The Joel Bieber Firm

One of my favorite childhood memories takes me back to my love of a great story. My grandmother used to get her morning coffee and butter raisin toast. Then, she would sit down in her big red chair and I would sit on the right arm of the chair.

She would reach to her left and pick up a story book from the stack of books that were collected next to the chair. Then, she would open the book and begin to read as I would peer over her arm and look at the pictures and words that I could not yet comprehend.

She had read these same books to me over and over so many times, that I could repeat the words verbatim. Still, with exciting voice inflexion and change of voices to match each character in the books; she read them as though it was the first time, and I listened so attentively as though I had never heard this story.

The stories all had some lesson that included some hero. And, of course, there was always a good ending to the story. Then, I would say, “Read it again Grammy, read it again”. She would commence at the beginning again until we would move on to the next book. The only break usually included her getting a refill on her coffee.

Many times before bed, we would be right back to those same stories. Even if we had to take a break for real life things. As I type this blog, it takes me back to such a good feeling of just sitting there, never wanting the Grammy to stop reading.

In Saturday’s HamptonRoads.com, there was a story titled “Job seeker tries to plant seeds at Va. Beach expo”. The story included a picture of a young man standing in front of the display. He is bit out of place at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, where the Virginia Flower & Garden Show is set up.

The many displays on the floor include potted greenery and garden tools. At this one display, a 27-year-old man stands with a table behind him, and a large white sign that says “John Wike/Bachelor Degree-Business Management”. Instead of selling rakes, he is pitching himself for employment; hoping that during the three days of this convention that someone will have a job opportunity for him.

In real life, the end of the story is not always perfectly scripted. Many clients that call me also weave a story of lost wages and lost opportunity. Sometimes on their path of life, they are unable to pursue a career or take a desired job that has been offered. Other times, they miss so much work that their employer either terminates them or they lose some career advancement opportunity.

Part of the damages of an injury claim can include making a claim for lost wages. That claim exists even if a person did have sick time that they could take as a benefit of their employment. The person that hit them does not benefit from the collateral benefit of a sick leave payment.

Virginia also recognizes a claim for loss of earning capacity. Following an accident, a client may be earning more than they were earning before the car crash. However, they may have lost a job or career opportunity that could have provided a better income for their future. For that, the person that caused the crash should also be responsible.

Every day, I hear “stories” about difficulty. Fortunately, I have also seen many good endings, despite the road of difficulty in getting there.

After I read the “Wike story” about how he was seeking a job; I also continued to read the comments that followed. One person commented that they really enjoyed reading the story. Then, they wrote, “please do a followup story on him…. I bet he gets a job soon”. Just like me, they like a happy ending.

In my head, I can still hear my high voice saying to my Grandmother, “Grammy, read it again” and my grandmother turning the book to the beginning and off we go again to a happy ending.

Just for conversation, I still have people ask me about “my holidays”. So, I am posting this pic o’ day that makes me laugh:

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