Happy Father’s Day to All Fathers and Father Figures–Thank You for Your Love, Protection, and Provision!!!
Fathers are usually known for loving, protecting, and providing for their children and loved ones. People around the world annually celebrate Father’s Day to honor fathers and father figures for their contributions to the lives of their children. This year, we celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday, June 21st.
Memories of My Father
One of my fondest memories from childhood is making homemade ice cream with my dad. He had one of those old-fashioned electric ice cream churners that looked like a barrel on the outside. He taught me how to make vanilla ice cream—that was something that he and I would do together—just him and me. The rest of the family would enjoy the fruits of our labor. Here are some links to recipes for homemade vanilla ice cream that I think you will like—Classic Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, The Best Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, and Old-Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream.
My dad also helped me with schoolwork and in my career. He taught me decimals—a lesson that stands out for me because my mom usually oversaw homework. During my first year as an associate attorney for a Baltimore law firm, my dad worked with me on the firm’s Special Olympics Committee. He coordinated volunteer physicians from his hospital to provide free physicals for the athletes. That was a big deal for me at the firm, and it was great to work on this project with him. My dad enjoyed volunteering because the athletes reminded him of my youngest sister.
My Father–My Inspiration
My dad is a key inspiration for my starting an elder law and estate planning practice. He was a successful physician/entrepreneur and a great planner. One of the greatest things that my dad did was creating his estate plan. He did this out of love and concern for us. After his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, he found an estate planning attorney to help him create a plan. As the disease progressed, we later worked with an elder law attorney to create a more comprehensive plan. The new plan made it easier for us to care for him when he lost capacity and was no longer able to care for himself. The plan included a living trust to manage his property and a special needs trust to provide for my youngest sister who has Down Syndrome.
Because my dad planned while he still had capacity, the family was better able to care for him. After he died, the funeral director noted how amazed he was at how well our large family cooperated in planning the services. I am the eldest of seven, and we all like to be in charge. My dad’s plan enabled us to efficiently manage his affairs during an incredibly sad and stressful time.
Three years after my dad died, I opened my elder law and estate planning practice. Olly Clenzo Duckett, MD lived a good life, loved and provided for his family, saved and invested well, and left a legacy to provide for us after he died. Thanks Dad!!!
Duckett Law LLC’s goal is to help clients protect their lifestyles, their loved ones, and their legacies in the event of incapacity or death. I know my dad would be proud!
