Holland & Usry May 2020

Holland & Usry May 2020

WHEN WE FACE TIMES OF TURMOIL We Learn to Appreciate the Little Things

the state of New York especially hard. And when natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires occur, the ripples of their destruction are felt by many, but no one is more impacted than the community where it actually occurs. This sort of singularity is not the case with COVID-19. The hardships it has created are affecting people on a global scale. No country stands alone, no community stands alone, and no person stands alone. Luckily, humans have a history of rising up. Whenever hardship takes its toll, people find a way to band together and stand strong against adversity. Sometimes the worst fates are suffered before things start to get better, but it’s important to remember that things always get better. And I believe this to be true right now, as long as we can learn to have the type of mindset that instills positivity and appreciation. If there’s anything our current situation has taught me, it’s to appreciate life and all its simplicities. When Holland & Usry was “business as usual,” I’ll admit at times it was tedious. It’s natural to feel the urge to get away from time to time. But now, when our systems have been forced to change, I find myself longing for the days of long meetings and hours of paperwork. The lesson I’ve learned during this hardship is that we should never take life for granted, even the smallest aspects of it. When we can’t live our regular lives due to illness, quarantines, and social distancing, we start to miss everything we used to have. Now that some of us have a little less in our lives, maybe it’s a great time to start appreciating what we’ve got. Rest assured, you haven’t lost Holland & Usry. We are still fully serving our clients, even though we have very limited in-person contact and visits outside our office. We’re using phones, email, and videoconferencing as necessary to make sure we’re still here for you because that’s what all this turmoil comes down to: finding ways to be there for one another in times of need. We’re doing everything we can to be here for you so that we can all find ways to get through this together.

As of writing this newsletter at the beginning of April, the state of the world as it responds to COVID-19 is still one of uncertainty and fear. Things may have changed for the better in the month or so between my writing this and it reaching your hands, but with the way the numbers are climbing in the U.S., I’m hesitant to make that statement firmly. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t carry hope and positivity. It’s hard to escape news or updates about the progression of COVID-19, and that news tends to bring people down. I won’t pretend to know what it’s like to be on the front lines — I’m fortunate enough to say that my family, my friends, and I have remained safe thus far. But like many others, I feel the heavy weight of the changes that have been implemented across the globe.

When we face communal turmoil, it’s often confined to a single location. For example, 9/11 impacted our entire country, but it hit

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF FAMILY GARDENING Give Your Kid the Gift of a Green Thumb

snacks. Gardening helps kids identify with where their food is coming from, and nothing tastes better than a freshly picked strawberry or pea pod they grew themselves. Jack Gilbert, a scientist at the University of Chicago and a parent himself, and his co-author, Rob Knight, emphasize the health benefits of garden time in their book, “Dirt Is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child’s Developing Immune System.” The two found that exposure to different microbes, like those found in a garden, strengthens a child’s immune system and makes them less likely to develop allergies. If this is your first time gardening, you don’t need much to get started. Grab a few shovels, a pair of gloves for each family member, and fresh potting soil, and you’ll be set. Then, you can decide together which plants you’d like to grow! Carrots are fun because of the surprise factor — just imagine your child discovering that the part they eat grows below the ground! Peas are tasty and fairly easy to grow, as are strawberries. The options really are endless. Depending on the growing season in your area, you can choose to buy seeds or opt for rooted plants.

Springtime often means nicer weather and more time spent outside, but it also means it’s gardening season. That means it’s time to roll up your sleeves and play in the dirt. If you’ve been searching for a way to get the kids away from technology and engaged with the real world, gardening is the perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy. Not only is it fun, but it’s also beneficial for your kids’ development. For example, gardening can improve your children’s analytical abilities. As Dr. Wendy Matthews says, “Gardening exercises important reasoning, initiation, planning, and organization skills.” Furthermore, several studies, including one at Texas A&M University, suggest that gardening improves a child’s attitude toward fruits and vegetables and may make them more likely to choose them as

Last but certainly not least, the best part of gardening as a family is the healthy, fresh produce you’ll get to enjoy all summer long!

Testimonial HEAR WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT US! “If you’re looking for a lawyer, Rob and his assistant, Rose, are absolutely wonderful! They are both very kind and understanding and will work hard for you. We will definitely be going back to Rob for any future legal needs! Thanks for all you have done for us!” –Casey

“Working with John Holland has been a great experience. He has provided us with so much help and knowledge. Mr. Holland believes in communication and stayed in constant communication throughout the entire process. He cares about his work and sees clients not as cases but as people needing help. We have used Mr. Holland on several occasions with better than expected outcomes. We want to say thank you, Mr. Holland, for your hard work, dedication, and attention to detail to our case.” – Kris

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The Trials of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Call for Expert Assistance

The first expert you need is a vocational evaluator. They’ll assess your ability to work, search for jobs you qualify for, and determine how much you can expect to make. They perform detailed reviews of your injury, medical care, limitations, overall health, and physical and mental abilities. If they conclude you can’t work, they have the expertise and reliability to prove it. Calculating the true amount of lost income you’re suffering is also tricky. That’s why you need another expert by way of an economist. Many jobs offer benefits like retirement and health insurance, but if you can’t work, you lose those benefits, which have monetary value. The amount of future lost income must also be reduced to present value, as required by law. It’s a complicated calculation, which is why an economist who knows how to do it correctly is necessary. So how do you find the right experts? You hire an expert who knows how to find them! That person is often the lawyer you hire to present your case. The right attorney will help you hire the right additional experts so you can gain the compensation that you and your family really need. Don’t risk losing the potentially enormous amount at stake. Get the right attorney who knows the right experts. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury or other personal injury, call our office so we can help.

One of the biggest issues that traumatic brain injury victims must overcome is lost income. They might face a future without the ability to earn as much income or any income at all. The law provides these people the right to recover lost income from the accident that caused their brain injury, but the challenge is proving the amount of lost income so that it’s admissible in court. Doing so requires a few experts. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” –Philippians 4:6 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my Good News

STICKY AND SWEET PORK ‘RIBS’

Whether you’re celebrating your mom or those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, there’s no better recipe to grill up than these delectable country-style pork ribs.

Ingredients

• • • • • •

2 heads garlic, cloves separated 3 thumbs ginger, chopped

• • • •

1/2 cup chili oil

1/3 cup oyster sauce

1 cup hoisin sauce 3/4 cup fish sauce

1/3 cup toasted sesame oil 5 lbs boneless pork shoulder, flattened

2/3 cup honey

2/3 cup rice wine

• •

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tbsp molasses

Directions 1. In a blender, purée garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, honey, rice wine, chili oil, oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil until smooth. 2. Reserve and chill 1 1/2 cups for later use. 3. In a bag, add the remaining

on the grill, cook pork until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 140–145 F. 5. In a large saucepan, simmer brown sugar, molasses, and reserved marinade for 6–8 minutes. 6. Baste the pork with the brown sugar glaze for 2 minutes before serving.

righteous right hand.” –Isaiah 41:10

mixture and pork shoulder. Marinate for at least 8 hours.

4. Using a convection plate

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Inspired by Bon Appétit

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* This newsletter is intended to educate the public about personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and family law issues. You can copy and distribute it as long as you copy the entire newsletter. But the newsletter is not intended to be legal advice; you should ask a lawyer about your specific case. Every case is different, and all case outcomes depend on unique facts and laws.

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INSIDE this issue

1

Coming Together in Times of Turmoil

2

What Is Gardening Good For?

Testimonials

3

What Experts Can Do for Your Brain Injury

Sticky and Sweet Pork ‘Ribs’

4

The Best Technology for Graduates

If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, call Pam at 864.582.0416 or email [email protected] .

SAY CONGRATULATIONS WITH THESE TECH GIFTS FOR GRADS

Spring is all about new beginnings, and for many, graduation is just the start of something big. Whether your favorite graduate is heading off to college, serve in our nation’s military, or join the workforce, there’s a gadget out there that will give them a great start — or at least make you their favorite relative. Check out this guide to find the perfect tech gift.

FOR THE AUDIO LOVER

From wireless headphones that surround you with sound to Bluetooth speakers that offer crystal-clear quality, the options are endless when it comes to choosing an audio device. But before purchasing the “next best thing,” consider the person who will use it. If your graduate exercises frequently, they may want wireless headphones like Apple’s AirPods or one of the many Samsung varieties. On the flip side, if they enjoy action movies, a great sound bar for their entertainment system just might do the trick.

dramatic sagas, a subscription to HBO Now could satisfy their cravings. Hulu + Live TV can also be a great alternative for a grad who is out of the house! The best part is that this gift keeps on giving with every movie or show they stream.

FOR THE ACADEMIC

This May will mark the start of a new academic adventure for many. AI systems like the Amazon Alexa and Google Home can make staying in touch and studying easier, while an e-reader could house all their textbooks in one handy place. Laptop cases, screen covers, and other protective gear can keep their technology safe from wear and tear. (After all, what college kid can afford a new laptop on a whim?) Charging stations and cord organizers can also protect their tech and keep their space clean.

FOR THE STREAMER

There’s no shortage of streaming services, and depending on what your graduate enjoys watching, you may consider gifting them a subscription. Nostalgic Disney lovers looking for some stress relief would certainly love a Disney+ subscription, but if you know someone who has an affinity for the

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