o’-lanterns, there is no shortage of simple, scary props to adorn your home. If you have never carved a jack- o’-lantern, it should be on your bucket list — not just for fall. See how far you can take Halloween this year!
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