Today is Monday. Not just any other Monday. Not your “run of the mill” Monday to START the work week. No Today is the last working Monday in a wonderful 38 year run.

As many of you know, this Friday is my last day. Retired. How can that be? How do I get from a green behind the ears, eager to learn, 1st day in the insurance business to a soon-to-be 62 year old with a 38 year career under his belt?

As I look back and reflect on where I’ve been, it brings me a tremendous amount of joy. Puts a big smile on my heart. Many of you were a part of those 38 years. Some of you were part of decades of service. Thank you.

One of my favorite speeches was that given by Jim Valvano, now deceased basketball coach from NC State. During that speech he said the following, “if you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day!” I’ve tried to remember this as I go through life. Laugh. Think. Cry. Doesn’t get much better than that.

Reflections. I’m tired. Mentally and emotionally. These past 5+ years have produced more struggles than I could have imagined. Yet, I am encouraged and invigorated about all the possibilities that the future holds. These past 38 years I have emptied the tank week in and week out serving clients and friends as well as I possibly could, but you also also continually refilled my tank. You lifted me up each day. You probably didn’t realize that, did you? Yes, we were filling each others proverbial tanks and lifting one another as we went down life’s path together. thank you.

So, as I take some needed down time and step away for a couple of months or so to exhale, reset and recharge, keep helping fill those buckets of your loved ones and friends. Remember, we’re all neighbors. Oh, and make sure to laugh, think and cry. Every day. I love you.

Be well,

Jeff