Helping people plan and prepare for themselves, their family and loved ones is meaningful and allows me to “give back” in the spirit of those who have been so supportive and helpful to me.
My Story
While I was growing up, my father always told me I should be a lawyer or a politician because of my personality and, for lack of better wording, because I liked to talk! Following a successful career in business and practice management, and while planning for the future, I decided to return to school, graduated with honors from University of Phoenix with a degree in Business Management, received my juris doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, and passed the California Bar exam in 2001.
The practice of law is a second career choice for me, but one I longed to achieve and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity. Shortly after passing the bar exam, my husband Marty sold his dental practice, and I was preparing to open a small office in Vista providing general legal services. We were reconnecting with our family, enjoying boating out of Oceanside Harbor, going to the desert for weekend trips riding quads and motorcycles, and beginning the next phase of our wonderful life together.
Then in May 2003, the unexpected happened. While on a desert trip with our family, my mother became ill. I left our trip and returned home alone to be with her. Sometime during that night, my loving husband died, and later that same night, my sweet mother died. Their deaths were sudden, unrelated and completely without warning. I became an orphan and a widow in one day.
Life would not be the same. I was left to deal with issues that were unimaginable, issues I wished no one would have to go through. I am living proof that the unexpected happens. While dealing with these tragic circumstances, one day at a time, I came to realize just how important my friends and family, professional relations, and my faith really were. And I also came to realize that I wanted, and needed, to help others prepare.
It’s true, when life hands you lemons, you can choose to be sour and bitter, or make lemonade. I elected to take the experiences life gave me and help others. It’s exhausting to dwell on the bad things in life. Taking that time to anticipate and prepare for the things life throws at us can restore that sense of worth and even security.
The people in my life are very important to me. I truly believe I know the most awesome people and thank them all for their ongoing support. And I believe my personal experiences, combined with my academic, business and professional experience, can help you prepare. There will be lemons, but believe that life is sweet, and make lemonade. I look forward to meeting you!
