Yesterday evening I received the dreaded call from the buyers agent confirming that an appraisal valuation would not be changed on one of our listings even though the appraiser agreed to make an adjustment. The whole process and situation (details will be saved for another blog post) has me extremely frustrated in regards to how it was handled, but more importantly how it will affect our clients as well as future sellers in the community.
So when I received the call, I listened. I did not get upset on the phone at all as I did not have it in me. I even made some small talk and congratulated the buyers agent on some recent big news in her life. The reason being was the phone call prior to that:
Someone we knew died - he was only 27.
After receiving that call, my heart sank. I shed a tear and was ashamed of myself for having so much stress and worries in regards to this deal or that deal. Often I get consumed in our business.
When my wife got home, I gave her a hug and a kiss and told her how much she meant to be. I think we all can take moments like these to take a step back and realize and understand what really matters in life... And take a moment to say a prayer for this young man and his family. And for everyone that is going through the loss of a loved one.
Times like this are a wake up call ! Life can change in an instant ...
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God could have made us all be born and die on the same day. He has instead staggered things out --- so we can be reminded of life's value by the passing of others.
I have been there, the day the base commander showed up at my door in uniform with his wife. As soon as I opened the door I knew what it meant. In those moments and the years that follow we realize how precious life can be and how quickly life can change.
Chris, Sorry to hear about such a young friend. It is so true however that times like these really make you SOUL SEARCH for what is Really Important in life. I will say a prayer for this young man and his family.
I got that call about a month ago, my best friends son had committed suicide, it still hurts!
Let's finish this week strong,
Paul
Jim - So true. There is beauty in both life and death. It helps shape us as people in terms of values and provides valuable reminders of what is truly important in life. Which is why I feel guilty sometimes being consumed over things that really do not matter much in the big picture. But then again, that consumption makes me really good at what I do. Still, I think I carry it with me too much at times. Thanks so much for your comment.
Cindy - Thanks for sharing that. It really is so amazing and an eye-opener per se. Life is short... and so precious.
Pocono - So true. It is a reminder and a wake-up call for many of us for sure.
Paul - Wow. Am so sorry to hear that. Is hard out there. I agree... let's move forward in the best way that we can.
I think that happens to all of us Chris. It is a wake up call when someone you know that well passes especially at such a young age. Sorry to hear about your loss.
It is a wake up call...
We often forget how precious life really is...
your friend in Charlottesville Virginia!
Christopher, what a beautiful post. Two years ago, I got a call that my best friend (and close colleague) had died, and that was in the middle of a funky transaction. My friend had led a pretty long and amazing life, and I can only imagine what it must be like to lose someone so young. It does make you stop and think about what is really inportant in life. Thanks for this one.
Hello Chris, it is indeed a reminder that life is precious and can change in an instant. I think too, that even though what we grind away at day by day is important, we can too easily forget life's blessings if those activities consume us. Thank you for sharing. John
Life is precious and we hope to make an impression on someone's heart as this young man did on yours. I can share in your grief having experienced the pain; may you find comfort in the love of your friends and family. God bless.
Chris - It truly is a wake up call -- we get so busy and sometimes forget what a precious gift life is. Sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry to hear this and your post is the perfect wake up call! My prayers and thoughts go out to the familiy and friends who suffered this tragic loss .........
Chris,
I thinks it's those little moments in life that are quietly relayed that make us realize that if it was screaming at us that we might not pay attention.
What a reminder to love and hug the ones that we so dearly love as well as the people in our lives that on a daily basis, do for us, help us, make us shine, work for us and even put up with us.
Sorry to hear about your loss, go back and hug Stephanie one more time.