In the musical, The Lion King, there is a song called the "Circle of Life" (go ahead and sing it).  Part of the lyrics goes like this:

 "It's the circle of life -  And it moves us all -Through despair and hope -Through faith and love - Till we find our place -On the path unwinding - In the circle - The circle of life".  The reason I bring this up, is that I had a life moment last week with one of my kids that made me think of the circle of life and how it has affected my business.

One of our grown daughters was home last weekend as she wanted to take a break from her Master's program.  So we all went to dinner, and low and behold, when the bill came, she offered to pay her own way!  I was shocked.  Furthermore, the next morning she offered to pay for breakfast.  Now I am in total shock.  This is the first time she has offered to pay.  As a young parent you can never imagine that day coming.  Because you care for your children, you mold them, give advice, worry and pay all their expenses.  Then one day, the tides turn and they want less and less of your advice.  Then as they head off on their own, it changes.  Most kids still need your money, and eventually come back to you for advice.  If they have children of their own, then they really come back for advice, and of course free babysitting.  This is the circle of life.

The Circle of life has affected me.  As many of you know, my Dad has Alzheimer's and is in a wonderful Alzheimer's unit called, Horizon Bay Memory Care in Tampa, FL.  Since he lives in Tampa, I am his caretaker.  I pay his bills, take him shopping, drive him to doctor appointments, etc.  I am also responsible for making sure he is living in the right facility and has the proper care.  What many of you don't know is that when my Dad had his stroke, four years ago, I was caught off guard.  I was a busy business owner and dealing with my Dad was not on my schedule.  Where was I to turn to for advice, the internet?  I had to drive to multiple places, see multiple doctors, interview caretakers, etc.  Boy, did I make a lot of mistakes.  This affected me so much that I made a pact that I did not want any of my friends or clients to go through this experience.

I decided that I would add Elder Care Services to my practice.  I have developed strategic relationships with caregivers, elder law attorneys, home downsizers, therapists, social workers, physicians, and bill payers, just to name a few.  I have also done due diligence on different facilities and professionals who help you locate the right facility.  As important, I help families assess healthcare costs, living costs, and how to pay for it while maximizing what goes to their loved ones.  It is truly gratifying to help someone through this process.

 I am the caretaker for my Dad, a job I truly love.  I guess I am just returning the favor.  I know some day I might be me in his shoes.  As seen in the picture below, I have many kids.  I am setting an example for them so they can be my caretaker.  This is the circle of life.

Sincerely, 

William "Bill" Cummings, CPA
Cummings Financial Organization 

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