Happy Holidays From Eckert Byrne

Dear Friends,

Happy holidays! As the year draws to a close, the holiday season brings a mix of reflection and activity. At work, it’s the final push to wrap up projects, tie up loose ends, and prepare to start the new year with a fresh, uncluttered slate. Beyond the office, it’s a time when families gather, traditions are celebrated, and moments of connection remind us of what truly matters.

In my world of trust and estates, we often focus on details, assets, and taxes, but one important aspect gets lost: our stories. The stories of love, struggle, endurance, challenge and perseverance.  As Bruce Feiler noted in his 2013 New York Times article “The Stories That Bind Us,” research shows that children who know more about their family’s history tend to be more resilient, have higher self‑esteem, and feel a stronger sense of belonging. Hearing family members’ stories allowed these children to feel part of something larger than themselves. When left untold, these stories fade, along with the lessons and values they carry for future generations.

I had a chance to spend Thanksgiving week with my mother and family. During a few very casual and leisurely breakfasts, I learned about some women in my family. My great aunt marched into Nazi headquarters to rescue her husband who had been caught in a dragnet in Warsaw. She was fluent in German and negotiated her husband’s freedom in exchange for her Biedermeier furniture she had received as a wedding gift.  I could not imagine her courage, except to know that she must have loved her husband very much to risk everything to get him back. Amazing! I’ve always known I come from a family of strong women, but stories like these deepen that understanding and strengthen my sense of who I am and where I come from.

As the year draws to a close, I hope you find a moment to ask questions, listen closely, and learn more about the people and stories that shaped you.

At Eckert Byrne LLC, we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to know and serve you and your family. We hope that 2026 brings good health, happiness, and peace!

Sincerely,

Anna