In this issue: The Falling Tree; and Long Term Care Contracts: Ten Rules To Avoid Catastrophe.

Excerpt from 'The Falling Tree':

In the midst of a fierce, Southern summer storm, I saw the old, gnarled oak tree. All around it, the other trees—the younger ones—had given up their leaves and limbs, bowed to the irresistible power of the wind, and now lay broken and scattered on the ground. And there, still, stood the old oak. It watched the others die. It cried, it creaked, it bent to the ground, groaning in the wind.

Then, slowly, it struggled upright again, proudly and fiercely, unwilling to yield. It fought. It held its form until it could hold no more. Again, it strained against the mighty wind, bending low and sweeping the ground, caressing its fallen comrades. And then, once more, it groaned and rose as if to say, “I will not go until I say it’s time to go.”