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BERT’S BUZZ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024
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An Unconventional Path How a Brief Stint as a Monk Influenced My Legal Career and Life
I decided to dive deeper. In Laotian culture, it’s common for young men to become monks for 2–3 weeks before fully entering Buddhism. On my part, it wasn’t a decision made lightly, especially since the political atmosphere in Laos at the time was still quite charged. Foreigners were regarded with caution, and becoming a monk wasn’t straightforward. I went through a whirlwind of bureaucracy, securing permissions that felt like they required just about every official’s stamp of approval. Finally, I was allowed to join the Wat Sok Pa Luang monastery for two weeks. That two- week period was about stripping life back to its essentials. We slept outside in wooden beds cloaked by mosquito nets and woke up at 3 a.m. for meditation. After, we went on our daily alms round where we, as monks, were not begging but allowing the community to earn merit through their generosity. We ate only one meal a day — a mix of whatever the villagers provided, which taught us humility and detachment from desire. Living as a monk, everything was about mindfulness — from how we walked to how we ate. My head and eyebrows were shaved, and every action was a meditation to cultivate inner peace and a deeper connection to the present moment. After those transformative weeks, I returned to my studies in the United States, but the lessons stayed with me. I’ve since tried to incorporate meditation into my daily routine, though admittedly, like most of us, finding the time can be challenging. Years later, in 2018, I returned to Laos with my wife and kids. We visited the monastery where I had lived. It was bittersweet, as the
Back in the spring of 1992, while I was rounding out my senior year at Rice University, I embarked on an adventure that veered fairly off the beaten path. I became a monk! My parents were living in Laos at the time — my dad was working with Harvard Law and the World Bank as a consultant to the government in international business law — and I figured it was as good a time as any to explore an entirely different way of living. Little did I know this experience would extend far beyond just an overseas journey; it would lead me into a brief but profound two-week soul search as a monk, shaping the rest of my life and work as an attorney. My journey began with a semester of independent study, armed with a stack of books about the history of Laos, French colonialism, and various perspectives from both Lao and Western writers. When I arrived, the serene beauty of Laos was immediately striking. In the early mornings, I’d watch rows of Buddhist monks in their bright saffron robes receiving alms from villagers amidst a backdrop of rice paddies and sunrises. Inspired by these sights and the stories of a high school friend who had become a monk,
head monk had passed away just a few months prior, but the visit reinforced the teachings that had become so integral to my life. My children even participated in a meditation class there, embracing the peace and simplicity that had once offered me so much clarity. Looking back at these experiences now, it’s clear how much that brief time as a monk has shaped not just the way I practice law but how I view the world. While I might not practice Buddhism as a religion, I do see it as a personal philosophy. Every day, I strive to bring the same sense of purpose, gratitude, and calm to my work and my interactions with others. In a profession often driven by conflict, having a foundation built on peace and understanding can bring a world of difference for my clients and team. It’s a philosophy that doesn’t just enhance my practice — it enriches my entire life.
—Bert Parnall
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HONESTY PAYS How Being Honest About Past Injuries Can Strengthen Your Case
evidence that distinguishes past injuries from those caused by the incident in question. This preparation is crucial in proving the recent accident aggravated your condition, which can still qualify you for compensation. Strengthen Your Credibility and Your Case Honesty about your past injuries not only helps in strategizing your case but also strengthens your credibility in the eyes of the court. If it emerges during proceedings that you concealed or lied about past injuries, your credibility can be severely damaged, casting doubt on the legitimacy of your claim. This can lead to a reduced settlement or even a dismissal of your case. The Role of Medical Professionals in Your Case Transparency should also extend to your interactions with health care providers. Inform your doctor about previous injuries and the impact of the recent incident on your health. This will help them assess the full extent of the new injuries and determine if the recent accident could have worsened your preexisting conditions. Medical records that document these details provide vital evidence to support your claim. The truth is your strongest ally. Being transparent with your attorney and medical providers about your past injuries ensures everyone is working with the same comprehensive understanding of your health background. Remember, in personal injury cases, full disclosure is not just about honesty; it’s about making your claim as resilient as possible.
The cornerstone of your personal injury claim is credibility — yours and your legal team’s. One critical element we can’t emphasize enough is transparency about your medical history, particularly past injuries. Let’s delve into why being open about your medical history is both a legal necessity and a strategic advantage. The Foundation of Client-Attorney Trust The relationship between you and your attorney is built on trust, and a key component of that trust is honesty. When you bring a case to an attorney, full disclosure of your medical history, including all past injuries, is essential. This transparency allows your attorney to craft a strong strategy for your case. Knowing the complete picture helps prevent surprises during litigation and allows your attorney to defend your claim effectively against any arguments the opposing side may present. How to Counter Insurance Company Tactics Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing their payouts. One common strategy they use is to attribute your injuries to preexisting conditions. If you’ve had back or neck injuries in the past, the insurance company might claim your injuries are merely because of those earlier ailments, not the results of your recent accident. When you are upfront about your medical history, you arm your attorney with the necessary information to counter these tactics. Your lawyer can anticipate these defenses and prepare
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Nature’s Playground Awaits!
SUDOKU
These National Parks Are Accessible to All
For decades, the 400-plus national parks encompassing over 84 million acres were unreachable for millions of Americans with mobility issues. Thankfully, recent advances at many national parks have made nature available for everyone. Let’s look at five accessible options for your next adventure. Great Sand Dunes Great Sand Dunes National Park has 5 billion cubic meters of sand and stretches 30 miles. The winds blow these sands into massive dunes with peaks reaching 13,000 feet in elevation. Now, with sand-friendly wheelchairs available for rent, utilizing inflatable wheels for accessibility, everyone can explore these natural wonders. Grand Canyon A scenic drive accessibility permit allows visitors to access roads that are closed to regular traffic, providing incredible views of the Grand Canyon without needing to get out of the car. However, for a closer peek, you can find wheelchair- friendly overlook platforms and a free shuttle to transport visitors around the park. Carlsbad Caverns Think again if you thought cave exploration was off the table for folks with trouble getting around. Carlsbad Caverns features an elevator that takes visitors 750 feet underground into a giant cave chamber, home to over a mile of paved trails through beautiful rock formations that took millions of years to form. Grand Teton Feel like going for a swim? Grand Teton National Park wanted everyone to feel welcome to cool off in the 1,200- acre Jenny Lake, so they built a path that allows wheelchair users to roll into the water. Nearby, Teton Adaptive Sports hosts climbing trips, so nobody has to abandon their dreams of conquering the cliffs. Yellowstone
Solution on Pg. 4
Perfect Peach Cobbler
Ingredients
• 6 cups sliced fresh peaches • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar • 2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces • 1/2 cup milk • 2 tbsp butter, melted
This national park is one of the country’s best, with over 90% of visitors reporting never needing to leave their car. For adventurers with injuries, age-related mobility issues, or other disabilities who want a closer look, most of the thermal features Yellowstone is famous for are easily accessible due to its excellent boardwalk system.
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, sugar, 2 tbsp flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix until blended, then spoon into prepared dish. 3. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. 4. Cut in butter with forks or pastry knife until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 5. Add milk and stir until just blended. 6. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto peach mixture and drizzle melted butter on top. 7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until top is golden brown.
The accessibility changes made by these parks are a significant step toward ensuring our national treasures are inclusive for all who wish to experience nature’s wonders. Through innovative solutions like sand-friendly wheelchairs, cave elevators, and special driving permits, these parks give outdoor access to even more people.
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If you are a medical professional or a lawyer practicing in another area of law, we welcome you to refer your patients or clients. We know you want the best for your patients and clients, and so do we. Call us today at 505-268-6500 or visit HurtCallBert.com for more information on our services.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Bert’s Journey From Rice University to a Laotian Monastery
2
Why Transparency Matters When It Comes to Your Medical History
3
Take a Break!
Perfect Peach Cobbler
Parks Pave the Way for Accessibility
4
Tips for Getting Along With Stepchildren
Creating a Happy Family How to Foster Positive Relationships With Stepchildren
be attentive to their hobbies and interests. However, it’s important not to come on too strong. You don’t want your stepchild to feel pressured to get along with you, so let them decide the pace and follow their lead. Plan Ahead You and your partner must be on the same page when parenting stepchildren. Taking a hard stance in the opposite direction can confuse and undermine your partner’s authority. You should cooperate when deciding how to discipline and care for the children and what boundaries to set. If you go in without a clear plan, you are planning for disaster. The last thing you want is for your parenting to drive a rift between you, your partner, and your stepchildren. Listen and Reinforce Be an active listener, and try repeating some of what you see and hear. Make it clear you
According to the Journal of Demography, 37% of married couples have at least one stepchild. Despite the prevalence of the stepparent/stepchildren relationship, it is often not as harmonic as it could be. Stepparents can play a vital role in the development of young children and be positive role models to teens as well. As your relationship with your stepchildren grows, so will your relationship with your partner. Here are some tips to help you form a more positive relationship with your stepchildren. Grow Comfortable When first introduced into a stepchild’s life, you often have to circumvent some initial animosity and awkwardness. This is normal. It may take a little while for your stepchild to warm up to you and build a rapport between you. Find things you have in common. Try to get to know them and
are listening and understand where your stepchild is coming from. If they can rely on you to listen, they will be more open to talking to you and building a rapport. Moreover, take strides not to badmouth their biological parent — you want to be a positive influence. You won’t better your relationship with your stepchildren by worsening their relationships with others. With these tips, you can improve your standing with your stepkids and foster a more powerful and positive relationship as you move forward.
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