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Success isn’t measured by what you gain in life but by what you leave behind. A few years ago, I read an opinion piece by The New York Times columnist David Brooks that left a lasting impression on me. In it, he discussed the difference between résumé attributes — our career accomplishments, certifications, and awards — and obituary attributes. How will we be remembered after we’re gone? While professional accomplishments matter, it’s equally important to consider what our obituaries will say about us. Were we generous and kind? Were we empathetic toward those around us? Did we do great things for our families, communities, and coworkers? The purpose of this article is not to remind readers of their eventual demise; instead, it is meant to serve as a reminder of what life is truly all about. What is life all about to me ? I’ve been considering this question a lot as I move through this holiday season. At the end of the day, fancy cars, expensive vacations, and other status symbols don’t occupy much of my mind. When it’s my time to go, I will look back most fondly at the greatest gift of all: my family. My beloved wife, Patti, three beautiful children, and two sons-in-law are my greatest treasures, and I’m holding them closer to my heart than ever. Like many of you, Patti and I were affected by the recent weather disasters. Although we endured weeks without the essentials and witnessed the hurricanes’ effect on our two homes — in Asheville and Fort Myers, respectively — the biggest pain point was missing our chance to go to New York City to attend our daughter Gabi’s 30th birthday party. Fortunately, Patti and I will soon fly up there to visit her; her husband, Benji; and their dog, Pluto. My professional aspirations include publishing my next book, entitled “Perpetual Wealth,” but no words adequately describe how delighted we’ll be to see Gabi and her family later this month. Our other daughters are experiencing joys of their own. Our middle daughter, Courtney — a talented and caring physical therapist in Tampa — will marry her fiancé, Philip, this March. Our youngest, Madi, is currently attending dental school in Gainesville. Seeing them all doing so well and finding such happiness in life is a blessing. THE TREASURES OF TRUE LIVING How Will We Be Remembered?
Not too long ago, while driving, I was listening to a podcast called “A Bit of Optimism” (hosted by Simon Sinek) that featured Chicago Bears CEO Kevin Warren as the guest. In addition to sharing his life story of perseverance — including recovering from being hit by a car as a child — the former Arizona resident revealed a moment he shared with his late father that struck me. He explained that although his dad had been a professor at Arizona State University and had special parking privileges, he would park a great distance away from the stadium there when the two would attend football games together. When Kevin asked his dad years later why he did this, he replied, “It was to spend more time with you.” That’s a description of
someone who’s focused on what matters. You may be working hard to be named
“Employee of the Month,” get that much-deserved raise, or save up for a trip to an exotic locale for rest and relaxation, but never lose sight of the fact that your greatest rewards are already sitting and laughing with you around your holiday table. –Craig Hersch
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DECEMBER 2024
ANYONE SEEN A SKULL?
Hospital Misplaces Patient’s Body Part
All of us have had to search underneath the couch cushions for a missing wallet or TV remote, or we’ve had to scour the mall parking lot in search of our somehow misplaced car keys. I would almost certainly lose my head if it were not attached to my body. Which, as it turns out, is why I definitely should not work at one
While the hospital scheduled the procedure to repair Fernando’s skull for November 2022, issues arose that made it impossible for the hospital to fulfill its end of the bargain. The hospital made errors when identifying the bone flaps and had no idea which skull fragments belonged to Fernando. Eventually, hospital staff informed the patient they could not find his bone flap and, as a result, they would be unable to put the missing pieces back in his skull. Suing Over a Skull
particular Atlanta hospital. In September 2022, the Emory University Hospital Midtown staff allegedly misplaced something more important than the contents of a patient’s pants pocket. Following his brain surgery, Fernando Cluster was horrified to discover that the hospital had misplaced part of his skull . What a Headache Fernando underwent emergency brain surgery after suffering a stroke and subsequent cranial bleeding. As part of the surgery, surgeons removed a portion of Fernando’s skull, known as a bone flap, with plans to reattach that portion of his skull after he healed from his surgery.
Consequently, Fernando and Melinda Cluster have filed a civil lawsuit against the hospital. The Clusters claim the hospital’s failure to find his bone flap led to an extended hospital stay, increased medical debt, and undue pain and suffering. Not to mention, of course, the alleged negligence in misplacing a patient’s skull . If nothing else, the Clusters have a remarkable story to tell and, most probably, a large settlement headed their way instead of a fully functional brain cage.
r e e D a y s S e a s o
As merry as the holidays often are, the holidays can still negatively affect our mental wellness. Here are a few thoughts to consider if times get tough amid the mistletoe. Nobody’s Perfect — And That’s Okay If you’re typically the member of your household who handles all your family’s holiday festivities, you likely stress over all the details more than anyone else. Well, it’s time to give yourself a break, as few things in life go according to plan. If you prep everything to the last detail, you could feel frazzled if an out-of-state guest’s flight is delayed or an unexpected weather event prevents your loved ones from stopping by. Sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves during stressful times is to accept things as they are. After all, this world has more significant catastrophes than a missed plane or a spilled plate of cranberry sauce. 2 floridaestateplanning.com
Sources of Serenity It’s no secret we’re living in highly divisive times. This holiday season, it’s likely that you will share a meal with someone who does not share your outlook or opinions. Instead of allowing these sensitive moments to wreak havoc on your peace of mind (and perhaps your digestive system),
develop a self-care plan before welcoming guests who, no matter how much you love them, will inevitably find a way to get on your nerves. Sometimes, a short walk around the neighborhood — or maybe a quick call to a supportive friend — is all it takes to clear your thoughts and keep your emotions in check. New Bonds, New Beginnings If you tend to feel lonely, sad, or isolated this time of year, consider devoting time and energy toward community activities that help the less fortunate. In addition to potentially meeting new people who care about giving to others, you’ll be in a positive environment that may remind you of the true spirit of the holidays. Even if the spot under your tree is short on presents, you can still work with a volunteer organization to give someone the gift of a warm coat, a full meal, and — perhaps best of all — your company.
When it comes to family gatherings over the holidays, the stories we share are just as special as the stuffing we serve. From our grandparents’ tales of wartime heroism to the details of our parents’ first date, our loved ones’ histories weave the fabric of who we are and where we came from. Given the immense value of these memories, why not consider representing them in your estate plan? Here are some thoughts on making your legacy about things your The Story of You Honoring History in Estate Planning
— and various services are available to get those old VHS tapes transferred to the digital world as well. Writing Wise Words As you consider your estate plan, it may be a great idea to consider writing down important events and memories you could not capture digitally or on video. Typing out the tale of how your first child was born during a snowstorm or how your uncle taught you to save your pennies as a kid is just as meaningful as explaining the ins and outs of your will. At the Sheppard Law Firm, we’re committed to working with you to create an estate plan that honors your wishes
heirs can feel , not just spend or touch. Sharing Your Fortune’s Foundation
If your will or trust includes the disbursement of wealth, consider dedicating space in its opening pages to describe how you acquired that money. Detailing the hard work and sacrifices behind your family’s financial standing may inspire its recipients to honor and carry on this tradition by managing this wealth responsibly so it
grows for future generations. Documenting Your Best Days
Remember when we’d have to use a camcorder to immortalize our children’s elementary school talent shows or birthday parties? Fortunately, technology has advanced to the point where we can record precious family moments on our phones and save them to clouds, making it easier than ever to access and enjoy them. Links to important videos and photos are lovely additions to estate plans
while respecting your family’s past and future. Please contact us if you’d like more ideas on crafting a lasting legacy for yourself and your loved ones.
K O
TAKE A BREAK!
INGREDIENTS
• • • • •
2 tbsp gochujang or sriracha hot sauce
• • • • •
1 large carrot
2 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 red cabbage
3 tbsp sesame oil, divided
5 green onions, divided
2 sirloin steaks, about 1 lb total
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 daikon radish
2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, and 2 tbsp sesame oil. Set aside 1 tbsp of mixture to use for dressing. Place steaks in bowl with the remaining marinade and coat. 2. Julienne radish and carrot into strips. Shred red cabbage and slice 3 green onions. Mix the reserved marinade with the remaining sesame oil and rice vinegar, then toss with vegetables in a large bowl to coat. 3. Heat a frying pan until very hot. Fry steaks for 2 minutes on each side for medium rare, brushing with the marinade as they cook. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips. Slice the remaining green onions and add to the slaw. 4. Serve sliced steak over the slaw and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
ANSWER ON TOP OF PAGE 4
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INSIDE this issue
SUDOKU ANSWER
Signs of a Well-Spent Life PAGE 1 Hospital Loses Part of Patient’s Skull PAGE 2 Holiday Happiness Made Easy PAGE 2 Passing the Torch of Tales PAGE 3 Korean Steak Slaw PAGE 3
Unravel the Myth of the 16th-Century Rocket Cat PAGE 4
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The Feline-Flying Military Tactic That Never Took Off
Throughout military history, you’ll find strategic experiments ranging from the genius to the downright bizarre. But few can top the zany brainchild of Franz Helm, a 16th-century German artillery aficionado whose bright idea left historians — and cat lovers — utterly bewildered. Let’s set the scene with Helm’s magnum opus, the “Feuer Buech,” published in 1584, a treasure trove of (literally) explosive innovations in warfare. Imagine this: a battlefield in the Renaissance, not just filled with the clang of swords and the thunder of cannons, but also — wait for it — flying, flaming cats. Yes, you read that right. Franz Helm’s groundbreaking military tactic involved jetpacks for cats. Picture a kitty, strapped with a sack of gunpowder, zipping through the air like a furry missile aimed at enemy strongholds. The hope? These feline projectiles would scamper back to their homes — presumably in enemy territory — and start a blazing inferno. One can only wonder about how they would train cats to become arsonists. The method was straightforward: kidnap an enemy cat, strap it into a gunpowder-laden backpack, light the fuse, and hope
Mr. Whiskers doesn’t get cold paws about blowing up its evil overlords. Preserved for posterity at the University of Pennsylvania, the “Feuer Buech” reminds us of the lengths
human creativity can go — especially when combined with a profound misunderstanding of cat behavior. As any cat owner will tell you, cats have their own agendas. The chances of a cat completing its fiery mission are about as high as it bringing you the morning newspaper. Thankfully, we have no evidence that this pyrotechnic plan ever came to pass. Considering cats’ notorious independence, we can rest assured that no self-respecting felines took part in these explosive escapades. So, next time you’re cuddling with your cat, be thankful its biggest inclination is to knock pens off your table rather than infiltrate enemy castles with fire.
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