For the first time in 16 months, I am sitting in my office. When I walked in the door, my perpetual calendar read 13 March 2020. Even though my office was frozen in a moment in time, we have all experienced more change than anyone could have predicted over these months. As will likely be the case for quite some time, this issue of the STEP Journal contains many articles regarding the pandemic’s impact. Ken McCracken’s contribution on getting back to ‘normal’ particularly spoke to me. I will refrain from stealing the article’s point of view; suffice to say that it is well worth a read.

As we are all aware, our governments are looking for revenue sources, regulations abound and families are scrambling to keep pace with the myriad of changes. Our clients are relying on us, their trusted advisors, to keep up with these changes. We all understand that change is inevitable, but does it seem that almost all the revenue sources are up for a potential rewrite in law?

I have been feeling more hopeful about getting back to normal, whatever that means. As STEP celebrates its 30th anniversary, I hope we are all enjoying the resources and support afforded to us by membership.

As an aside, I have to mention my friends, clients and colleagues (in no particular order). Over the past few months, I have watched my colleagues work long hours, not only as trusted counsel but also as a listening ear while dealing with heartbreak. I have marked friends’, clients’ and colleagues’ life milestones at socially distanced celebrations. I have also appreciated that these same people volunteered when they could, even if only in small ways. If you thought I was not paying attention, rest assured, I was.

Have you also been overcome with gratitude for the support of your friends, clients and colleagues? As strange as it seems, I have even been grateful for the regulators, who certainly kept (and continue to keep) us busy. To everyone, thank you.