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August 2026
BEYOND WILLS AND TRUSTS HELPING GRIEVING FAMILIES NAVIGATE LOSS
WORKSHOP Have you (or your clients) “been meaning” to get a plan in place? It’s easy to get started with our 7 Hazards to Your Estate Plan Workshop . This free workshop explains the key planning concepts, documents, and factors in selecting a plan that is right for you. Plus, workshop participants receive a complimentary consultation with no obligation to retain our services. The workshop is available on demand or in person, so stop thinking about a plan and create one. Register online at PromiseLaw.com/Estate-Planning- Workshop or call (757) 351-4017. A few years later, I experienced grief firsthand when my dad died during the summer before my third year of law school. He and I had been talking by phone nearly every day before he passed. In the months after I returned to school, nothing went well. My grades dropped. I just couldn’t pull it all together. Looking back, that time is still It’s been said that listening is one of the best gifts we can offer those who are grieving. In our estate administration work, listening is one of our major roles when helping families cope with the loss of a loved one. It is a very tender time. As National Grief Awareness Day on Aug. 30 draws near, it’s worth noting that grief takes many forms and gives rise to complex emotions. There’s no “right way” to do it. In many ways, grief has been my life’s work. Although few young adults think much about grieving, I started thinking about it as a teenager. I assisted in a hospice care unit while earning a nurse’s assistant certification. I also trained in a hospital, where I learned to be present with a patient’s body after they had passed. By 17, I had an intimate window into the process of comforting the grieving and affording them the respect and dignity they deserve.
a blur. As the fog of grief eventually cleared, my grief for Dad evolved into tender memories. But I still think about him often. Taking Time and Space to Grieve That pattern is fairly consistent among the grieving. During the first few weeks after a loss, people are often in a fog. They cannot be expected to remember very much. If we try too soon to help them navigate the complicated steps involved in executing a Will, transferring assets from a Trust, or opening the probate process, they find it hard to hear all that. We encourage clients to set a low bar for themselves and to avoid rushing into legal or financial decisions. People often make unfortunate mistakes during this time because it’s just too early in the journey to see decisions clearly. Looking back, they see that seeking legal advice would have made the process easier. We usually give folks 3–4 weeks after a death to gather information and documents. We give them actionable steps to take, so they feel as if they’re making progress. And we get the information we need to provide the best possible guidance. Taking Time to Tell Your Story Survivors often feel the need during this time to tell the story about what happened to them and their loved ones. To be invited into that sacred space is honorable work. And when they’re ready, we help them move forward. For some, serving as a steward of a loved one’s belongings aids healing. For others, making sure every bill is paid helps regain a sense that things are going to be okay.
At our firm, we try hard to adapt to whatever forms of grief our clients experience and to meet every family’s needs. In our view, meeting them in this sacred space is an honor.
–Geneva N. Perry, Esq.
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MEET ME ON THE COURSE Where the Game Meets Community
A Social Scene That Comes Naturally When you’re on the course,
It often starts with a tee time. One round turns into a weekly habit, then familiar faces begin to appear, and before long, the game becomes something more than just a way to pass time. Golf has a subtle way of drawing people in, not only to the course but to the community that surrounds it. Built for Active Living Golf certainly keeps you moving without it feeling like a chore. Walking the course, carrying or pushing a bag, and repeating controlled swings all add up to steady exercise. The pace is relaxed yet consistent, making it appealing for a wide range of ages and skill levels. Over time, regular play builds endurance and keeps players engaged physically without the pressure of a structured routine.
begins as a shared interest often develops into lasting friendships and a dependable social circle. More Than Just the Game Being part of a golf community often means access to events, casual gatherings, and shared spaces where people come together. Tournaments, club meetups, and post-round meals add layers to the experience and reinforce a sense of belonging. The Pull of the Environment Open landscapes and well-kept grounds make time spent there feel intentional and refreshing. Many players find themselves staying longer than planned, chatting with friends, working on their swing, and enjoying time spent with others who share the same passion.
conversation comes easily! Whether paired with strangers or playing with familiar faces, the game creates built- in time to talk, laugh, and connect. Regular tee times turn into familiar groups, and those groups often expand beyond the course. What
FAST TRACKS, TIMELESS CLASSICS ALBUMS MADE IN DAYS
Lightning in a Bottle Few stories capture this spirit better than “Please Please Me” by The Beatles. They recorded most of the album in a single marathon session lasting about 10 hours, with John Lennon battling a cold. That urgency gave the record a gritty, live feel that helped launch Beatlemania. Another great example is the legendary jazz album “Kind of Blue” by Miles Davis. Recorded in two sessions with minimal rehearsal, the album leaned heavily on improvisation. The result became one of the most celebrated jazz records ever, showing how spontaneity can create timeless sound. Fast and Fearless Creativity Rock history is packed with similar stories. “Led Zeppelin” by Led Zeppelin
Great music does not always come from endless studio tinkering. Some of the most iconic albums ever made were recorded in a matter of days, fueled by urgency, instinct, and raw creative energy. When artists trust their gut and move quickly, something amazing can happen. These albums prove that speed does not kill quality … it can actually sharpen it.
was recorded in roughly 36 hours of studio time, guided by Jimmy Page’s clear artistic vision. That efficiency helped shape a debut that, decades later, is still a powerhouse! Likewise, the punk band The Ramones recorded their self-titled debut in under a week, relying on tight preparation and relentless energy. The lack of time for perfection actually enhanced the album’s raw, rebellious tone. When Constraints Spark Genius Black Sabbath recorded their debut album in a single day, unknowingly laying the foundation for heavy metal. Meanwhile, Nick Drake recorded his “Pink Moon” in just two nights, stripping everything down to voice and guitar for an intimate, haunting effect.
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TAKE A BREAK
Your brain never really clocks out. Notifications buzz, to- do lists grow, and your thoughts keep running long after the day ends. Meditation can act like a reset button you did not know you had. Many Meditation Made Simple and Actually Doable QUIET THE NOISE AND TAKE BACK CONTROL
Cats Festival Golf Harvest Hummingbird Learning Notebooks Peridot Poppy Relaxation Smores Watermelon
think it requires incense and hourlong sessions, but just a few
intentional minutes can quiet the noise, sharpen your focus, and help you feel more in control once you get the hang of it.
Refreshing Gazpacho
Let go of perfection. Many people quit because they think they are “doing
it wrong.” Meditation works best when you drop that mindset. Wandering thoughts are normal, not a failure, and the key is gently returning your attention to your breath without frustration. Over time, this builds patience and mental clarity. Use everyday moments. Meditation fits into life more easily than expected. Waiting for a meeting or standing in line are opportunities to breathe deeply and reset. These tiny moments help reduce stress throughout the day and create a steady sense of calm that lasts beyond the practice itself. Find what works for you. Let go of the idea that meditation must look a certain way. Sitting, walking, or even journaling can all count. Gratitude journaling, for example, can channel thoughts into a positive frame of mind and ease anxiety. Exploring different styles, such as mindfulness or visualization, helps you discover what feels natural and effective. Build a meaningful routine. Consistency matters more than duration. Beginning with five minutes and gradually increasing the time helps the habit stick, and routine short sessions often bring more benefits than occasional long ones. Creating a quiet space or using guided apps can also help you stay committed.
Ingredients
• 2 lbs tomatoes, quartered • 2 Persian cucumbers, peeled and chopped • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped • 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup water • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper to taste • 1 small baguette, quartered • 6 cherry tomatoes, halved • 2 tbsp thinly sliced basil
Directions 1. In a food processor or blender, combine tomatoes, cucumbers, red bell pepper, garlic, vinegar, and water. 2. Blend until smooth, then add olive oil and blend again. 3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover and refrigerate until chilled. 4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 5. Add baguette pieces, face down, and toast until golden and crisp, about 1–2 minutes. 6. Remove from pan and let cool. 7. Divide soup into even servings and top with basil, olive oil, cucumbers, or tomatoes as desired. Serve with the toasted bread for dipping and enjoy!
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PromiseLaw Life happens. Plan on it. ™ (757) 351-4017 600 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Ste. 350 Newport News, VA 23606
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Working in the Sacred Space Between Loss and Legacy
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From Tee Time to Tight-Knit Circles
2
Famous Music Built in a Flash
Refreshing Gazpacho
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Your Mind Is Loud. Meditation Helps Turn It Down
Mickey, Movies … and the FBI? Disney’s Hidden History WALT DISNEY’S SECRET SIDE
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The FBI Connection You Never Knew
Not Quite a Spy Story Disney was not a movie-style
Most people picture Walt Disney as the man who built a world of fairy tales, talking animals, and theme parks. But that image is incomplete. Behind the scenes, Disney maintained a decades- long relationship with the Federal Bureau of Investigation … yes, you heard that right! How It All Began Disney’s relationship with the FBI began in 1940, as political tensions were rising in the United States. However, he wasn’t a trenchcoat spy sneaking through the night. He acted more like a well-connected insider, sharing what he knew about Hollywood and possible communist influence during the early Cold War. By 1954, he had earned the
title “Special Agent in Charge Contact,” which only meant the FBI saw him as a dependable
spy! His role was mostly voluntary and sometimes ceremonial, shaped by his anti-communist views. The partnership even had small hiccups, like when a pro-FBI TV segment aired without the bureau’s approval, causing tension … oops!
go-to when they needed insight.
What Disney Actually Did His influence and connections made him valuable to the FBI, as he could offer information about industry trends and individuals. He also maintained a friendly relationship with FBI director J. Edgar Hoover. Disney gained access to FBI facilities for filming, while the bureau enjoyed positive portrayals in certain Disney productions.
A Different Kind of Legacy Disney stayed connected to the FBI until his death in 1966. The same man who built magical worlds also dealt with very real fears and politics, which makes his story feel a lot more human than a simple fairy tale.
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