Bearing Witness
It has been a delight to watch my husband Gideon embark on a new career. Four years ago he left his career as a tax lawyer and took some time to contemplate his next step. He then began building a Trust and Estate law practice. This subject matter plays to his strengths; his attention to detail, curiosity about the law, desire to get to know people and his communication skills. I remember when he was three months into his new gig, we realized that he is really good at this and, equally important, he really liked doing it. Phew.
Since Gideon has opened his practice, I have had the privilege to be an official witness at many will signings. I have been able to watch Gideon in action. The trust he has built with his clients. The shared knowledge of their unique family dynamics, preferences and concerns. How he puts them at ease.
These will signings are sacred moments that allow people to care for their families in preparation for their absence one day. To ensure life is not more difficult for family and friends after their death. Each will signing is different. Sometimes it is emotional, sometimes it is quiet and efficient, sometimes it is hilarious and joyful despite the seriousness of the task at hand. But in each scenario, I know these people are being cared for. I know Gideon is thinking of every possibility. I know that he is handling their legal issues with the same care he brings to our own family.
I am a witness to Gideon’s journey. I am a witness to his clients’ journey. And I am so grateful to be able to participate.
At dinner with friends, I find Gideon’s hand to hold under the table. We have had a lot of shifts over the past few years. Our kids are out of the house for now. Gideon’s job has changed. We both work from home. With every shift there has been turbulence. New negotiations. Frustration. Stress. But in the end we know we are figuring this out together. Finding our new rhythm. Watching our kids lives and our own lives unfold.
When I am a witness at Gideon’s will signings, I am deeply affected by the lives of his clients. And we are on our own journey as well. We are trying to do right by our family. Right by each other. Every stage of a marriage is tricky. Rocky terrain. And I don’t have any answers or any promises except to grab your partners hand when you can to remind yourselves you are in it together.
