“I don’t want you guys to leave! This stinks,” I faux cried yesterday.
It was during a double-header going away lunch celebration for two of our staff members.
My legal assistant, Olivia, recently got married to her Navy beau and she is moving tomorrow to be with him in Texas as he finishes up his flight school training this summer. Then they’ll ship off to either Japan, Virginia Beach or San Diego in the Fall.
Fortunately, with hands on practice during the Safer at Home orders in April, Olivia has agreed to work some remotely for us answering phones periodically and assisting my husband and I with some back office support. So you may still hear from her occasionally.
My colleague, Amanda Lynch Elliott, also finished her last day in the office yesterday. She decided, as a newbie mom of a now-toddler, she’d like to try her hand at working on some independent legal endeavors from home.
I don’t blame her. I also pivoted from my legal career when my kiddos were toddlers to spend more time at home. Then they got older and I realized several degrees of separation would be beneficial for all parties involved! Haha
And then there were two (three if you want to count my husband).
It’s now just me and my daughter, Jill, who is replacing Olivia in the office this summer.
Jill’s summer marketing internship in New York City was cancelled during to the pandemic. I know she was disappointed, as was I for her, but I must admit that she’s been a lot of fun to have around the office. It will probably be the last summer she spends at home since she graduates from college this coming Spring.
And yes, Jill has already informed me that even if her college classes continue to be virtual this Fall, that she is still headed back to Tuscaloosa in August. I guess five months under the same roof and office together with her parents is about her limit!
Change can be difficult, both logistically and mentally. I had formulated a system in our office that worked well for me and my clients.
Then, Covid hit.
Then staff transitioned out.
It’s ok, I remind myself.
I’ve seen it many times before in the 12 years since I founded My Pink Lawyer®.
We regroup. We pivot. And we find what works now.
“Change is the law of life. And those that look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy
So too with your estate planning.
Your life is in a constant transition with your priorities, your family dynamics, your assets, your planning and life goals.
Your estate plan that we designed together five or ten years ago might could use (how’s that for a Southern phrase for you! Mom, no comments please) some updates given your current life situation.
As much as change can be stressful at times, think about how boring your life would be if it remained exactly the same and never evolved.
We’re moving into some exciting times with My Pink Lawyer® as I introduce you to new affiliate independent attorneys who are as committed to serving and empowering their clients as I am. (Thank you, Jill, for encouraging me to pursue this long-time vision and dream of mine.)
So there you have it. Updates on the goings-on in our office.
Although we have some changes on the horizon, one thing that will never change is my commitment to serve you.
You guys make it an awesome day!
Kristen “Looking Forward to the Future” Marks
