Work Trips and Farewell Drives

Some weeks go by in a blur—not because they’re forgettable, but because they’re full. Full of transitions, small wins, bittersweet moments, and unexpected detours. This past week was one of those. Between bouncing between cities, welcoming new faces at the firm, saying goodbye to an old companion (in the form of a very well-worn car), and sharing quality time with family, it was one of those weeks that leaves you both tired and grateful.

I started the week grounded—literally—in Atlanta. Monday was spent in the office, but it had a special energy to it. My wife and kids were around, which always changes the vibe for the better. There’s something about knowing your people are close by that adds a quiet kind of comfort to the day. Even if it’s business as usual, it just feels lighter.

Tuesday morning kicked off early with a flight up to Charlotte. I’ve made that trip more times than I can count, but it never gets old—especially when I get to spend time working directly with the attorneys in that office. This week was even more special: we welcomed a new attorney to the firm, and I got to sit down with the team to dig into some of our more complex cases. It was the kind of collaboration that reaffirms why we do what we do.

While I was in town, I stayed at my go-to Airbnb. It might sound like a small thing, but there’s comfort in routine—especially when you’re constantly on the move. This spot is just 15 minutes from the office, near restaurants, a Target for essentials, and most importantly, a gym. When I’m traveling, I try to keep my schedule as close to normal as possible, and this setup makes that a whole lot easier.

But the trip also came with a tough task: letting go of an old friend. We finally donated my old BMW—one of the first big purchases I made after getting out of the Army nearly two decades ago. That car was more than just transportation. It was part of my journey. I drove it for years. Then my oldest son learned to drive in it. Then his younger brother took the wheel when he turned 16. That car has carried not just people, but chapters of our lives.

By the time we let it go, the car had... let’s just say, "character." The ceiling was starting to collapse, the paint wrap was rough, it guzzled oil, and it was running hot due to worn-out hoses and coolant leaks. Still, it hurt to part with it. We donated it to a local Charlotte charity that supports veterans, which helped soften the goodbye. I knew I couldn’t in good conscience sell it to anyone, knowing what I knew about its condition. So, it found a final home where it could still help someone else. Still, as I handed over the keys, there was a little lump in my throat.

On Thursday, I flew back to Atlanta, but weather had other plans. Our flight got rerouted, and we ended up having to make a pit stop in Milledgeville. Thunderstorms rolled in, so we waited it out for an hour and a half. Honestly, it wasn’t the worst delay I’ve experienced. It gave me time to decompress and reflect on everything that had happened over the past few days.

Back home, Friday night was low-key but fun. We had some friends over and decided to watch Daybreakers, a vampire flick we hadn’t seen before. My family loves vampire movies—we’ve seen everything from the classics to the campy. This one was a bit different, with some intriguing twists on the usual lore. It sparked good conversation and was a great way to unwind after a hectic few days.

Saturday morning started differently than usual. I normally do a workout with my dad on weekends—it's our thing. But this time, I traded kettlebells for candy aisles and housewares. My wife and I went to the grand opening of Daiso in Fayetteville. If you haven’t heard of it, Daiso is a Japanese store packed with just about everything: snacks, knick-knacks, makeup, kitchen tools, and quirky gifts. Think of it as a Japanese version of Family Dollar crossed with a bit of Ikea.

The line to get in was wrapped around the building. Inside, there was another long line just to check out. Still, we found a lot of fun stuff—some of it practical, some of it just because. We ended up spending about two hours there, and as chaotic as it was, it was a blast. I could tell how much my wife enjoyed it, and that made it even better.

That evening, we kept the family vibes going and had dinner with my brother and his wife at a local Mexican restaurant in Senoia. The food was great, but as always, the company was the best part. We laughed, swapped stories, and caught up on life in a way that texts and calls just can’t replicate.

After a nonstop week, Sunday was about hitting pause. My parents came over, and we had a quiet dinner at home. Nothing fancy—just comfort food, conversation, and being together. After days of flying, commuting, and coordinating across cities, that slow family meal felt like the reset I didn’t know I needed. As always, if you are in pain, call Shane!