Izquierdo Law Firm May 2018

IzLegal Illustrated

An Exceptional Mother’s Day

she’d be a great mother to our child, and now that I’m actually living it, I’m just blown away. I appreciate her more every day, and I’m sure my son does, as well. Being an only child and raised by a single mother, I understand the bond that exists between a little boy and his mom. I see it already with Joseph and Melissa in these past six months. It’s really cool to see the connection that’s grown between them. It’s a different connection than the one between him and me. Joseph sees her as his caretaker, while I’m more or less seen as a goofball. I really admire Melissa, especially after watching her endure pregnancy. People give me some credit for encouraging her and asking the doctors the right questions, but I don’t think I did all that much. Melissa is strong and steadfast, and that’s why Joseph is here. Time and time again, she’d go to the doctor only to be told “No, not this time.” She persisted through the disappointment and never stopped trying. She also rocked the pregnancy. We were in Scotland during the first trimester, and at about 35 weeks, we went to a wedding. She was up on the dance floor when I was ready for bed two hours prior. She couldn’t have done that if she wasn’t a badass. At least once a day, I find myself grinning because I’m filled with delight. It’s in these moments that I realize the entire experience has been worthwhile. I’m just absolutely blown away by how amazing Melissa is day after day, and we’re so happy to have Joseph in our lives.

Mother’s Day weekend has always been special for Melissa and me, but this year it will be especially so. This will be Melissa’s first Mother’s Day as a mother! I’m really excited to experience the day with her. Melissa has always been someone who you knew would become a great mother. I knew it back when I first met her in college. In college, her friends called her Momo, which I think came from her best friend’s baby brother at the time who couldn’t say her name. But for as long as I can remember, our group of friends would refer to her as “Mama Momo.” It was mostly because she was a little more responsible than the rest of us, and she would take care of us. She would cook us dinner, and she even took me to the hospital when I broke my leg.

Melissa and Baby Joseph

“She couldn’t have done that if she wasn’t a badass.”

Thinking back, for as dumb and immature as we all were, we all realized she had a strong maternal instinct. It’s true that it was more of playful joke — “Oh, here’s Mama Momo telling us to be careful!” But now that I’m more mature, I realize a part of me always knew she was going to be a fantastic mom. Everyone talks about having an “it” factor, whether in business or sports. Becoming a mother was Melissa’s “it” factor. I don’t know what “it” is exactly, but she’s always had “it” when it came to motherhood. I knew

anniversary, but this year, we’re going to lay low and really enjoy each other’s company. Melissa deserves to have a day devoted to her. She’s worked so hard to be the best mom she can, and we all appreciate her. I’m euphoric that this is her first Mother’s Day, and I can’t wait for all the ones to follow.

This Mother’s Day is going to be really special for the three of us. We usually go to Naples for our

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TRY GAMES, AUDIOBOOKS, AND PODCASTS TO PASS THE TIME Road Trips Don’t Have to Be Painful

country was too poor to pay its debts. France took this opportunity to invade Mexico in order to claim it as a territory. On May 5, 1862, the French were met by a group of Mexican soldiers outside of the small town of Puebla. Despite being outnumbered two to one, they managed to defeat the French. Though it didn’t stop the French from taking Mexico City in 1863, the victory gave the Mexican people a sense of pride, and it served as a symbol of defiance against French imperialism. TRANSITION INTO THE STATES After the United States helped push the French out of Mexico, the celebration of Puebla, or Cinco de Mayo, spread into the states. People of Mexican heritage in the United States saw INCLUDE THE WHOLE FAMILY Once the travel games no longer pique anyone’s interest, try an activity that can be fun for the whole family: a traditional road trip game. If you have a car full of storytellers, try “Fortunately, Unfortunately.” The rules are simple. The first person starts by saying, “fortunately,” and mentioning something good about the road trip or the destination. The next person (moving clockwise) then follows by saying something “unfortunate” about the previous person’s statement. Take turns with every passenger in the car. If someone stumbles, they get a strike; three strikes and you’re out. The last passenger standing wins. PLAY AN AUDIOBOOK OR PODCAST We get it. Sometimes passengers don’t want to play games. Occasionally, they’d rather relax

or take a nap. However, your listening material doesn’t have to be limited to Dad’s favorite music. Instead, consider listening to a family- friendly audiobook or podcast, which can make the longest and most boring parts of your trip an entertaining or educational experience. Almost any popular book is available in audio form, but it can be hard to find an enjoyable podcast. “Transistor” is a science-focused podcast that explores subjects kids and adults will find fascinating. Or if you’re looking for something fictional, try “Storynory,” in which the narrator tells fairy tales and legends from all over the globe.

Summer is right around the corner, which means you’ll soon pile the whole family into the car, ready to brave the road for a vacation. Everyone knows that riding in the car for hours can be torture. But with a little creativity, you can turn the worst part of a long trip into a fun event. PACK A TRAVEL GAME When the excitement of the family vacation starts to wear off, keep the peace and entertain your kids with a travel game. Many board game manufacturers offer travel-sized versions that are easy to pack and play in the car. Before your next road trip, consider purchasing digital Yahtzee, which packs all the fun of the classic game without the dice, or IQ Fit, a logic game with over 100 challenges. Both games cost around $10 and can provide hours of entertainment.

CINCO DE MAYO THE HISTORY BEHIND THE CELEBRATIONS

holiday is now chiefly celebrated throughout America as one of the major holidays in May.

Cinco de Mayo celebrations are less common and often confined to bars and restaurants. But Cinco de Mayo is much more than an excuse to have a few drinks; it’s a holiday steeped in culture, tradition, and national pride. When we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, we celebrate the spirit and heritage of Mexico. THE MYTH BEHIND THE HOLIDAY Many people believe that Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in honor of Mexican Independence Day, but that isn’t the case. Mexico declared its independence on Sept. 16, 1810, 50 years before

CELEBRATIONS Cinco de Mayo is widely interpreted and celebrated throughout the United States as an appreciation of Mexican culture and heritage. Huge celebrations take place all throughout America and include parades, dancing, food, and alcohol. Today, Puebla is the only city in Mexico to celebrate the holiday. People in Mexico believe that celebrating Mexican Independence Day is a better way to express their patriotism than on May 5. Learning about the past and why certain holidays are celebrated encourages and inspires people to celebrate. This year, celebrate Cinco de Mayo with newfound knowledge and understanding.

the event that led to the celebration of Cinco de Mayo: the Battle of Puebla.

the victory as a source of pride and strength. During the Civil War, they used it as inspiration to fight. The

In 1861, Benito Juárez, the president of Mexico at the time, declared that the

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YOU NEED A LAWYER FOR ARRAIGNMENT

analyze the evidence that the state has against them, and they don’t challenge the court to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Sadly, this is extremely common in misdemeanor cases. While it may seem that you’re good to go with all of this behind you, it can affect you in the years to come. There are a number of people who seek lawyers out because a plea they took so many years ago is now preventing them from becoming a U.S. citizen or getting a job, loan, or professional license. While it is true that you will be assigned a public defender at arraignment and you won’t go at it alone, you’ll be missing someone who can truly support you. A private criminal defense lawyer will reach out to the state before arraignment in an attempt to not have any charges filed. In addition to this, chances are that a thorough criminal defense attorney will review the evidence, speak with the state, and advise you about whether a plea offered at arraignment is worth considering.

When you’ve got a date in criminal court and a friend tells you that you’ll be fine if you show up to your arraignment without a lawyer, don’t listen to them. Listening to your friend could land you in jail and possibly ruin your life. Not everyone has the money to retain a private attorney to fight for them in criminal court, but not getting one can be a huge mistake. If you can hire a lawyer prior to arraignment — giving them time to reach out to the state — you can reap significant benefits. When selecting and hiring a lawyer, you want to be sure that they’re someone you trust. Not every lawyer that you hire prior to the state making its filing decision will reach out to them, conduct initial investigations, and fight for you in an attempt to get the state to not file charges or to file reduced charges. One of the most disheartening moments in court is when someone shows up to arraignment without a lawyer. They end up taking pleas to close their case without understanding the ramifications. They don’t

If you’re charged with a felony and subscribe to the method of thinking that you don’t need a lawyer for arraignment, you must really like gambling with your life. Don’t be a gambler. If you need guidance, call Izquierdo Law Firm at (305) 707-7345. We can help.

Laugh Out Loud

Grilled Ranch Potatoes If you want to be the hit of this year’s Memorial Day cookout, don’t overlook the star power of a well-made side dish. These smoky, tangy grilled potatoes will be the talk of the party. The best part is how easy they are to prep and make! Ingredients

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Ranch dressing for drizzling

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2 pounds baby potatoes, halved

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1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

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1/4 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

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Bacon bits (optional)

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Juice of 1/2 lemon

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Salt and pepper to taste

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1/2 packet ranch seasoning

Instructions

grilling.) Grill until tender and lightly charred, about 15 minutes. 3. Drizzle with ranch and garnish with chives and bacon bits.

1. Heat grill to medium. In a large pan, toss potatoes with olive oil, lemon juice, and ranch seasoning. Season generously with salt and pepper. 2. Skewer potatoes. (If using wood skewers, be sure to soak in water an hour before

Inspired by delish.com

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INSIDE this issue

1

An Exceptional Mother’s Day

2

How to Make Your Road Trip a Breeze The History and Celebrations of Cinco de Mayo

3

Don’t Go to Your Arraignment Alone Grilled Ranch Potatoes

4

3 of the Most Formidable Moms in History

MOTHERS SHAPE THE WORLD 3 of History’s Bravest Moms

Jewish children from the brutal ghettos. Along with many friends and colleagues, she smuggled out nearly 2,500 Jewish orphans, hiding infants on trams and garbage wagons and guiding kids through a labyrinth of secret passageways beneath the city.

in 1826, she took the girl and fled to an abolitionist Quaker family, but she was forced to leave her other daughter and her 5-year-old son, Peter, behind. Soon after, she learned that Peter had been illegally sold by Dumont to a slaveholder in Alabama, so she went to court and secured his safe return. It was the first successful case brought by a black woman against a white man in American history. Truth went on to become a prominent abolitionist and a speaker for women’s rights, delivering her famous impromptu speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?” in May of 1851.

Moms make the world go round. After running the gauntlet of childbirth, they raise and guide us throughout our lives, shouldering the tremendous burden and responsibility of motherhood. Mothers are in turn formidable, kind, powerful, gentle, wise, fierce, patient, supportive, empathetic, driven, and full of love. In honor of Mother’s Day, here are three historic moms who never stopped fighting for what they believed in.

EMMELINE PANKHURST (1858–1928)

Despite being a wife and the mother of five children — two of whom died tragically young — Emmeline Pankhurst became one of the fiercest advocates for women’s suffrage in the late 19th century. After founding the Women’s Social and Political Union in 1903, she and

SOJOURNER TRUTH (1797–1883)

IRENA SENDLER (1910–2008)

Before she escaped from New York slaveholder John Dumont, Sojourner Truth had at least three of her children sold away from her. When Dumont went back on his promise to emancipate Truth and her infant daughter

When the Nazis invaded Warsaw in September of 1939, Irena Sendler, a 29-year-old social worker and mother of two, hatched a scheme to rescue

her cohorts adopted an aggressive strategy to raise awareness for the issue; they began by buttonholing politicians and staging rallies, then progressed to vandalism, window smashing, and arson. She was instrumental in the movement. Pankhurst lived to see women gain the right to vote in 1928.

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