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NOVEMBER 2022
Remembering Our Clients Are the True Heroes
WE’RE JUST THE ONES WHO HELP GET THEM THROUGH IT
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked out of my office through the lobby to grab a water or coffee and seen clients wrapping up their case and thanking one of our team members for all their hard work. It’s seriously the most gratifying part of our job. About three months ago, I walked out of my office to grab my afternoon coffee and saw one of our divorce clients speaking to Kacie — one of our paralegals. I watched this lady hug Kacie and thank her profusely for everything she did for her over the course of the representation. After our client left, I stopped Kacie, congratulated her and asked her if she understood the significance of what just happened. I found it so moving that I called the rest of our staff downstairs to tell them about what I just witnessed and reminded them about the tremendous impact we make on our clients’ lives and not to take it for granted. Sometimes we get so caught up in the work that needs to be done that we forget how great a responsibility we have as a law firm. Seeing moments of gratitude and how our clients express their gratitude motivates everyone in the office. These moments are constant reminders of the gravity of our work. It’s a team effort and no one position is more important than another in the sense that everybody has a role to play. There are so many factors behind both successes and shortcomings that we have to keep in mind, and it continues to shine through our work culture. Knowing that by taking our clients’ burdens onto ourselves, the work we do sticks with them for the rest of their lives. The client who celebrated the conclusion of her divorce with Kacie in our lobby that day will never forget how Kacie helped her navigate an undoubtedly challenging time. Legal situations always need to be addressed, but at the end of the day, our clients come to us with their personal problems. They’re worried and wonder how they can get from point A to point B, but we’re not the heroes in their stories — they are. We’re just the ones who help them get through it, and our job is to show them a better life.
After working many cases, talking to hundreds of clients, and working long hours daily, having our clients come back to us to express their gratitude is the most wonderful feeling. I’ve had plenty of clients express their appreciation to me, but I take the most pride when they express it to the team. Our clients express gratitude in many ways — through gifts, flowers, Thank You cards, and even a simple hug. We’ve had clients bring in cookies or donuts and even cater our lunches in the office. Each and every display of gratitude warms our hearts. One of our former clients always brings in gifts around Christmas time, and one year she made beautifully crafted potholders for pots and pans, which I use all the time to this day! During COVID, she even made homemade masks and dropped off a bunch of them to our office. It’s so unique and something we genuinely appreciate. The fact that our client took the time to make these gifts for us is absolutely amazing. One time a client hand delivered our Office Manager and Associate Attorney wonderful gifts from Tiffany & Co — in their infamous little blue boxes. We never expect gifts or even praise in return for our work, but it’s always meaningful when clients do because it is a reflection of the gratitude they have for the work we performed on their behalf.
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ALL THIS FOR A TRUCKLE OF CHEESE?
WHAT IS CHEESE ROLLING?
During the spring, the southwest part of England hosts one of the strangest sports each year — cheese rolling. People worldwide travel to watch and participate as contestants launch themselves down a hill in pursuit of a round of cheese. But how did this sport come to be? It’s kind of a mystery. No one really knows the origins of cheese rolling. For as long as the locals can remember, the sport has always been there. Several theories attempt to explain how the sport came about. One theory states that the competition started in the 15th century, and racing down the hill was a way to establish grazing rights on the commons.
tells you to go, you launch yourself down the mountain. The first person to grab the 8-pound wheel of double cream Gloucester (which has never been done before) or cross the finish line at the bottom (about 200 yards) will win the race and the cheese. You don’t need to meet any criteria or fill out any paperwork to participate. Simply arrive at the top of the hill before the race begins, and you’re all set. But participating is at your own risk: Many people suffer severe injuries because you’re going down the hill at speeds reaching 70 mph.
Others say the game has a pagan origin, where people would throw bundles of brushwood down the hill to represent the new year once winter ends. Although its roots are unknown, locals have kept score since the 1970s and watched it gain in popularity over the years. WHAT ARE THE RULES? Competitors begin the race at the top of Cooper’s Hill in Brockworth, Gloucester, which slopes downward at an almost 90-degree angle. Then, when the master of ceremonies
The sport has gained many fans over the years — around 15,000 attendees come to view the spectacle annually. The media attention further spreads the interest and popularity of cheese rolling. Many YouTube channels cover the sport, and a Netflix show titled “We Are the Champions” has an episode covering the sport and how competitors train.
Can you believe all of this excitement and fame over a truckle of cheese?
Preserve Your Life’s Work HOW ANYONE CAN BENEFIT FROM ESTATE PLANS
There are many misconceptions about estate planning, the number one always being that it is meant for the wealthy — and that is simply not the case. People from all income and wealth levels can benefit from a comprehensive estate plan, and the sooner you start, the better!
Think of it this way: If you have time to plan a family vacation, you have time to make sure your future self and loved ones are protected!
FINANCIAL CONFIDENCE One immediate benefit of estate planning is having control over your finances. Many people experience a new sense of discipline while maintaining their finances, which can help save for retirement, more significant purchases, or other goals. Not only do you get the personal benefit of financial control, but you also get to dictate exactly how and when your heirs receive an inheritance. It is essential for minor heirs or those who need additional guidance to manage their inheritance. EVALUATING RISKS An essential aspect of any estate plan is mitigating future or current risks. Since life tends to be unpredictable, and if something were to happen to you unexpectedly, your estate plan allows you to choose who will be in control of your assets. Without an estate plan, the court may appoint a legal guardian who could cost money, make decisions you would disapprove of, and inconvenience your family during a difficult time. Contact us today at (901) 388-5805 so that Douglass & Runger, PLLC, Attorneys at Law, can guide you through the processes to protect you, your assets, and your family.
FORWARD THINKING FAMILY GOALS The first step in creating an estate plan is deciding your long-term goals. This can include caring for a minor, elderly parents, disabled relatives, or even distributing real and personal property to individuals who will appreciate and maintain these assets properly. It is also a great way to plan in case you become incapacitated. Accidents and illnesses can happen to all of us, and you want to be prepared if this occurs. This way, your loved ones won’t need to make legal decisions while dealing with the stress and grief of your passing.
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Providing Peace of Mind Make Decisions While You’re Still Healthy No one enjoys talking about their own mortality or wants to think about what will happen if their health declines. Likewise, it can be a sensitive and awkward subject to broach, even with the ones we love the most. But making crucial decisions right now to protect your hard-earned assets can help avoid confusion for your loved ones later. It can also provide peace of mind while you hopefully enjoy many more happy, prosperous, and healthy years to come! ENSURE YOUR WISHES ARE KNOWN. Estate planning is about leaving the legacy you want for whomever — or whatever — is important to you. Your life and dreams transcend money, and they also encompass your values. Your wishes may include using your assets to help secure your family’s future, education, and financial needs, or you may choose to support an organization or institution near and dear to your heart. PREVENT FAMILY FEUDS. Planning early gives you plenty of time to discuss your wishes with your loved ones. You can prevent misunderstandings and potential arguments if you explain your decisions. Indicating your wishes in advance will spare any confusion your family has, and if they have opinions you may agree with, you have time to change your estate plans! KEEP ASSETS OUT OF THE WRONG HANDS. The court may decide who gets what from your assets without an estate plan. The only way to ensure your assets don’t get divided by someone else is to create a will and a comprehensive estate plan. Since you never know when your last day will be, you need to act before it’s too late. Early planning allows you to make use of various financial vehicles, like trusts, which can help ensure you keep some control over how your assets are distributed after you’re gone. The reality is that everyone should be prepared with a complete estate plan. Contact Douglass & Runger, PLLC, Attorneys at Law, at (901) 388-5805 , so we can help you protect your assets while you are still alive, ensure the people who inherit your property can do so without issue, and provide for your loved ones.
Roasted Pork Loin With Apples
Inspired by MomFoodie.com
INGREDIENTS • 4 lbs pork loin • 2 tsp garlic powder • 2 tsp salt, divided • 1 tsp black pepper • 8 apples • 2 red onions
• 3 garlic cloves • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp cinnamon • 3 tbsp butter, softened
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, season pork loin with garlic powder, 1 ½ tsp salt, and pepper, then cover and place in refrigerator for 30 minutes. 2. Preheat oven to 425 F. 3. Slice apples and onions, then chop garlic cloves. Season with brown sugar, olive oil, remaining salt, and cinnamon. 4. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, place a layer of apples and onions in the pan, put pork loin on top, then place remaining apples and onions around it. 5. Break butter into small pieces and place them on the pork loin and apples. Place dish in oven and let it bake for 15 minutes. 6. Reduce the heat to 350 F, then continue to bake for 60 minutes. 7. Remove dish and stir apples and onions. 8. Increase heat to 450 F, put dish in oven, and roast for an additional 8–10 minutes. INSPIRATION “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” —William James
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2820 Summer Oaks Drive Bartlett, TN 38134 901-388-5805 www.DouglassRunger.com
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1 How Our Clients’ Appreciation Is Our Motivator 2 All This for Cheese? Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy 3 Start Estate Planning Sooner Rather Than Later Roasted Pork Loin With Apples 4 It’s National Gratitude Month! Inside This Issue
Thanksgiving Is About More Than Food IT’S ABOUT SHOWING GRATITUDE
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 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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