20 years ago, when our oldest daughter had just turned one, David decided to leave his secure position with a litigation firm in Boston to open Feakes Associates in Littleton. It was a decision that was not a difficult one to make, but we both knew it would be a difficult adjustment to make.
Gone, was the security of David’s paycheck and benefits.
Gained, was the time he was able to read bedtime stories to Hannah, and eventually, to our 2nd daughter, Sadie, have dinner with his family and walk our dog to the sound of the cicadas at night.
Those first years were tempered, with a lot of highs and lows. Money in, money out. More money out. Questions asked, answers questioned. Telling the girls, it was “pancakes for dinner night” because they thought it was fun, (but it really wasn’t.) We’ve laughed when we should have been crying and cried when we were up against situations we didn’t know how we would get through. We have learned from mistakes.
Just over 10 years ago, David decided to devote the firm exclusively to estate planning. That too, was a slow start, and we questioned ourselves many times. Mostly, I questioned David. But he was right. Estate planning was something we were both passionate about, and we dove in with both feet. Well, he dove, I waded.
Since that time, we have been fortunate to experience considerable growth, expanding from just us two to a team of seven, with more additions and changes on the horizon. With each phase of growth, we have experienced every emotion feasible – from worry and hesitation to excitement and celebration. Sometimes we ‘high-five’ over a great decision made and other times we wonder what could have been going through our minds to have made the decision we made.
We still laugh. And we still cry. We are both very aware that we have each changed and grown professionally and personally. Our daughters have learned that hard work, determination and dedication can lead to a happy outcome. We are grateful for everything we have experienced and everyone we have met along the way.
Looking back, there are things I wish we had done differently and there are certainly times I wish we could have avoided. Owning your own business is truly a labor of love and I’m not sure we would be where we are today if the good didn’t take place along with the bad and the ugly.
So, we venture into the next 20 years, prepared to laugh and cry and grow and learn. And to be grateful. I hope we have made a difference in your life. You have made a difference in ours.
Paula Feakes
Paula Feakes is the Client Services Director of The Parents Estate Planning Law Firm, PC – a law firm for families in the Acton, Massachusetts area. Paula helps parents protect the people they love the most. To learn more, call her at 978-263-6900, or email [email protected]
