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DIVING DOWN WITH GLG
Cowboys Games Will Never Be the Same A Note About My Dad NOVEMBER 2022 GIBSONLAWGROUP.COM
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Looking back, not only am I grateful for my dad’s life, I’m grateful for the way his death happened — quickly and in his sleep. Dad was lucky, and he also made sure that all of his affairs were in order before he went. For him, taking care of his sons extended even after death.
For years, my dad and I watched every Cowboys game together, even though we lived on opposite ends of the state. We would text each other throughout the game, mostly complaining about their inept play and the bone-headed coaching decisions. Dad and I didn’t always get along, but the Cowboys are one thing we had in common and one thing that kept us talking, even when we were ticked off at each other for one silly thing or another. When I was little, I even used to root against the Cowboys just to make him mad. He got his revenge though because I never once beat him at tennis. Not once. When we weren’t talking about the Boys, I’d call him on my way to or from work about once a week just to chat. He’d usually tell me the same stories over and over or ask silly lawyer questions (“Are you working in your briefs?”) And we would always argue about whether Dak Prescott was overpaid. (He is not.) In his later years, my brother and I became dad’s personal internet search engine. He’d text or call just to ask us to look something up on the web, even though I know he had a computer. He also liked to find out what the sports talk shows in Dallas had to say about the Boys, even though I know he had a radio. This football season has been different, even though the Boys still aren’t very good. In August, just before the Cowboys’ third preseason game, my 77-year-old dad fell and hit his head. He called his girlfriend (one of two), explained about the fall, and told her he was going to bed to sleep it off. Sadly, he never woke up. Losing Dad was tough, even though he annoyed me more often than not. I’m grateful I had him for as long as I did. As I said at his wake, Dad didn’t give my brother and me everything we wanted, but he gave us everything we needed. He dropped out of high school to take care of an unexpected kiddo (me), worked at the same job for 44 years, and always put his sons first. When our school asked for parental chaperones for class trips, Dad would volunteer — even when we didn’t want him to! When you’re on your way to Houston in a van full of pubescent 17-year-olds, the last person you want there is your dad, but he was determined to show up for his boys. He was a hardworking, conscientious, God- fearing, moral person. I can’t think of a better role model.
Matt, Dad, and David
Dad had all his paperwork in order, and when we went through his things, I even found a half-dozen old versions of his will. He updated it after every major life event. Before he passed, Dad made sure my brother’s name was on his safety deposit box and bank accounts so we could gain immediate access. He also kept lists of his insurance policies, bank accounts, and other important information. As soon as I found those lists (which admittedly took a while), handling his estate was pretty easy. As a lawyer and a dad myself, I think one of the best things you can do for your family is to make sure you have your end-of-life planning in order. Keep your will updated. Double-check that someone knows where to find your insurance and banking information. Give someone the key to your master password list and share where you store your financial documents. You never know which day will be your last. Intellectually, I know my dad is gone, but old habits die harder than old bodies. I still reach for my phone to text him every time the Boys commit a braindead penalty, CD Lamb makes a one-handed circus catch, or Micah Parson crushes another QB. And I still go to call him on the way to or from work.
I always respected my dad’s work ethic, his integrity, and his commitment to taking care of family first. I never guessed that
commitment would outlive him, but I am sure glad it did. Love you, Dad. And thank you!
–David Gibson
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Why Do I Constantly Think About This? How to Manage Intrusive Thoughts
Many people deal with unwelcome, intrusive thoughts every day. We’ve all experienced unwanted images or notions racing through our minds, and it can be difficult to concentrate on what we need to be doing. These thoughts can also trigger feelings of anxiety, worry, and shame. But know you’re not alone — some estimate that 6 million Americans are affected, so many can empathize with what you’re going through. Here is some good advice about intrusive thoughts and how to manage them in a healthy way.
Understand they will pass, but prepare yourself for other unwanted thoughts. Most importantly, push through and continue to complete your tasks and errands when the thoughts occur.
If you try to control, suppress, question, act, or engage with intrusive thoughts, you’ll likely be even more fixated on them. You’ll
feel more in control if you allow them to pass through your brain instead of trying to avoid and ignore them. Intrusive thoughts can feel distressing, but allowing them to freely enter and exit your mind will provide you with ease — even if it doesn’t seem that way. However, if intrusive ideas persist and
What are intrusive thoughts?
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted ideas that occur without warning at any time, often triggered by stress or anxiety, or even short-term biological factors, like hormone shifts. They can come in many forms, and people often worry about what they mean, so naturally, they try to control or stop the ideas altogether. But trying to prohibit these thoughts can make them more persistent.
continually impair your ability to work or do things you enjoy, seek information from a mental health professional. You’re never alone in your struggles, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
What can you do?
Instead of pushing these thoughts out of your mind, acknowledge that they are intrusive concepts and allow them to linger.
The fire continued to spread quickly, and Bostic described it as a “black lagoon” of smoke on the ground floor. He checked all of the bedrooms but couldn’t find the little girl. Then, as he approached a window to exit the home, he heard a child’s cry. Bostic then had an internal conversation with himself: He knew the child needed help, and although he was terrified to go back downstairs through the fire and smoke, he wouldn’t quit. After wrapping his shirt around his mouth, he ran through the home, following the girl’s cries for help. Once he found her, he picked her up, ran upstairs, and jumped out the window onto the lawn. All of the children were safe and suffered no injuries. Bostic received first-degree burns and severe cuts on his arm. He was airlifted to the nearest hospital once first responders arrived at the scene. Bostic’s cousin created a GoFundMe to pay for Bostic’s medical bills, and it collected $556,000. Late-Night Driver Becomes a Sudden Hero Right Place, Right Time
Nicholas Bostic had a heated argument with his girlfriend one night, so he went out driving around to clear his head and relax. Little did he know he would become a hero that same night. During his drive, he witnessed a raging fire that had engulfed a family’s home. Bostic stopped his car and ran inside despite the flames. He immediately began yelling for anyone since no one appeared to be inside the house — not even emergency personnel. His cries woke up 18-year-old Seionna Barrett, the oldest of five children, and she gathered her siblings together to exit the home. Bostic ran to Barrett and her young siblings, and he helped her take the children outside. But Barrett then told Bostic that her 6-year-old sister wasn’t with them. Without a second thought, Bostic again entered the home, hoping to rescue the little girl.
Today, Bostic is healthy and healing. He now has a new perspective on life and is looking forward to whatever his future might hold.
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College graduates are eager to get into the workforce and start using their newly acquired knowledge in the “real world.” However, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, only 20% of U.S. college students in 2009 had a job after they graduated. In 2009, Trina Thompson found herself in that 80% of unemployed graduates, and she wanted to do something about it. I WANT MY MONEY BACK! Recent Graduate Sues Her College After graduating from Monroe College in New York, Thompson couldn’t find a suitable job. So she filed a $70,000 case against her school (the amount of her tuition for her bachelor’s degree) and $2,000 to compensate her for what she endured while searching for a job. In her lawsuit, she claimed that the college’s career counselors promised career advice and job leads but didn’t work hard enough to find her a job. In addition, she suggested that Monroe’s Office of Career Advancement shows preferential treatment to students with high GPAs — not students like herself who had a low GPA. In response to the case, Monroe College spokesman Gary Axelbank said, “The lawsuit is completely without merit. While it’s clear that no college, especially in this economy, can guarantee employment, Monroe College remains committed to working with all its students … to prepare them for careers and to support them during their job search.” But Thompson or the college didn’t have to worry about attending trial because the case didn’t make it that far. Her case might have stood up in court if she hadn’t received a job offer. Her media attention and IT degree caught the eye of Steve Bellamy, CEO of The Ski Channel. He loved her hunger and willingness to put herself out there, and he offered her a position at his
TAKE A BREAK
APPLE CRANBERRY CRISP
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 1/3 cup butter, cold • Vanilla ice cream (optional)
• 3 cups peeled and chopped tart apples • 1 1/2 cups cranberries • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, divided
company. Thompson got the job, so her case was eventually dissolved.
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. In a large bowl, combine apples, cranberries, 1/4 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. 3. Grease an 8-inch baking dish and pour the mixture into it. 4. In a small bowl, mix flour and the remaining brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this over the fruit. 5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If desired, serve with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Do This to Make Your Family’s Life Easier
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A Healthy Way to Manage Intrusive Thoughts Man Saves 5 From a Burning Home
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Apple Cranberry Crisp Recent Graduate Sues Her College
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It’s National Gratitude Month!
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It’s About Showing Gratitude Thanksgiving Is About More Than Food
As we prepare for our Thanksgiving feasts, Thursday night football games, and Black Friday shopping, take some time to show gratitude for those around you and for what you have. Here are a few ways to practice gratitude this month. Appreciate everything. Get into the habit of being grateful for the little things in your life. It can be easy to acknowledge the “big” things, but nothing is too small to be thankful for. You can be grateful the weather is nice and sunny, that you received the package you’ve been waiting for, or that you got out of bed today. Don’t leave out anything when practicing gratitude. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present and aware of what’s happening around you. So, instead of being overwhelmed by what you need to do tomorrow or next week, focus on the present moment and enjoy the time you spend solo or with your loved ones. Live in the moment and take one day at a time. Tomorrow will surely come, and you only have a limited amount of time in the present. Celebrate your challenges. Sometimes struggles and battles in our lives can weigh us down. But when you persevere and continue to push forward, you will find success. Challenges help you improve and strengthen your abilities
and resilience, so celebrate the progress you’ve made. Showing gratitude for challenges and negative experiences allows us to acknowledge humility and appreciate growth in our lives. Keep a journal. Writing down the things you’re grateful for will remind you of all the great things you have when other things aren’t going so well. So, keep a journal about what you’re grateful for each day or week — even if it’s just small things at first. Your perspective on life will change, and it will get easier to see the good things and to feel grateful for things you were likely overlooking. Showing gratitude is something we should do every day, all throughout the year — not just during the holidays. So, try to practice mindfulness and gratitude using these tips! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
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