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Tag: Coach Koenig

Coach Koenig

Wonderful Comfort

After being assured that all guests at the table had been served, heads bowed, then the priest said a blessing. No one hesitated to make the sign of the cross. Everyone recited the familiar words in unison.  All in attendance were raised in the same faith which included this simple prayer prior to each meal. The peacefulness at the conclusion of this moment was palpable. There is a wonderful comfort in belonging. In being a part of a group where there is a shared understanding of who we are and the rules we follow as we go through life.  It
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The Best

So far this year I have been to five weddings. Beauty abounded at each.  Satin dresses, memorable music, and awe inspiring settings that included mountains, a cathedral, and a spectacular lake view.  My favorite moments were the exchange of vows written by the bride and groom themselves. As I listened, my heart swelled seeing two people have a moment in time when they clearly saw the best of the person who stood before them.  Often the overwhelm of their emotion threatened to prevent the words from making it out of their throat, such was the depth of feelings about their
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Forgiving Flowers

I love art and I love fresh flowers.  On a recent Friday night I attended a reception for an artist friend. It was the opening of her new exhibit.  On this a beautiful September evening, the mood in the small gallery was high. After slowly taking in the beauty of each of the paintings, I paused to gaze at two large lovely bouquets set on either side of the wine and cheese. On the left was a tall ribboned vase filled with large red roses. On the right was a rich autumn arrangement of oranges, reds, and golds. As I
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Lawyer Looking

“I could use some advice. Can we get together?” read the text.  It was my cousin from South Dakota. We sometimes go for a month or two without talking, so I felt a wave of concern.  He was in town on business and we met at a downtown coffee shop.  After catching up on family news, he explained. “I’ve not been happy in my marriage for years.  I’ve been in counseling but things aren’t getting better. I was hoping you could help.”  A few sips of coffee later, Jerry bravely said he was clear that his marriage was over; he
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Protective Parents

So much about her reminded me of myself at 19.  A sophomore in college with straight long brown hair parted in the middle, she was an eager learner and a hard worker with a sunny attitude.  With the return of fashions from the ‘70s, even her white eyelet dress and dangling feather earrings made me smile at the memory of those years. Lauren talked about her parents, her younger brother she was close to, and her upcoming visit to New York. She was headed to the big apple to work side by side her aunt in a theatre. Her grandparents
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Seeing Surrender

She was a young, pretty, bright, dedicated mom. Her smooth skin, slender figure, and lovely smile made her age difficult to discern. I surmised she was 30 something given that they had been married more than a dozen years. Despite her husband's multiple affairs, she was stunned by his declaration that he wanted her out of the family home and was filing for divorce. "Was there more that I could have done?" she asked, as though she really thought I might have an answer. For the optimist in an unhappy marriage, this is a question with no satisfying answer. For
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Divorce Deal: It Takes Two

It was headline news last month when Katie Holmes, 33, filed for divorce from Tom Cruise after five years of marriage.  Disappointing the tabloids, they reached a settlement just eleven days later. In contrast to the divorce drama of other famous couples, these two came to agreement in record time.  This included not only financial matters, but also the custody of their six year old daughter. Rare is the divorce that settles in a matter of days, or even weeks, especially where one of the parties (Mr. Cruise in this case) reports the divorce as a surprise.  In a typical
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Okoboji Independence

The view of Lake Okoboji is as beautiful this year as it was 20 years ago when I saw it for the first time. It imparts peace in the morning, awe at sunset, and reflection at night. For over a decade this was the place of joyful summer fun for my family. Memories abound. My children racing about for our traditional scavenger hunt. The image of my youngest standing alone on the dock, fishing pole in hand. Walking hand in hand with my husband along the shore. Daily trips to the Nutty Bar Stand for a chocolate and peanut covered cube
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The Real You

I have often thought that “before and after” photos of divorce clients would make a fascinating retrospective of what it means to go through divorce. As a divorce lawyer, I saw the changes in the appearance of hundreds of clients as they went through the divorce experience.  The look of a client on the day of the initial consultation and the look of a client at our final conference often differed dramatically. For some, divorce takes a huge toll on the mind, body and spirit. Significant weight gain or loss, dark circles from lack of sleep, or the sad face
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Big Blue

"You can put your money in my children's college fund or your children's college fund. It's up to you." As a divorce lawyer, I spoke these words many times. Any time a client considered waging a costly war in the courtroom over simple household items, I invited them to look at where they wanted to invest their dollars. I would give my best advice, but the decision was ultimately up to the client. You want to fight over the rocking chair and the cookie jar? Not a problem. Part of the lawyer’s job, I believe, is to help the client
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