2021 wrap up: client updates
I am proud that a large part of my client base is made up of strong, professional women and kids and young adults under 25. While I’m working for them, advocating for them, yielding sword and shield for them…. they are quietly inspiring me. Each of these people was seriously hurt, their lives irrevocably changed by a sudden and unexpected event. And yet…they get up every day and make their best effort, and they meet the new challenges they never asked for, and they adapt. And they grow, like flowers in a sidewalk crack. I am so proud of them. I wanted to share a few of the successes they have shared with me last year:
A new start in a new home.
20-year-old client, son of immigrants, injured when he was 17 in a head on collision with a drunk driver. He has learned how to invest his settlement funds with a financial planner, and he is now able to attend school to pursue a career in finance. He has been so smart with his money, really understands the value of compounding, and that is extra hard when you are so young. So very proud every time he updates me!
27-year-old client injured when she was 23, totaling the only used vehicle she was able to afford at that time. Her husband had to Uber to work because they could not afford another vehicle. She had to change careers because she could no longer stand for long periods of time required for her job as a massage therapist. The car wreck caused major financial hardship for this young couple. I just learned they were approved on a loan for their very first home!
An amazing client who has a master’s degree and has taught high school for many years. She suffered a brain injury and struggled to juggle her treatment, young family, and work. She is now looking at early partial retirement so she can still love teaching but also have enough bandwidth left to enjoy her boys as they grow and take care of her own wellness. Balance. It’s so hard to find.
Another amazing client who started her own business after moving across the country, only to suffer severe injury. She stuck with my gentle harassment and found herself a good mental health provider who has helped her process the trauma — and invest in true personal growth— a journey often more challenging that overcoming a physical limitation.
An Army veteran, who suffered hand injuries in a dog attack, who took his case all the way to trial in these strange pandemic times. He had his day in Court, in front of a jury of his peers— rights he fought to preserve for all of us. He showed the jury the genuine and tough person he is—and they saw him and loved him for it.
The young client who agreed to accept an apology from the equally young (and penniless) defendant who injured him, rather than try to bankrupt the guy. And that defendant, who was grateful for the chance to make amends. And the healing I saw happen because of these gestures. I don’t know when I’ve been prouder. My client showed grace and maturity beyond his years. I was humbled.
Part of the note from the young defendant who injured my client. Amends were made. My client remarked after that he did not think the apology would be such an important part of his healing process.
**Thank you, all my wonderful clients, wonderful humans. For trusting me, confiding in me, and inspiring me to be more than just myself. I wish you all a New Year of adventure and success and simple joys. I hope you never need me again, but I greatly enjoy hearing from you as you move forward.
