So often our clients impact our lives in ways they may never know. Through the years many of you have become so much more to us than clients. We consider you friends and some even family. Many of you reading this may know I am talking about you; others may not even realize the way you have impacted all our
lives personally.
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I can only speak for myself, however, I know many of us here have shared similar experiences. As most of you know, my life is an open book and I have been blessed to have so many of you share in my own family’s most memorable times. From the birth of my two perfect (haha) babies (and 10 long months of pregnancy and If you are a client of mine you know my thoughts on how it is really 10 months not 9!), my husband’s cooking adventures, Baptism’s and numerous birthdays, you all have been there. Some of you even came to the hospital and my home to welcome my little ones into the world. A few of you have also been there even in our hardest times and deepest sorrows, which I am forever grateful.
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You also have shared your lives with me. Your joys, children’s weddings, grandchildren, great grandchildren, retirement, new home purchases, special cars, trips, etc. You’ve offered advice, sometimes unsolicited, many times directed at me as if I was your child or grandchild. You have shared your most difficult times, your sorrows, your sadness. You’ve opened your family’s hearts to ours and allowed us to be more than just a business relationship.
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The blessing of doing what I do is I get to know all of you, but the hard part is from time to time losing one of you, which brings me to this month’s success story. Some of you unfortunately know I am there to lend support when a loved one has passed.
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A few years ago, I was lucky to get a wonderful couple as clients. The husband was retired and the wife was planning on working another three years. Unfortunately, six months into our plan an unexpected illness occurred. Planning for the unexpected is what we do best and these last few years this couple and I have spent lots of time together reworking their financial plan to get them the absolute best result. Subsequently, all those meetings allowed us both to really know one another and become not only friends, but people we could both count on and trust to be honest. Recently the husband passed away and while it’s always my privilege to guide our clients at difficult times, this passing was a little more challenging for me than most. I didn’t share that with his wife or his daughter because who was I to have a difficult time? I held strong and put on my “brave” face. After they would leave the office or we would end a call I would need some time to compose myself. They graciously invited me to his memorial service and I can tell you my life will be forever better for knowing this person.
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I listened to his wife, his children and his mother, speak of him and I learned so many new things. I knew he always spoke his mind, as he had with me a few times and sometimes on nothing related to business at all. What I found out was he was like that with everyone. Both he and his wife were remarkable at always making me feel welcomed and comfortable when we met. As I listened to more people talk, it seemed he had this calming effect on everybody. He was the type of person who never met a stranger. He was a loved man, a family man, a kind man, an honest man, a man that took everyone in and welcomed them
as family.
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As I drove home from the ceremony I hoped that people would speak about me that way if something were to happen. I thought about all of you, about the many different things you all have taught me, the years of experience and knowledge you’ve given me, the care and respect that you have showed me. You all impact my life in so many different ways. You have helped me grow as a person and I am humbled to be considered one of your trusted advisors here at American Retirement Advisors.
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So, thank you, all of you who impact us here. You may not know it or realize it but we are your success. Your accomplishments, stories of the past, dreams of the future, tidbits of wisdom, they all help us shape and grow which ultimately help us serve you better.
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We appreciate the opportunity to be your advisors and we thank you for your friendships.
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To Ernie, may you rest in peace. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life, if ever so briefly, you will be forever missed.
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By Nancy Monaco
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Healthcare & Retirement Planning Manager
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Oh by the way-I am never too busy for you or your referrals!