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When Heroes Fall
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“Sometimes the fallen teach us more than the flawless ever could.” — Unknown When my boys were young, they lived and breathed basketball. Besides playing, we spent countless nights watching the Detroit Pistons, and their favorite player, by far, was Chauncey Billups. I still remember the day this photo was taken: two beaming boys on the court in their #1 jerseys, meeting their hero. For them, Chauncey wasn’t just a great player; he was the definition of leadership, poise, and class. “Mr. Big Shot” could do no wrong. But time has a way of rewriting the stories we tell about our heroes. And the recent headlines about Billups being arrested on gambling- related charges reminded me just how fragile those stories can be.
My first reaction was disbelief. Then sadness, like an innocence lost.
And then, strangely, something else: reflection. Because it wasn’t just about a basketball player who fell from grace; it was about how we respond when someone we admire disappoints us. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized that this kind of disappointment doesn’t just happen with public heroes. It happens in the quiet places, too – around kitchen tables, between phone calls never made, in families trying to hold themselves together. In my work with seniors and estate planning, I see it all the time. Families drift apart. Siblings stop talking. Old wounds fester, and pride hardens into silence. Parents pass away, and children find themselves divided: sometimes over money, sometimes over words spoken years ago that no one even remembers. It’s these situations where I find myself talking with clients about forgiveness. It’s the first step toward healing, not for the other person, but for ourselves. Forgiveness doesn’t mean saying what happened was okay; it’s about freeing your heart to move forward without carrying the weight of that pain. But there’s a second step that people often confuse with forgiveness: reconciliation. In simple words, rebuilding the relationship. Forgiveness is something you can do alone. But reconciliation takes two, and it requires honesty, humility, and change. You can forgive without reconciling. Sometimes, that’s the healthiest and safest choice. Still, I’ve seen families torn apart by years of silence who, through forgiveness, found the courage to take one small step toward each other. Maybe it was a phone call. Maybe a letter. Maybe just showing up. One step at a time, the ice starts to melt. As Helen Keller once said, “A bend in the road is not the end of the road ... unless you fail to make the turn.”
Forgiveness is that turn, a choice to steer away from bitterness and toward something better. So, when I think about my sons’ hero today, I don’t just see the headlines, I think about how fragile we all are. How easy it is to stumble, and how powerful it can be to rise again. None of us is defined by our worst moment, but by what we do after it. Maybe that’s the real lesson we should learn: not perfection, but persistence, moving in the right direction. And perhaps that’s the same lesson for families. We can’t rewrite the past, but we can decide what story comes next. A phone call, a note, a quiet “I’ve been thinking about you.” Sometimes that’s enough to begin mending what’s been broken. Forgiveness opens the door; reconciliation decides whether to walk through it. In the end, it’s not about erasing someone’s mistake. It’s the simple act of seeing the person behind it. Whether it’s a fallen basketball star or a loved one sitting alone at the turn of a new year, we all have the chance to offer what the world needs most: a little more patience, and a little more understanding. Have a happy – and forgiving – New Year, with a reminder that every one of us is still a work in progress.
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COSMIC COUNSEL
Who Makes the Rules in Space? The phrase “space lawyer” may conjure images of an intergalactic courtroom setting in a “Star Trek” film, but the term and profession are rooted in reality here on Earth.
hook to cover the majority of the cost of Operation Morning Light, an extensive cleanup operation by the U.S. and Canada to remove nearly 50,000 square miles of hazardous material dropped from space. Thanks to space lawyers, no nation can claim ownership of Earth (or any other planet), the moon, or any other entity discovered in the galaxy. However, recent debates have raised an intriguing question: Who would own the resources derived from the moon or another planet? If Russia were to one day discover a life-saving nutrient on the moon’s surface, would it have the right to claim exclusive ownership of this medical marvel? Would this discovery need to be shared with other nations involved in space-related treaties? While it may take years (or the invention of a good time-traveling warp drive) for us to resolve these questions, it’s clear we need space lawyers to tackle these and other questions in a legal frontier that no Earth-bound lawyer has pondered before!
Simply put, space lawyers are legal professionals specializing in international law and drafting agreements between countries regarding their activities throughout our galaxy. Instead of brokering peace treaties between humans and Klingons, these attorneys work to establish policies that outline rules and obligations nations must follow when conducting themselves beyond our clouds. For example, treaties negotiated by space lawyers were instrumental in getting the Soviet Union to spend millions to clean up radioactive debris deposited over northern Canada by its Cosmos 954 satellite in the late 1970s. Utilizing Article 7 of the Outer Space Treaty (via the 1972 Space Liability Convention), the Canadian government argued that the Soviet Union was on the
STAY UPRIGHT THIS WINTER WITH THESE SIMPLE SAFETY SECRETS
The sparkle of fresh snow may be beautiful, but it can also be slippery, unpredictable, and full of hidden hazards. For older adults, one icy patch can quickly turn a walk from scenic to scary. The key to enjoying the season safely is staying one step ahead of the ice with smart habits, the right gear, and a little planning. Why Winter Increases Fall Risks Snow and ice are the obvious culprits, but they’re not the only factors that make winter trickier to navigate. Shorter daylight hours can reduce visibility, making it more difficult to catch ice patches or a crack in the sidewalk in time. Meanwhile, cold temperatures often stiffen muscles and joints, which only makes it tougher to move quickly or react to slippery spots. Add in footwear with poor traction, and it’s easy to see why falls become more common this time of year. Step Up Your Footwear The right shoes make all the difference. Choose sturdy, rubber-soled shoes or boots
designed for winter conditions, as they offer better grip and reduce the risk of slipping. If you use a cane, consider adding an ice-grip attachment to improve traction. You can also find inexpensive shoe grips or traction cleats at most sporting goods stores that easily slip over your soles for added security. Make Walkways Safer Keep paths, driveways, and steps free of snow and ice. If shoveling isn’t safe or manageable, don’t hesitate to ask a neighbor or hire help. Sprinkling salt, sand, or even cat litter can create instant traction on slick spots. Inside, use absorbent mats to keep entryways dry and remove loose rugs that could cause slips. Plan for Safety Before heading out, check the weather forecast and plan your route carefully. Walk slowly, take smaller steps, and use handrails whenever possible. Nothing is worth rushing for if it risks your safety. Finally, always keep
your phone within easy reach and ensure a friend or family member checks in daily during icy conditions. A few small precautions can make a big difference. With the right habits, winter doesn’t have to mean worrying about falls. It can still be a season of confidence, comfort, and peace of mind.
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Sudoku
The beauty of the golden years is having the time and wisdom to chase what truly matters. Maybe it’s learning to play the piano, seeing the Northern Lights, or spending more time laughing with loved ones. Creating a bucket list isn’t about what’s left to do; it’s about celebrating everything still possible. It’s your invitation to fill the coming year with discovery, joy, and purpose. The Power of Purpose Research shows that having meaningful goals can positively impact your health. Seniors who maintain a sense of purpose often experience sharper memory, improved mood, and even live longer. In fact, studies have shown that optimistic people live up to 15% longer than average. Creating and pursuing your bucket list can be a powerful way to stay motivated, engaged, and excited about what’s ahead. Dream Big and Small Your list doesn’t have to be filled only with grand adventures. Balance big goals with simple pleasures. Maybe you’ll take that long-awaited cross-country train trip, but you might also add smaller joys like starting a gratitude journal, planting an herb garden, or hosting a themed dinner for friends. Every item, big or small, adds a spark to your routine and keeps life vibrant. Keep It Social Invite friends or family to make their own lists and share ideas. You’ll not only find new inspiration but also strengthen your connections, which have long been proven to be an essential part of healthy aging. Perhaps a friend shares your dream of seeing the pyramids in Egypt, or a grandchild wants to learn to cook your favorite recipe. Turning goals into shared experiences makes them even more meaningful. Put Your Dreams in Motion Don’t wait for the “right time.” Choose one thing from your list and make it happen today! Whether it’s signing up for a watercolor class or planning that long-overdue trip. Taking the first step builds momentum and confidence. Your Golden Years, Your Way A bucket list is about living with intention. Every new experience, connection, and discovery enriches your story. So grab a notebook, jot down your dreams, and start crafting a year filled with purpose, laughter, and unforgettable memories. YOUR GUIDE TO A JOY- FILLED 2026 BUCKET LIST Adventure, Learning, and Laughter Await!
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Helpful Resources • Is your estate plan up to date? Ask us about our FREE Estate Planning Checkup. Call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. • Don’t miss Glenn on “Senior Law Radio,” WHMI FM 93.5 every Sunday at 8 a.m. You can also listen live (or to previous shows) on WHMI.com. • Questions about your money? Do you need help with your financial goals, investment management, or retirement planning? Glenn has partnered with his personal financial advisor, Brad Jerome, to bring expert financial services to our clients. Brad meets with you right in our office — no cost, no obligation, and no pressure — just an opportunity to discuss your goals with a top-notch financial advisor to see where your path might lead. You can reach Brad directly at 517.301.3070. • Let us be your trusted advisor for all your legal matters. We’ve grown with the referrals we receive from our clients. We want to return the favor by helping you find a great attorney outside of estate planning, elder law, and probate. Our clients often call us in need of an attorney who focuses on personal injury, auto accidents, elder and nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and many other areas. To get the best results, you need an experienced attorney to help. If you want a referral, call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. We are glad to help!
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150 915 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 6 Howell, Michigan 48843
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What’s Inside? 1 2 Heroes Are Human Too
The Legal Minds Behind Moon Missions Turn Icy Days Into Safe Strolls With These Easy Tips Design Your New Year With Fun, Family, and Fulfillment Helpful Resources
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A First-Timer’s Guide to Pet Prep
QUICK TIPS TO START PET LIFE RIGHT
Bringing home a new pet for the first time can be exciting and nerve-wracking. One moment, you might be thinking of quiet nights curled up on the couch with your new furry friend, and then suddenly catch yourself worrying whether your carpets and furniture will survive. That mix of feelings is perfectly normal, but preparation can help keep your stress levels down. Start by getting your house ready. Tuck away cords, move toxic houseplants, and set up an area with food and a bed. Puppies and kittens are like curious toddlers. They always seem to find the one thing you missed, so assume anything left out could be chewed, batted, or swallowed. Food is another early test. For dogs, real meat should be at the top of the list. Cats need the same, since grain-heavy diets don’t do them any good. Birds, reptiles, and other unusual pets have their own needs, so it’s worth doing a little homework before buying. Routine also makes life easier. Feed them at the same times, build in bathroom breaks, and play regularly. Miss a walk, and your dog will remind you in no uncertain terms. Socialization matters, too. If you have a puppy, try mixing up your walking routes. Exposing it to different streets with new sights,
sounds, and smells stimulates it in a good way and reduces anxiety. Kittens should be given space to explore without being pushed. A rescue cat may take weeks before it relaxes, but patience usually wins. And don’t delay that first vet visit. Even if your pet looks fine, an early exam can catch problems and set you up with a vaccine schedule. Some clinics even discount first visits, especially for rescues. The first few weeks as a new pet owner can be messy. Shoes might get chewed, accidents happen, and sleep takes a hit. Over time, though, the rough edges fade into stories. Before long, the same animal that kept you on your toes will become one of the best parts of your household.
Offices: Howell | Clinton Township
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