Blessed

I know it's been quite some time since I last updated my blog.  There's so much to say but seems so little time to actually sit down and put it into words.  I have a list of blog topics that's half a page long and keep thinking that I will find time to actually write some of them. 

However, today I'm skipping all of those topics so that I can share with you an epiphany that I had this evening.  As many of you know, a dear friend (and one of my mentors) lost her husband last weekend.  It has been a difficult week for her obviously, and I've been going crazy trying to think of ways to help her.  This evening the family received visitors at the funeral home before tomorrow's memorial service.  As I was looking at the slide show of pictures and listening to Betty's fond stories of their life together,  I realized that this woman is more than a mentor in the professional sense.  She is the kind of person I aspire to be and has lived a life so full of love that it almost literally takes my breath away.  She is one of the best people I know.

Then I realized that the same can be said for all of the owners of Metro Brokers.  These 5 couples comprised of 7 Realtors and 3 spouses who aren't Realtors have set an amazing example not only in the way they handle their business but also in the way they handle their lives in general.  They are genuine and caring and committed to each other in a way that is rarely found anymore.  This circle of 10 are there to support and hold each other up through the bad times - and to share in the victories during the good.  And even more important, they welcome the rest of us in as well. 

I have never been at a loss for words when asked why I chose to open my office with this company.  There are so many redeeming qualities that I can always find something to say.  But beyond the superficiality of business reasons lies the real answer.  I choose to work with these people because we truly are a family, in every sense of the word.  I know that my colleagues at this amazing company genuinely care about me and my well being, both professionally and personally.  They share stories about my children.  They recognize when I need a helping hand, without me ever having to say a word.  They call me just to say hi if we haven't seen each other in awhile.  And all of that comes from the environment that 10 incredible people created when they came together to form a new and exciting real estate company.  It's not just a place where I work, it's become a part of who I am.  And I'm a better person for having known every one of them.

In conclusion, I just want to take this opportunity to publicly thank each of these 10 pioneers.
Gwen and Scott Arveson
Jim and Sherry Gottschalk
Sharon and Bob Hobbs
Walt and JoAnne Terrell
And finally, Betty and Darrel Goss.  Darrel's physical presence will be missed, but (as corny as it sounds) his spirit will continue on in Betty and everyone who knew him. 

Thank you all.