Good Riddance Then Hope
Good Riddance then Hope
Good riddance is the general sentiment of many regarding 2020. I know it is for me. Given the number and magnitude of negatives in the past year one could pen a poem titled: How do I depress thee? let me count the ways… I don’t think it’s necessary to list them all but needless to say we are happy to move on and are direly hoping that we can.
Despite the shockwaves brought onto the world and our economy by the COVID 19 Pandemic, First State Trust Co was able to adapt and adjust and continue to service our clients and partners without missing a beat. We are very fortunate to be in an industry that can be serviced with technology. A heartfelt thanks and gratitude must go out to our employees, colleagues and partners who made it all happen. Many people had to juggle not only a new way to work remotely but to also help and teach their children learn online from school as well as socialize or not socialize, differently. Through it all though, FSTC saw one of its best year’s ever. The importance of wealth planning was highlighted many times during the year as we never know when our time on earth will come to an end. FSTC did our best to help and assist our clients and partners with their plans, trusts and goals.
2021 will undoubtedly bring new challenges and obstacles but I am hoping the ability to meet with our clients and partners face to face returns. There are a number of folks that I would love to be able to meet and thank in person. Zoom works great but nothing can replace the warm embrace, the observance of a smile, the in-person laughter or the sharing of a meal.
I hope that our children can get back to in class and in person instruction at school, can see their friends and just hang out. I hope that people who lost their jobs and income are able to get back to work. I hope that the many businesses that closed are able to reopen or reinvent themselves to come back stronger. I hope that I can see our colleagues, collaborate on the fly, and celebrate a win at happy hour. I hope that we can take vacations again. I hope that we don’t have to live in fear. I hope that our friends and families will stop dying of covid.
The good news is that it seems we are heading in the right direction. With the introduction of the new vaccines there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Our lives may never be the same again as we adapt to new protocols and ideas but our need for relationships will remain. Covid may have accelerated many technological adaptations but at the end of the day we still need to experience things in person. I’m confident that we will be together again at some point in 2021 and hope that I can get to meet you in person. Let’s stay focused. Let’s stay positive. Here’s to a great New Year! Here’s to Hope!
Jim Okamura, President FSTC