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SEPTEMBER 2019
Legally Brief With Kevin Patrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | wrongful death
A Thank-You to My Grandparents Remembering the Loving Family That Shaped Me on National Grandparents Day
Sept. 8 is National Grandparents Day, so it seemed only fitting to take a moment this month to remember my grandparents, four wonderful people who did a lot to mold me into the man, father, and attorney I aspire to be. Though both of my grandfathers passed away when I was young, they were caring men whom I wish I’d gotten to know better. My grandfather on my mother’s side, Donald LaForge, served in the U.S. Amy during World War II as a tail gunner over Italy. He’d just graduated from St. Michael’s High School in Michigan when he joined up, a decision I’m sure took a lot of courage. Before heading to law school, I majored in history, and the historian in me would have loved to talk with him about his experiences and sacrifices during the war. He passed away when I was just 3 years old, but his stories live on in our family, and I always enjoy hearing about his life. My father’s father, Charles Patrick, was a doctor who grew up in Norwalk, Ohio. Though I didn’t get much time with him before he passed, I distinctly remember the moment he gave me my very first set of golf clubs after retiring to Arizona. It was a miniature set for kids, and, though I didn’t grow up to be much of a golfer, I’ve since passed the clubs on to my 4-year-old son, Michael. He loves to go golfing with my father, so maybe skill on the green skips a generation. As for my grandmothers, I was lucky enough to spend many years with them. On my mother’s side, I remember my grandmother, Margaret LaForge, as the quintessential Irish lady. She was with us until about five years ago, and she loved everyone in the family dearly. My fondest memories are of the times she sang traditional Irish songs, like “Over in Killarney” and “Galway Bay.” Now, I sing those lullabies to my daughter, Catherine. Even though I lack her Irish brogue, it's my own way of remembering my grandmother and passing on her traditions.
Naples, Florida, when she presided as the matriarch over family gatherings, especially Christmas. She loved to spend time with my father and his sisters, her grandkids, and her great-grandkids. One thing that has always stuck with me was her emphasis on dressing
Charles Patrick
Jean Patrick
Donald LaForge
Margaret LaForge
well. She was very particular about making sure the family’s clothes were all tucked in and nicely ironed as it is a sign of respect for yourself and others. When I was a teenager, she even tried to iron my Abercrombie & Fitch T-shirts! Though I used to joke with Grandma about it, now I agree with her and always try to follow her advice. These days, my parents are grandparents, too, and it has been wonderful to see how much joy they’ve given my kids, and vice- versa. I can see the traditions I developed with my grandparents — of spending time rather than money, and focusing on reading and playing together instead of just offering new toys — are the same ones my kids now enjoy. My parents live just an hour away in Cherokee County, so we see them about once a week. I’m thankful they and my wife’s parents, who are also excellent grandparents, live so close by. Not only is it amazing seeing them bond with our kids, but their proximity means we can get a good night’s sleep every once in a while! When my kids grow up and I get to be a grandparent myself, I’d like to pass on the tradition of taking trips to the Chattahoochee River. I love taking Michael and Catherine there to play near the riverbank, and, while it might not be as safe as the playground in the local Chick-fil-A, I think it’s good for them to enjoy nature and get muddy. If that’s my legacy, I’ll be one proud grandpa.
My grandmother on my father’s side, Jean Patrick, was with us for a very long time. I like to look back on her later years in
This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.
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On the International Day of Charity, Remember These Local Nonprofits Atlanta Gives Back
Solve Your Favorite Math Puzzles! INTERNATIONAL SUDOKU DAY
If you’re a regular newsletter reader, then you already know about the three local charities Kevin Patrick Law works with to give back to the Atlanta community: The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, Open Hand Atlanta, and Clyde’s Kitchen, all of which provide food and other assistance to the disadvantaged. But as Sept.
5 is the International Day of Charity, we felt this month was the perfect time to spotlight a few other organizations doing great work in our area. While these are far from the only nonprofits operating in Atlanta, they’re all making impressive strides to improve our community and, by extension, the world. CHRIS 180 Founded in 1981, CHRIS 180 is one of Georgia’s staunchest advocates for children, adults, and families dealing with mental health issues. CHRIS stands for creativity, honor, respect, integrity, and safety, and CHRIS 180 strives to provide all of those things to children in the foster care system and homeless young adults (many of whom are parents) through behavioral health services and supportive housing programs. Learn more at CHRIS180.org. GIVING KITCHEN When food industry workers fall on hard times, Giving Kitchen is there to help them. So far, it has offered financial support and community resources to more than 2,800 food service workers who have been impacted by illness, injury, death, or natural disasters, or who were in need of emergency assistance from social services. Find out how you can help at TheGivingKitchen.org. MERCY HOUSING SOUTHEAST This single sentence from Atlanta Magazine says it all: “Mercy Housing Southeast (MHSE) has developed over 3,500 energy- efficient, affordable homes providing a safe place to live for more than 9,000 low-income families, seniors, and people with special needs since 1996.” The nonprofit’s goals include reducing barriers to housing and employment and increasing economic mobility for everyone. Discover all of the ways you can get involved at MercyHousing.org/Southeast. Though the International Day of Charity lasts only 24 hours, here at Kevin Patrick Law we believe you don’t need to wait for a holiday to give back. Why not start now?
International Sudoku Day brings puzzle and math lovers together to enjoy the perfect in-between! Specifically chosen on Sept. 9 by the World Puzzle Federation, this holiday is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the beloved 9x9 puzzle game. HISTORY OF SUDOKU One of the first mathematical puzzles was published in La France, a French newspaper, in 1895. However, the puzzle we now see in newspapers, sudoku books, and newsletters wasn’t invented until 1979 by Howard Garns. Originally published in Dell Pencil Puzzles and Word Games magazine, Garns named it “Number Place.” It was later given the name “sudoku” in 1984 when it was published in Japan. However, the puzzle didn’t catch the interest of Americans until 2004, when it began to be regularly published in newspapers. INTERESTING FACTS The name “sudoku” is short for the Japanese expression “sūji wa dokushin ni kagiru,” which translates to “the numerals must remain single.” In Japan, sudoku quickly became very popular, mostly because it’s so much easier to play than other puzzle games like crosswords. Sudoku continues to be a popular puzzle choice in Japan where, according to Sudoku.com, over 600,000 sudoku magazines are purchased every month. OBSERVING SUDOKU Celebrating this holiday has never been easier! Grab a sudoku book, magazine, or newsletter and start solving! The best thing about sudoku is that the puzzles can be done anywhere: while you’re enjoying breakfast, during a lunch break at work, or while you’re relaxing at home. They can also be done in one sitting or over an extended period of time. Filling out a puzzle doesn’t have to be an individual task, either. Challenge family or friends to see who can finish a sudoku puzzle the quickest or work on one together.
You can always reach Kevin directly at 404-566-8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cell phone is 404-409-3160, too.)
Pick up a few sudoku puzzles today and start solving!
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Happy Labor Day! A Thank-You to Our Hardworking Staff
If asked, not many Americans would name Labor Day as their favorite holiday — Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Halloween generally top the list — but a quick look at its history reveals they probably should. Labor Day is the most American holiday of the year after the Fourth of July. According to our national government, that first Monday of September is when “the U.S. Department of Labor celebrates and honors the greatest workers in the world — the American worker.” It has roots in the labor movement and is one of the few holidays to celebrate and put the average person on a pedestal. Though not every worker in the country gets the day off (service industry workers in particular are often on their feet 365 days per year), the AFL-CIO estimates 78% of people get to celebrate Labor Day at home, and that number rises to 85% for union members. Those statistics seem only fitting considering two labor union members — carpenter Peter J. McGuire and machinist Matthew Maguire — have been alternately credited with proposing the holiday. Labor Day was first celebrated as a “workingmen’s holiday” with a picnic and demonstration in New York City in 1882, and similar gatherings soon spread across the country. In 1894, President Grover Cleveland declared Labor Day a national holiday.
We may be a bit biased, but, when it comes to hardworking Americans, we think we have a monopoly here at Kevin Patrick Law. Our hardworking staff deserves a shoutout not only on Labor Day but every day. For keeping the office running smoothly, helping bring in wins for our clients, and so many other things, thank you!
sudoku
Basil Berry Sorbet
Unlike standard ice cream recipes, this delicious sorbet doesn’t require fancy equipment or difficult prep. It’s also entirely dairy-free, making it the perfect vegan treat for the end of summer.
Ingredients • 1 cup sugar • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 6 cups frozen mixed berries • 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Directions 1. In a saucepan over high heat,
3. In a blender, combine syrup with frozen berries and lemon juice. Purée until smooth. 4. Transfer to a square baking pan, cover in plastic wrap, and freeze until set, about 2 hours. 5. Scoop and serve.
combine sugar with 1 cup of water, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves, creating a syrup-like consistency. basil, cover, and let stand for 15 minutes. Strain syrup into bowl and refrigerate until cold.
2. Remove syrup from heat, add
Solution
Inspired by Good Housekeeping
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Inside This Issue 1 A Thank-You to My Grandparents 2 Celebrating Math and Puzzles Local Nonprofits to Remember 3 A Thank-You to Our Hardworking Staff Basil Berry Sorbet 4 Honoring the Canines of 9/11
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The 4-Legged Heroes of Ground Zero Honoring the Canines of 9/11 In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, thousands of New Yorkers took to the streets to clear rubble, offer supplies, and search for survivors. It was a powerful act of resilience in a deeply trying time, and while most of the individuals helping with the disaster stood on two feet, more than 300 canines also answered the call to service. Dogs of all breeds and backgrounds, including search and rescue dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs, were brought in to help find and care for survivors in the wake of the destruction. They worked tirelessly alongside rescue crews as they searched through the debris. Search and rescue dogs and their handlers worked 12–16-hour days, searching for survivors and victims. They worked through dangerous conditions: Many dogs burned their paws as they dug through hot rubble, and both handlers and canines inhaled toxic dust. The task was both physically and mentally exhausting for the dogs during their shifts. Some dogs that found deceased victims refused to eat or interact with other animals. Search and rescue dogs became increasingly stressed and depressed the longer they searched
without any results, mirroring their handlers. It wasn’t uncommon for handlers to stage mock “findings” of survivors to keep the dogs’ spirits up. Fortunately, the sacrifices these dogs and their handlers made did not go unnoticed. Many dog owners were inspired to earn their search and rescue certifications after the events of 9/11, promising to aid in future disasters and hopefully lessen the impact of such catastrophes. After 9/11, various researchers conducted many studies examining the effect this kind of work has on animals, both physically and mentally. Many of these studies wouldn’t be possible without the AKC Canine Health Foundation, so if you’re looking to give back this September, visit them at their website to see how you can help: AKCCHF.org.
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