Tina was in good spirits driving from work and looking forward to getting home, only a short distance away. Traffic slowed, and she properly stopped. She could see an oncoming vehicle swaying and weaving, never thinking it would cross her path. But the vehicle kept coming. To remove herself from the oncoming driver's path, Tina shifted to the far outer lane, next to the guardrail. What happened next was like something out of a movie, Tina said. BAM! The impact was severe. The airbags deployed, and smoke filled the car. Good Samaritans witnessed the collision and rushed to help. Speaking with paramedics, Tina believed she was okay to go home as it was only a few blocks away--although her car was totaled, and she did not know the date. The paramedics knew better and rushed her to the nearest hospital. 

As a result of the collision, Tina had a severe concussion and brain bleed. She sustained injuries to her neck and other parts of her body. Insomnia and flashbacks to the crash in bits and pieces at a time, coupled with the physical pains, caused her mental anguish and emotional distress.

Salesia is pictured with her father, Walter L. Smith, who passed away last Thanksgiving. To the right is Salesia with her girl Samantha who made her departure in 2021 as well.

Thanksgiving brings an opportunity to reflect on things we often take for granted. It is so easy to take our senses and mobility for granted. We even overlook those more minor random acts of kindness like a smile or the encouragement we receive from a loved one. So Thanksgiving becomes our collective opportunity to stop and acknowledge good moments, life lessons, and losses. To experience loss at any time is challenging, but it can be most difficult during the holidays. 

This year will be challenging for me as my father died on Thanksgiving Day a year ago. Yet, I am grateful and now smile as I remember the times shared, the travels and information taught, and how proud I made him. I've learned much from his life lessons, from other family members, and even from my team. Here are a few that I am most grateful for:

• Grandma taught me how to cook and that there was plenty of food to share, even if the cupboards were nearly bare.
• Mom taught me to persevere and the importance of honing tangible life skills.
• Grandaddy taught me resilience and how to change a tire (which I helped do a month ago on the Florida Turnpike). 
• My brothers and cousin taught togetherness. 
• My staff has taught me patience. My clients teach me to listen and keep moving forward (as they, too, must do). 
• My friends teach me how to laugh and take time for myself. 
• My pets teach me unconditional love. 
• My husband teaches me support, encouragement, and to do everything out of love. 

I am grateful for My Village and all that we share.    

Salesia Smith-Gordon, Esq. was adorned with a prestigious honor in recognition of her ongoing service to Florida State University (FSU), continued mentorship to students, and historic $200,000 gift to the College of Law. On Thursday, October 27, FSU Law revealed Smith-Gordon's hand-painted portrait in the rotunda. Smith-Gordon's painting now lives alongside other influential alums, cementing her robust tenure and legacy.

"I felt it was of the utmost importance to find a way to ensure that students of color, especially women, had the support and resources they need to fund their education," Smith-Gordon said.

The award-winning attorney's commitment to law and legacy ensure that this portrait will go on to motivate other students that look up to the distinguished alumna.

Sharing Through Storms: Fiona & Ian

Hurricanes Fiona and Ian left damages that may take decades to repair. Through overwhelming loss for some and challenging times for others, community members lean on each other for support, Salesia Smith-Gordon demonstrates neighborly love.  

Term of the Month: Pain & Suffering

Non-economic damages that an injured party can pursue include the discomforts, physician pains, emotional harm, anxieties, and loss of independence endured due to the harm or loss caused by someone else's negligence. We call these human damages. 

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