Dearly Beloved,
We gather here today to honor the memory of our friend, Certified Financial Planner.
That was his birth name.
Most knew him simply as Financial Planner.
Financial Planner’s life was tragically cut short at a very young age. I am saddened to say, he never really hit his stride or had the chance to grow up to enjoy what might have been his prime.
When Financial Planner was born, he was full of hope and vigor. He dreamed of being genuinely helpful to people. He loved to empower people to reach their goals, though our friend Financial Planner, never reached his goal.
Those of us who remember Financial Planner knew he always wanted to help people with his extensive knowledge. Though many admired Financial Planner because he was highly educated, he was often cautioned about spreading his knowledge to the world.
Though we honor Financial Planner’s spirit, he could be self-centered from time to time. So much of what Financial Planner did was sell financial products. It is hard to imagine that Financial Planner never noticed his audience was tuning out, but he persisted in his ways. Some things cannot be explained.
Maybe it had something to do with Financial Planner’s fear.
There's no denying he was frightened to change. While the business changed rapidly, he was doing the same stuff that worked yesterday, five years ago, maybe even ten years ago. He was doing "the usual." It must have worn him out to defend mediocrity.
Financial Planner was not all that concerned about his appearance.
In fact, some might say — lovingly, of course — that he did his best, but they secretly never saw the true value of Financial Planner's work. And just as in every line of work, that’s suicide.
Financial Planner never meant to be dull.
Don’t get me wrong. To know him was to love him. He was as unique as all of God’s children. However, having seen some of Financial Planner’s work, I must say his charms didn’t come through. He held back for fear of the rule-makers.
Some would say our friend Financial Planner was too analytical.
His dearest friends and loved ones shared with me how tormented he was about when he realized the people he served so well, didn't engage with him as much as he wanted too. On the other hand, was he really to blame for that? Because as we all know, empathy and emotion are not always valued in the financial services industry.
Of course, this memorial service is not meant to be a roast.
We want to celebrate Financial Planner’s short life and be thankful we knew him. Financial Planner had a good heart. He meant to bring value to the lives of the people he touched.
Still, I believe all of us here can’t help but wonder, “What if … ?”
What if Financial Planner took more care to consider what mattered most to his clients?
What if he were a better listener?
What if he knew about becoming smarter by using his people skills?
What if? What if? What if?
However, my friends, he tried. Sometimes that is the best one can do.
We mourn the loss of Financial Planner, but we take comfort knowing Financial Planner is in the arms of the angels now.
Financial Planner, God rest your soul, we pray for you.