By Paul Hogan
On February 14 every year we celebrate a day dedicated to love – Valentine’s Day. Of course, we all recognize the concept that if you want to be loved, first you must give love. You know, the pay it forward concept.
My older sister Margie passed away in January of 2018. I’m not writing her story here as that is a private family matter, but I mentioned it to put things in context. She contributed greatly with her eight children to the large extended family I have. I have 34 nephews, nieces and their spouses alone, not counting their children and their children’s children. I was honored to be asked to do the eulogy at my sister’s service. I spoke about her love for her family, I mentioned the Beatles singing, “All you need is love, love is all you need,” and a biblical reference about love (Paul’s letter to the Corinthians 13:4), “Love is patient, love is kind…, love endures all things. Love never fails.”
So now flash-forward a month. Saturday morning – I am at Corbin’s 11th birthday party celebration at a place called “The Alley,” a local bowling and activity center with go-carts, arcade games, a digital maze and an escape room. The place is filled with families mainly celebrating birthdays. There are particularly large families in the lanes on both sides of us. We had a rather small gathering compared to them. As I’m watching all these families and their interactions I’m thinking of my own family and my role as “Uncle Paul,” apart from being father, husband, grandpa, and brother to my immediate family. I’m thinking I hope I’m able to bring some wisdom, some clarity, some compassionate thought, words of kindness, when asked about some issue and above all they understand whatever I say it is intended with love and hoping the best for them.
I then started thinking about my office family. You see my wife, my daughter, my son, two nieces and my grandniece all work in the office. They are who you speak to when we call you or you call us. I love my family as a husband, father, and uncle. You can imagine sometimes the challenges of relationships in working with family. I willingly accept every challenge in exchange for the benefits of having my family close, every day.
Now let’s bring this full circle. I envision my family is working to help you and your family. That began when you became a client, a part of my client family if you will. My family does all the heavy lifting, the staff and clerical work that must be done so I can fulfill your hopes and expectations in settling your case. My role often is much, I think, like the role in my extended family that of “Uncle Paul.” I want to, I hope I can, bring to the table some clarity, compassionate thought, kind words, action and add the Beatles philosophy and St. Paul’s words love.
Even though this year’s Valentine’s Day has already passed, I extend my love and my families’ love to you and yours. If, by chance, I hope you remember to, every day, maybe wake up singing… “All you need is love, all you need is love, love, love is all you need.” Love is all you need, we love you, yea, yea, yea!!!