Estate planning and gratitude go together.
Estate planning expresses your wishes for taking care of yourself and your assets during your life (when you’re not able to do so yourself) and upon your death. Those wishes leave your assets and express your gratitude to those you leave behind for the difference they’ve made in your life.
Similarly, retirement is planning for a different, happier life change. A change when you transition from one phase of your life to a new phase. I’ve been with the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys for twenty-three years. Just as estate planning and gratitude go together, so do retirement and gratitude. As I prepare to retire and transition to a new phase, I am grateful to those who have made such an important difference in my life.
I’m grateful to Robert Armstrong and Sanford Fisch for creating such a unique organization as the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, and for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of it for these many years. I’m grateful to Jennifer Price, the Directors at the Academy, and the entire Academy Team for being such wonderful people with whom to work. They are sharp and motivated and simultaneously kind and caring.
I’m grateful to my Executive Administrative Assistant, Donna Higgins, who has been an invaluable and steadfast resource throughout my tenure at the Academy. I’m grateful for Tereina Stidd, with whom I’ve worked closely for the past several years and who is stepping into my shoes. Her sharp mind and soft demeanor will serve the Academy and its Members well in her new role.
Most of all I am grateful for having the opportunity to work with all of the wonderful Academy Members over these many years.
Together, they all have helped me become a better lawyer, a better teacher, and a better person. Together, the Academy Team and Academy Members are a true family, with bonds stronger than many related by blood.
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou. I will never forget how the Academy Team and Academy Members have made me feel and I am very grateful to each of them for the difference they’ve made in my life.
“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” Oprah Winfrey.
I look forward to continue living the life of my dreams as I turn the page to a new chapter. I look forward to the next time our paths cross.
Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M.
Director of Education
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300
San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (858) 453-2128
www.aaepa.com
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