Like many people, one of my favorite movies is, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”  For sheer emotion this film has everything you’d want in a movie, especially one with a Christmas theme.  I never fail to become teary eyed at the end and when it’s over, like the movie’s hero, George Bailey, I just want to hug my wife and kids and give thanks to our good fortune.  If anyone ever has any doubts as to why life is worth living, then this is the one movie to watch.  I love it when Harry Bailey, the war hero, toasts his big brother George as “the richest man in town.”

Much like the fictional Bailey Building & Loan Association, our agency recently faced an unexpected and shocking reversal of fortunes.  It was a well publicized situation that I won’t get into, but safe to say lots of people in town were talking about it.  It happened on a weekend and on Monday morning Bob Travers and I rallied the troops at the office and communicated with all of our clients and friends, assuring them that we were ok and not to worry.  But despite our bravado, it was a low point and we were badly shaken.

And then a wonderful thing started to happen.  We were flooded with emails, phone calls and even handwritten notes and personal visits from countless clients, friends, vendors, and yes, even competitors.  The messages were heartfelt and sincere and they collectively helped to lift Bob’s and my spirits, but those of all of our Associates who took great pride and comfort in being reminded how highly regarded we are, all of us as individuals and together as a company.  As one person put it to me, “You have more friends and supporters than you’ll ever realize…hang in there and you’ll be fine.”

Like George Bailey, we’ve never dwelled on the impact we’ve made on our community and in our travels over the years, and it’s unfortunate that we have to go through a nightmare to find out how many friends we really have in this world, but it truly is the proverbial silver lining.  Life is returning to normal and yes, we are going to be fine and it’s because of our families, clients and friends who reminded us that we really are the richest people in town.  Thank you to everyone who went out of their way to support us; you’ll never know how much your consoling words and encouragement meant to us when we were down.  It’s really true that no person with friends is a failure.

Bill Collins, Principal