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FEBRUARY 2026
Turn Off Autopilot and Take a Look Around
How Paying Attention Can Make Someone’s Day
Feb. 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day, and I must admit, it’s always struck me as a bit odd that we need a specific day on the calendar to remind us to be kind. Don’t get me wrong. I love the idea behind it. I just wish it didn’t feel so … scheduled. Kindness shouldn’t be a holiday. It should be a habit. But if this day does one thing well, it’s this: It pulls us out of autopilot and nudges us to actually look around. Most days, we’re moving fast. We’re late. We’re distracted. We’re staring at our phones in line at the grocery store or mentally running through the next five things on our to-do list. And when we live like that, we miss opportunities, those small, meaningful chances to make someone else’s day a little lighter. The truth is that those opportunities are everywhere, but you have to train yourself to see them. Kindness really is like a muscle. The more you use it, the easier it gets. A random act of kindness doesn’t have to be dramatic or expensive. It can be holding the door a few seconds longer. Paying for the coffee of the person behind you. Covering a few groceries when someone is clearly coming up short. Sometimes, it’s simply paying attention and actually noticing the people around you instead of rushing past them. What feels minor to you can mean everything to someone else,
especially if they’re having a hard day or a hard season of life.
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I’ve been on the receiving end of kindness more times than I can count, and I expected almost none of it. One moment that really stands out to me happened at a toll booth. I was digging around for change, completely unprepared, holding up the line, feeling that familiar rush of stress. Out of nowhere, the driver behind me waved it off and paid my toll. Just like that. No speech. No recognition. Just, “You’re good.” It was such a small thing, but I remember driving away thinking, I need to do that for someone else. That’s how kindness spreads, quietly, without fanfare. I’ve also tried to help someone anonymously because sometimes, that’s the easiest and most genuine way to do it. When you remove the need for thanks or validation, the act becomes what it should be about: helping someone who needs it. No spotlight. No awkward gratitude. Just humanity showing up for humanity. In my line of work, I meet people on some of the worst days of their lives. They’re injured, overwhelmed, stressed about money, scared about what comes next. And I’ve seen firsthand how even small gestures can change the entire tone of a conversation. Kindness doesn’t fix everything, but it can
shift something inside a person. It can remind them they’re not alone.
I’ve learned over the years that when things aren’t going well for you, one of the best things you can do is try to make something go well for someone else. It has a way of changing your perspective. And sometimes, when you least expect it, that kindness comes back around. So, this Feb. 17, instead of just reading about Random Acts of Kindness Day and moving on, let’s use it as a reset. Keep your eyes open. Look up from your phone. Do one small thing. Then do it again next week. And the week after that. Fold this reminder up, come back to it in 30 days, and repeat. Kindness doesn’t need a calendar; it just needs us to notice.
–Ty Wilson
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Trained to Protect The Service Dog That Changed a Child’s Life
detect changes instantaneously. They have been likened to a live-in medical alert system. They can also be trained to notice anxiety or discomfort and offer comfort and companionship, interrupting potential panic attacks by calming their human companions. With training by Julie Madison of Top Tier K9, a professional dog-training company, Ezra learned to detect seizures by using his ability to sense subtle changes in scent or behavior. He was also taught to alert JJ and those around him before any visible signs of a seizure appeared, allowing a few crucial moments for JJ to take medications to curtail the seizures and ensure he was in a safe place. Ezra’s presence led to striking improvements. Not only did JJ experience a sharp decline in seizures, but the entire family felt less uncertainty and fearfulness. As the story of JJ and Ezra demonstrates, bonds between animals and humans can yield near-miraculous benefits.
The family of JJ, a preteen troubled by debilitating seizures, was struggling to manage the condition and allay its devastating effect on his learning and well- being. They tried numerous treatments and therapies, but nothing worked well enough to stabilize JJ’s health. Then, JJ’s community stepped up in a way that changed his life forever. Military veterans at Sun Outdoors, an RV community where JJ and his family live in Sarasota, Florida, learned about the difficult situation his family faced and took the initiative to help.
veteran of three combat operations in the Middle East, LaFlamme knew firsthand the challenges of dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); two of his fellow officers succumbed to the pain and took their own lives. As a way of coping with their loss, LaFlamme set out to help others by giving them access to the healing power of trained service dogs. Canines for Heroes has years of experience matching service dogs with individuals in need. So, Mark LaFlamme and his wife, Sandra, matched JJ with Ezra, a dog trained to detect oncoming seizures and provide emotional support. Ezra is a Czech shepherd, a Central European herding breed known for intelligence, alertness, intuitive ability, and loyalty.
Enter Ezra, the service dog.
The veterans reached out to Canines for Heroes, a Sarasota-based nonprofit founded by Air Force veteran Mark LaFlamme. As a highly decorated Air Force
Service dogs’ sense of smell is more powerful than any machine and can
Waiting Could Cost You Don’t Let Deadlines Derail Your Personal Injury Claim
When you’ve been hurt, it’s easy to think, “I’ll deal with it later.” Maybe you tell yourself there’s plenty of time, or you hope things will just work themselves out. But waiting can cost you. And in personal injury cases, every day can make a difference. TIME ISN’T ON YOUR SIDE. We recently met with a client who learned this the hard way. She’d been in a car accident months earlier and only reached out when the clock was almost up on her
legal window. By then, gathering medical records and documenting her case became a scramble, and some opportunities had already slipped away. If she had called just a few weeks earlier, the process could have been smooth and thorough. Instead, the last-minute rush wrecked her claim. The lesson? Delays can actively hurt your case. The sooner a lawyer gets involved, the sooner evidence can be preserved, doctors’ notes can be collected, and timelines can be documented while everything is still fresh. Waiting leaves you at the mercy of deadlines and insurance red tape. FREE CONSULTATIONS TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF. One of the biggest myths about hiring a lawyer is that it has to be complicated or expensive from the start. Most personal
injury attorneys offer free consultations. That’s right: You can pick up the phone, schedule a meeting, ask questions, and get guidance without spending a dime. Even if you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies as a claim, a brief conversation can provide answers and peace of mind. DON’T LET ‘TOO LATE’ BE YOUR REGRET. Picking up the phone sooner rather than later can protect your rights, recovery, and peace of mind. Personal injury cases come with medical forms, insurance hurdles, and legal deadlines, and missing any of these can cost you more than just time. So, don’t wait. Even a quick call could be the difference between a missed opportunity and a fair outcome. When it comes to protecting yourself, it’s always better to act early than to regret doing nothing.
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Hiring a lawyer can feel intimidating, especially after an injury or work-related accident. Many people worry about asking the “wrong” question, or maybe don’t even know what to ask at all. However, the truth is that asking honest, direct questions is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your case. The right attorney will welcome them. Here are some of the most important questions clients hesitate to ask but absolutely should. 1. HAVE YOU HANDLED CASES LIKE MINE BEFORE? Not all lawyers handle the same types of cases, even if their advertising suggests otherwise. Asking about experience helps ensure you’re not paying for someone to learn on your Before You Hire a Lawyer, Ask These Questions The Conversations That Separate Good Lawyers From Great Ones
compensation cases will know the common pitfalls and strategies needed to move your case forward efficiently.
include delays, disputes over medical treatment, or even employment consequences. Understanding the worst-case scenario allows clients to make informed decisions. 5. DO I HAVE ENOUGH INSURANCE COVERAGE? Many people don’t realize how critical Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage is until it’s too late. UM coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance. In some cases, victims face seven-figure medical bills but have only minimal UM coverage, leaving a devastating financial gap. For those who want to learn more, we offer Ty’s “The Consumer Awareness Guide to Buying Car Insurance in Georgia,” a free resource designed to help drivers understand and protect themselves. Copies are available by calling the office! Asking tough questions isn’t rude; it’s smart. The right lawyer will appreciate informed clients and open communication from day one.
2. WHAT SHOULD MY EXPECTATIONS BE?
Many clients walk in with a specific number in mind or a preconceived notion about how their case will end. A good lawyer should help set realistic expectations early. Outcomes can’t be guaranteed, but an experienced attorney can explain likely scenarios, timelines, and factors that could affect the value of a claim. Clear expectations help avoid frustration down the road. 3. WILL YOU GO TO TRIAL IF NEEDED? This is a big one, and many people never think to ask it. Some firms settle nearly every case and rarely step inside a courtroom. Insurance companies know this. Trial readiness can significantly impact how seriously they take a case and whether your attorney is prepared to go the distance if negotiations fail.
4. WHAT COULD GO WRONG?
dime. A lawyer who has handled similar personal injury or workers’
It’s uncomfortable, but it’s necessary. Every case carries risks, which may
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"Ty Wilson has represented me on a case before, and when I say he is superb, I truly mean it. The second time I came to him to see if he would take my case, he was honest and upfront. Even though he did not take the case himself, he went above and beyond by guiding me to someone who would without asking for payment or anything in return. He did significant groundwork just to help me. "Recently, I returned to Ty Wilson for legal advice, and once again, he showed the same integrity. He provided me with honest legal guidance without charging a consultation fee. He reassured me, encouraged me to trust the attorney who was representing me. His honesty, professionalism, and genuine care for his clients truly set him apart. I have complete trust in Ty Wilson and highly recommend him." - Charlotte
HONEY MUSTARD PORK CHOPS
Ingredients
• •
4 thick, boneless pork chops 3 1/2 tsp garlic and herb seasoning, divided
• • • •
1 tbsp avocado oil
1/4 cup stone-ground mustard
1/4 cup fresh honey
•
1 tsp sea salt
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Pat pork chops dry before seasoning them with salt and 1 1/2 tsp of garlic and herb seasoning. 3. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat avocado oil over medium heat. 4. Sear pork chops in hot oil for 1–3 minutes on each side. 5. In a medium mixing bowl, combine mustard, honey, and remaining garlic and herb seasoning while the pork cooks. 6. Remove pork chops from skillet. Add honey mustard mixture to the skillet and mix. 7. Place pork chops back in skillet and cover with sauce. 8. Place pan in oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until pork reaches 145 F. 9. Set oven to broil for the final minute to allow the tops to caramelize and enjoy!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
How to Be Kind Even When You’re Running Late
2
Meet the Canine Hero That Warns of Seizures
Waiting Could Be Your Biggest Mistake
3
What You’re Afraid to Ask a Lawyer Could Cost You
Honey Mustard Pork Chops
4
A Burglary Blown by Brightness
Bright Day, Dim Idea Sunlit Stupidity Foils a Thief
Santa Claus isn’t real. The world doesn’t disappear when you close your eyes. You can be arrested for burglary regardless of the time of day you commit the crime. Most reasonable people accept the above facts as undeniable truths long before they reach 22. Unfortunately (or humorously, depending on your point of view), James Blankenship of Willoughby, Ohio, was unaware of that last fact despite being a legal adult for four years. One day during the summer of 2013, he broke into his mother’s house in the neighboring city of Eastlake by removing a window screen.
Already on shaky ground with his parent for reasons not specified in media coverage of the incident, he had been banned from the Eastlake premises for at least three months before attempting to enter it without permission. According to statements his mother later gave to the police, her son had no possessions in the home at the time of the incident. Because Blankenship chose to commit his crime in broad daylight , his mother spotted him and alerted the police. Rather than fleeing the neighborhood when he was discovered, he hid in a crawl space near his mother’s home. A witness
reported seeing him run behind a nearby house, which allowed police to locate him easily. According to an official statement on the Eastlake Police’s Facebook page, Blankenship told the arresting officers, “I thought you could only be charged with burglary if you break in during the nighttime.” After pleading guilty to a lesser charge of breaking and entering, Blankenship served 60 days in prison (with 120 days out of his original 180-day sentence suspended) and was fined $100. Perhaps most significantly, he also learned a valuable lesson on how the sun helps people see things during the day.
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