The phone rang this morning very early. I knew it could not be the pilot, so I thought "Self, who could be calling so early?" Not wanting to be the person who answers the phone like they just finished smoking a pack of cigarettes chased by a fifth of whiskey, I faked a "Good Morning! This is Amy..."

"Mrs. Led?" (husband's Call Sign is Led, as in Zeppelin, as in guitar-playing pilot who once had long hair prior to joining the military). I answered perkily, "Yes, wow, I haven't heard that name in a while."

Turns out, a fighter pilot from Led's past is accepting orders to NAS (Naval Air Station) Whidbey Island, WA, to be a flight instructor. Although there are wonderful Connect Realty agents in the Oak Harbor and Anacortes areas of WA, he would rather have the Bellingham Realty Girl assist his family with a Military PCS, as I specialize in VA Loan transactions and taking care of Military Spouses.

Just because of the history of the relationship, I will become this pilot's buyer's agent. The level of intimacy shared in the military through strength and bonding is immeasurable. He and Led deployed together overseas to Iraq on an aircraft carrier. Have you ever seen two pilots get together and have a conversation? Their hands are all over the place in what I like to call the "there I was" stance.

It is rare indeed to find a profession which lends itself to creating lifelong relationships. Where military relationships are concerned, time stands still.

This one call became a true "wake-up" call for me. It occurred to me that I had not had real conversations with many of our military friends around the country for quite some time. Email and Christmas cards seem to be commonplace and have replaced the telephone. I spent the better part of the day calling old friends, catching up, leaving messages even. Initially I had lead generation on my mind. The cosmos had another plan.

I discovered a number of friends are currently deployed to Iraq and Afganistan. I gathered their deployment addresses so Led and I can assemble some care packages (I am awfully good at those). Cultivation. That is what it is all about. Sure, my business came up in conversations, but there was something much bigger at play. It is not about me.

As Easter approaches tomorrow, it occurs to me that a few years ago, I spent Easter alone without Led, and children were not quite on the horizon yet. The photos included were taken during that deployment. It seems as though no matter how much time has passed, how much distance has grown, and how much families have expanded, the closeness of the military relationship remains intact, familiar, and strong.

More than an email, a letter, or a card, a phone call to those far away is the handshake or hug so often shared in friendship. I encourage you to explore your past relationships, and pick up the phone.

And as we celebrate Easter, remember those servicememmbers who are not here a part of the collective, but rather abroad ensuring our safety and freedom. To those who have served, and who continue to serve, I say thank you. To Led, I say thank you, and I love you. May all those abroad return safely.

Have you polished and massaged your relationships lately? Thank you for reading. And yes, I am a very proud spouse - I hope it shows!

Bellingham Realty Girl | Amy S Zender | Realtor®

www.bellinghamrealtygirl.com | amyzender@connectrealty.com

Connect Realty.com | 112 Ohio Street, Ste. 101, Bellingham, WA 98225 | Office: 360-920-4886

Amy Zender is dedicated to supporting the hottest Real Estate market in Bellingham, Washington! Amy's goal is to empower you with accurate, innovative, and honest information. Be mindful of the many choices you have as buyers and sellers, as we find ourselves in a market where there is plenty of room to be creative! Give Amy, your savvy Bellingham Real Estate Agent, a call to learn what she and her snap-crack team can do for you at #360.920.4886!