Quick Takeaways (TL;DR)
- After nearly 20 years working together, Geneva reflects on her rare and special relationship with Tammy, a colleague who has become like family.
- Tammy’s loyalty, honesty, and willingness to question tough decisions made her a trusted partner in Geneva’s life and in the growth of Promise Law.
- Their story weaves through parallel careers, creative mentorship in music and performing arts, and deep support through many seasons of family life, grief, and change.
- Even as Tammy steps into a new chapter to spend more time with her children and grandchildren, her presence, history, and legacy remain a core part of Promise Law.
- The article also invites readers to take the next step in their own planning journey through Promise Law’s complimentary “7 Hazards to Your Estate Plan” workshop.
Table of Contents
- A Heartfelt Thanks to a Colleague Who Became Family
- Parallel Paths
- Mentors in Creativity
- Across Generations
- Looking Ahead with Gratitude
A Heartfelt Thanks to a Colleague Who Became Family
This month marks a major change in one of my most remarkable relationships. My longtime friend, voice teacher, colleague, and employee is moving on to a new chapter in her life. I am excited for Tammy as she frees up more time to spend with the children and grandchildren she loves.
After working with Tammy for nearly 20 years, I have been reflecting on all that we have shared. As a noted author once said, many people walk in and out of our lives, but only true friends leave footprints on our hearts.
Tammy’s and my relationship is rare and special. People in our modern era seldom stay in any one place for long. To be with one employer for nearly two decades is a real badge of loyalty and commitment. I’m not saying loyalty should be an end in itself; people today have lots of opportunities. But Tammy often says this is the best job she’s ever had. And the fact that this has worked so well for both of us over the years is remarkable.
Parallel Paths
Tammy and I spent about three years together at our first law firm, and she came with me when I moved on to another firm. We occupied the same office space for almost nine years, enabling us to share what was going on in our heads and hearts.
Tammy has been a cheerleader and a commiserator. She questioned my decisions as only people close to you can do, asking, “Are you really sure about that?” She called me on missteps: “You went too far on that.” Only people who truly care will do that for you. Our mutual trust runs deep. If I told Tammy, “Go walk off the end of that bridge,” she would trust that there was a net there.
Mentors in Creativity
I am known among colleagues for initiating new things. One reason I had the comfort and confidence to do that is that I knew Tammy had my back. In addition to her organizational skills, she also brought that “Hey, we will figure this out” confidence.
When I began thinking about opening a law firm of my own, Tammy was part of those discussions. Becoming my first employee a Promise Law was a big leap of faith on her part. But we had been through so many seasons in our lives together that we knew we could handle this one too.
I have a persistent urge to be creative, and any good performances I have given are because of what I learned from Tammy and her husband, Jim. Tammy, an extremely gifted singer and accomplished pianist, has been my longtime voice teacher. She joked about that role reversal: “You’re not the boss of me when I’m at the piano!” In one recital by Tammy’s students, my singing partner for a duet fell ill. In a moment I will always cherish, Tammy took my partner’s place and we sang together.
And Jim, a professional in the performing arts, consistently encouraged me when I did improv and stand-up comedy. I remember feeling devastated after a terrible performance, and Jim said, “That’s performing! Just pick yourself up and keep on doing it!”
Across Generations
When I was dating Fred, who is 29 years my senior, I sometimes questioned my judgment. Tammy shared with me that her parents were 20 years apart in age and encouraged me, saying, “Anyone worth having is going to add more than they take,” and that the sincerity of hearts would bridge that gap. Her singing at my wedding was the ultimate gift.
I have eagerly cheered on Tammy’s two children through college graduations and weddings, and the launching of careers and families of their own. Through all of these seasons of work and family life, aging, loved ones’ passing, and health crises, Tammy and I just soldiered on through it all together.
Thinking back over the years, I remember Tammy’s sadness after Promise Law’s growth forced us to move out of our shared office. Although I assured her that we were still together, she said, “It is never going to be the same again because it won’t be just the two of us.” Tammy has always carried within her that ballast, history, and appreciation of where we had come from. She was the carrier of our legacy.
Writing this farewell to a longtime employee has reminded me how much of our firm’s heart lives in the people who chose to grow with us.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As we face this new kind of separation, I realize our relationship is never going to be the same. But I am confident we will build together the new norms and opportunities to connect and keep our friendship strong.
And as Promise Law continues growing in its 12th year, Tammy shares in our success. If you’d like to know more about the firm Tammy helped shape, visit our About page.
For that, and for so much more, Tammy… Thank you!
–Geneva N. Perry, Esq.
