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DECEMBER 2024
Legally Brief W ith K evin P atrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | wrongful death
Unwrap the Real Gifts of Christmas Cherishing the Invaluable Gifts of Family, Faith, and Friends
As December’s chilly weather sets in and the holiday lights cast a warm glow over the city, the spirit of Christmas reminds us of the true treasures in life. This time of year encourages us to appreciate the non-materialistic gifts we hold dear: the enduring presence of family, the guiding light of faith, and the invaluable bonds of friendship. These three blessings, far more precious than any wrapped present, are the real gems that enrich our lives. FAMILY FIRST Family is the cornerstone of the holiday season. Whether it’s the one we’re born into or the one we create over time, family forms our first circle of support, love, and celebration. As a husband, father, and son, I am continually reminded of how these relationships shape and support who I am. In our practice, we strive to extend this familial warmth to every client who walks through our doors. We want you to feel that you’re not just a case file; you’re part of our extended family, bringing your unique backgrounds and stories that enrich our community. FAITH IN HUMANITY Faith, in its many forms, lights a fire of hope during the year’s darkest months. While we all may follow different paths — be it celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other cherished tradition — these paths often share a common goal: to uplift, heal, and bring joy to others. Here at Kevin Patrick Law, we celebrate this diversity because it strengthens the tapestry of our shared experiences. The golden rule to treat others as you want to be treated guides us during the holidays, professional undertakings, and day-to-day life. FRIENDSHIPS THAT LAST And then there are friends — some of whom started as clients. These bonds, forged through overcoming legal challenges together, often endure beyond the resolution of a case. They remind us that our work here is not just about legal outcomes but about the human connections that sustain and enrich us. We value these ongoing relationships and cherish the trust placed in us as confidants and friends when you need one most.
shout-out to our incredible team at Kevin Patrick Law, whose dedication and hard work never waver. Every team member is integral to our success and creating the welcoming, family-like atmosphere that defines our practice. Let’s embrace these profound gifts this holiday season: family, faith, and friends. May your holidays be filled with joy, your homes with laughter, and your hearts with love. Remember, amidst the hustle and bustle, to pause and appreciate the true blessings of the season. Here’s to a season filled with warmth, cheer, and the continued privilege of serving and being a part of your lives.
Happy Holidays to you and yours — may it be a time of joy and peaceful reflection.
As we reflect on the years past and look forward to the new year, we must recognize and appreciate all those who contribute to our lives. A heartfelt
This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.
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The Vital Lessons From the International Day of Persons With Disabilities Let’s Build a More Inclusive World Whether it’s after an accident or a lifelong condition, disabilities can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life. But it shouldn’t have to. I have had the privilege of witnessing resilience in many forms. Because of this, I feel a deep connection to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD) on Dec. 3. Organized by the United Nations and World Health Organization (WHO), IDPwD is a call to action to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and actively remove the social stigma that too often shadows those with disabilities. These efforts are crucial in promoting a community where every person, regardless of their abilities, is recognized for their inherent dignity and potential. It echoes the lessons of compassion and resilience instilled by my mother, a dedicated special education teacher. Growing up with a mother who taught children with special needs, I quickly learned that disabilities are not a mark of shame but a facet of human diversity that enriches our community. Like many others facing similar challenges, her students exhibited a kind of perseverance and strength that many of us might never have to summon. In my practice, I often meet clients who are facing short or long-term disabilities after an accident. Sometimes, their disabilities aren’t even visible. But they navigate a world designed for the non-disabled, meeting expectations that disregard their daily challenges. It’s a stark reminder that inclusion is not just about physical accessibility but about understanding and support. We all have a role in ensuring that no one faces these challenges alone. The lessons of IDPwD are lessons of action and empathy. They remind us to support our neighbors and celebrate the achievements of those who overcome obstacles many of us can scarcely imagine. In our community, laws, and practices, we must strive to uplift each other, not out of pity but out of a deep-seated recognition of our shared humanity. As we observe this important day, let us recommit to building a world that truly values all its people. On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I want us all to recognize the strength, resilience, and potential within every member of our society.
For many Americans, the holiday season is all about family and tradition. We decorate our homes with garlands and lights that bring us holiday cheer, prepare for family visits, go ice skating, and maybe even send a letter to Santa. However, another special tradition spans generations and excites every family member — baking holiday cookies! Many will bake cookies just for their immediate family to enjoy along with their favorite holiday movie, while others will bake up a huge batch to bring to the big family get-together of the season. If you want to try something fun and unique this year, consider hosting a holiday cookie swap with your loved ones. This tradition will allow you to try all sorts of new and delicious cookies — there are so many different kinds of holiday cookies, and every baker has their own specialty. Start by determining whom you want to invite, setting a budget, and determining how many cookies everyone should bring to the event. This ensures that nobody outshines anyone else through sheer volume or expensive ingredients alone. It’s a time for bonding, not competition. Once you have the ground rules and guestlist set, you need to get the decorations for the event. Treat it like a party. At your local party store, pick out decorations that fit the season’s theme. You can get unique napkins, mugs, stirring spoons for hot drinks, and anything else you think captures the holiday spirit. This is also a good time to procure all your baking essentials, such as chocolate chips or unique cookie cutters. All that’s left is hosting the party and ensuring everyone has a good time. If you want, you can even hold little contests to increase the excitement — each guest can vote on the prettiest or tastiest cookies and offer small prizes to the winner. As long as those attending enjoy themselves, your event will be a success. Plus, everyone who attends will have plenty of delicious cookies to get them through the rest of the holiday season! Leave Your Guests Smiling and Satisfied Sweeten the Season With a Cookie Swap!
You can always reach Kevin directly at 404.566.8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cellphone is 404.409.3160.)
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WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS AND INCREASE JOY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Simplify the Season
SENTIMENT OVER SPLURGE Navigating the gift-giving landscape can be a financial tightrope. Before diving into the holiday sales, set a budget that keeps your finances intact. Gifts from the heart, like homemade treats or handcrafted items, often become treasured keepsakes, proving that sentiment always outweighs the price. CHOOSE MERRIMENT OVER MAYHEM Not every holiday event is a must-attend. Evaluate your invitations and commit only to gatherings that genuinely bring you happiness. Politely declining an event can free you up to fully enjoy the parties and people that matter most to you, reducing the holiday rush and traffic turmoil. EMBRACE DIFFERENCES AND PRACTICE PEACE Family gatherings can be a melting pot of opinions, leading to high tensions. This season,
strive for harmony by focusing on shared love and respect. When discussions heat up, a change in topic or a brief timeout can maintain the festive peace. KEEP THE TRUE SPIRIT ALIVE In the hustle of holiday preparations, pause to reflect on the deeper reasons for the season — whatever they may be for you and your loved ones. Prioritize intimate moments over grand gestures, and remember that presence is more valuable than presents. Navigating the holiday season doesn’t have to be a stress-inducing experience. Embrace imperfection, manage expectations, and remember the true reasons we celebrate. Let’s have a lighter, more enjoyable holiday season filled with love, laughter, and goodwill.
While it certainly is the most magical time of the year, the pressure of perfect celebrations can easily turn joy into stress. The quest for a quintessential holiday can be overwhelming, from orchestrating the ideal feast to managing a packed social calendar. Here are five tips on keeping the holidays light, merry, and mindful. PERFECTLY IMPERFECT CELEBRATIONS Embrace the charm of imperfection this holiday season. If the pies are lopsided or the string lights are tangled, it’s fine! Rather than being mishaps or flaws, see them as opportunities for sharing laughter and stories in years to come. Letting go of the ideal of a picture-perfect holiday allows everyone, including the host, to relax and enjoy the festivities to the fullest.
Inspired by Delicious.com
TAKE A BREAK
Sticky Fig and Pecan Pudding With Toffee Sauce
Ingredients •
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• •
3/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• • • • •
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup hot water
2 eggs, beaten
Toffee sauce •
1 tsp baking powder 3/4 cup self-rising flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup heavy cream
• •
3/4 cup dried figs, roughly chopped
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 6-cup ovenproof bowl and line the bottom with waxed paper. 2. In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and flour until smooth. Stir in pecans and figs, then add 1/2 cup hot water. 3. Pour batter into prepared bowl, cover with a circle of waxed paper, then cover tightly with foil. Bake for 50–60 minutes until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. 4. For toffee sauce, put butter and sugar in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Stir in cream and increase heat to medium. Bring to just below boiling, then reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes until thickened. 5. Turn pudding onto a plate and drizzle with toffee sauce.
Solution
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Inside This Issue 1 Kevin Reflects on the Reason for the Season 2 ’Tis the Season to Swap Cookies Why the International Day of Persons With Disabilities Matters 3 How to Ease Holiday Stress with Realistic Expectations
Sticky Fig and Pecan Pudding With Toffee Sauce
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4 Encouraging Teens to Help Around the House
Teens and Chores How to Turn Reluctance Into Responsibility
FRAME IT DIFFERENTLY. Sometimes, all you need is a change in perspective. Rather than simply stating that things need to get done — “Because I said so!” — it can help to pitch chores as ways your teens can help around the house. Talk about everything that needs to be done to contribute to a healthy, happy home. There’s grocery shopping, feeding the dog, doing the laundry, maintaining the ever-growing collection of succulents, you name it. This will give them more perspective into how much their parents currently take on. Then, break down which responsibilities they’ll be assigned to complete and how often you expect them to do each task. GOOD WORK DESERVES A REWARD. Chore money has always been a great incentive to encourage teens to do their part around the home. These days, there are even apps, like BusyKid, that assign a monetary value to different chores around
No one loved doing household chores growing up, but chores are great for building character and work ethic. If we shirk our responsibilities, we inevitably turn into vegetables — couch potatoes. No doubt, convincing your teenagers of the value of hard work and the importance of doing their chores can be trying at times. Sure, many grumble about “kids these days” and how parenting used to be, but we should remember that child-rearing has come a long way since the old days. For example, when Aztec children refused to do their chores, their parents would hold them over smoking chilies, resulting in eye-watering, skin-irritating torment — basically the Mesoamerican equivalent of pepper spraying kids in the face. The further we can get from that standard of parenting, the better. So, here are two tips to help convince your teens to chip in around the house — no peppers needed.
the house. This doesn’t mean you have to break the bank, but teaching your kids that hard work pays off can motivate them to accomplish more around the home.
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