While on vacation this week, I received a text message from a friend.

“Jack died. Can you call me?”

Megan’s husband, Jack, had passed away.

Jack was a client of mine, but he was a friend first. We’ve known his family for quite some time, and he was the father of one of my son’s closest friends.

Jack was only 40 years old, successful. Obviously, he had some demons, as do many of us. But, overall, he was a good man.

As I began to process this news, I started thinking more about my own mortality.

What does this all mean?

As a financial advisor – and as his financial advisor – I have a responsibility to be of assistance, making this all as seamless as possible so his surviving family is taken care of.

But as a friend and as someone who had just spoken to Jack a week ago, the shock and frustration began to set in.

Why did he do this?
How could he leave us, his family?
Is there more to all of this?

The profession that I am in requires one to have a certain set of skills, certifications, and knowledge.

But there’s a whole lot that’s not on paper: empathy, compassion, the desire to serve others. One must understand a person’s needs.

We become a trusted resource for anything that comes up, a shoulder to cry on in times of need, an advocate, and a guardian, even.

I have so many thoughts on this day. It’s all still swirling in my head.

I’ll do all I can to console Megan and his family, to make sure they are taken care of, to always be a true friend.

And for you, I only wish that you stay healthy.
Talk about what’s on your mind.
Try to stay positive and find the light when there is only darkness.

And please reach out to me any time, no matter what.
I’m here to listen and to help, not just as a financial advisor but as your friend.

After all, you are not alone. We have each other.

-J.D.