Most people know (or maybe you don’t) that I’m adopted. I grew up in a family with my parents and 3 siblings…me being the baby. I never quite fit in because I’m different … I’m not religious (my daddy’s a preacher) and I’m not much for the conventional way of thinking. I butted heads a lot with my parents… especially my mom. That being said …..

When push comes to shove …. There has never been anyone down for me like my mommy. When I got kicked out of class for no reason, my mom was there. When a teacher yelled at me for no reason and made me cry….my mom was there. When the 6’6…265lb quarter back of the football team tried to pin me against a wall… my mom was there and she beat his ass. When I was laid up in a hospital bed near death….my mom was there. I can go on and on …and on ….and on…..AND ON. The point being…..my mom has always been there for me when it counts. She might not make the day to day things….and she’s not nearly as emotional as I am. But I know that my mom will always be in my corner, my mom will always have my back, and my mom keeps a pair of boots in the closet and vasaline on the counter and she’s ready to throw down against anyone and everyone who would come with the intentions of hurting me. My mom is one of the strongest, most independent, loving, nurturing, no non sense, no bullshit people I know. She opened her home to strangers and friends alike. She’s fed multitudes of college children who trailed my siblings home. She’s sat through countless nights of spelling words and reading list. She’s trailed me thousands of miles to libraries, modeling classes, recitals, basketball games, school programs, shopping trips, doctors appointments, sleep overs, movie nights, mall outtings with friends….. my mom has comforted me in the passing of pets, the loss of relationships, the relocating of my life. My mom was there for the birth of my first child ( I don’t think I would’ve been able to do it without her) …. She was there for my surgery last week (probably wouldn’t have been able to do THAT without her either) My mom packs a box of energy drinks on a monthly basis to send up to me …. She never misses a chance to help or assist (even when I don’t want to hear it) and she’s the first to notice when I’ve lost 2lbs. I love my mommy. Through thick, thin, indifferent and otherwise….. she’s there. When I bitch, complain, moan, or mope…..she’s there.

I love you Mom. You didn’t give birth to me but you gave me life …. And without you I wouldn’t be nearly the woman I am. Happy Mother’s Day!!

Ok I see now that you can't "see" what it says so here goes:

Reason to make an Estate Plan #23 -

*Has multiple tattoos and piercings
*Works as a waitress
*Goes to a different club every night
*Believes strongly in reincarnation
*Wishes to give everything she has to animal rights groups

Are you sure you want to leave it all to HER OUTRIGHT??
Goldberg Estate Planning
www.Goldbergestateplanning.com

Dear Sir or Madam:

I understand that every company has to chose how it wants to represent itself in order to attract the target demographic that it's marketing for, but I am a bit taken back by the offensive and insensitive nature of the advertising you published in the Fayette woman's magazine. I can't help but feel as though you are attempting to appeal to an older, mostly white, mainstream clientele but I don't think that it's necessary to be offensive and isolate other marketing demographics just to appeal to your preferred clients. The world is changing, the ages of entrepreneurs are getting younger. There are successful individuals with families and estates that need planning...who might also have tattoos and piercings. They also might believe in the importance of animal rights...and possibly at some point, they might have been a waitress. Maybe you just don't realize how outright offensive your insinuation are. Maybe you still have the idea that tattoos and pierced up hippies giving money to charities with no real direction in life (because after all, she is a waitress) are not thinking clearly and you're hoping your services will guide the affluent grandparents to stave off handing over their money until she "grows up" and makes better decisions.

Are you aware of Brandon Bond? He is extremely successful, world recognized, and (lets be frank) rich. He owns one of the most profitable and successful tattoo shops in the state of Georgia. He also happens to be the funding source behind an animal rescue organization that he founded. On top of that he dabbles in media distributions, brand licensing for his apparel, and is starting a new line of tattoo equipment that is guaranteed to be another feather in his already relatively full cap. He is also going to be a father this year...would your services appeal to him? Do you think he will want to plan out his child's future to assure that she's just as comfortable and happy as he is? Or maybe he doesn't think that far ahead in your mind because of his career and personal choices. I'm making these points to bring to your attention that isolating one group to appeal to another is never a wise decision. (What does her believing in reincarnation have to do with her ability to manage money... someone should let the Hindu's and Buddhist know they got it all wrong) And you don't have to be condescending to one persons decisions to validate yourself as responsible to another.

I have body art, I have piercings ... I was a waitress at Waffle House and I give freely to many charities, including animal rights. I don't follow traditional Christian beliefs even though my father is a successful minister. I am a home owner, I have children who's futures I work to ensure on a daily basis. I have a respectable job in a very lucrative market. I carry all the stigmas you have so amusingly listed as detraction in your advertising, and yet, I thrive. Maybe it's time to go back to the advertising drawing board.

Respectfuly ~

Carmen V.