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Christmas Memories - A Great Lesson And Reflection Of Our Lives!

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Broker, RE/MAX 1999033519

Christmas Memories - A Great Lesson And Reflection Of Our Lives!

This time of year is sometimes hard for many people.  But for others, it is a time to remember the loved ones that enriched our lives.

Years ago, my father had a massive heart attack and survived.  He was an inspector for a major pipe line in Oklahoma. Not being able to work, laid off from his job, with no income, he started walking.  Picking up tin cans along the highways, golf courses, football stadiums, schools and any other place that might throw away cans.  For a number of years (I can't remember how many) he and my mother would faithfully get up every morning and head out to work, focused on surviving another day.

For him, it was therapy and a way to bring in some means of support.  Both him and my mother went through the depression.....saving everything......doing without to give to the family.  I never heard them once complain about their financial situation.

For me, it was a great lesson on how to survive, no matter what situation we end up in. 

 Christmas was difficult, but with much planning, they gave each of their family members hand made presents.  To this day, these are the most precious memories I have of them.  My parents are both gone now, but will never be forgotten.

Our real estate market this year has been a tough one......but I learned from my father to get up every morning and head out to work.  In the office before 9:00 AM and home when the work was finished.  Some nights after 9:00 PM.  I will not forget this year easily, but I'm not complaining......we survived.......our office survived......and we're all still here to celebrate.  It's a wonderful life.

Merry Christmas

 

 

Comments (13)

Lina Robertson
AMAX Real Estate - Springfield, MO
REALTOR® Serving Springfield, Nixa and Ozark, MO

I'm just banking on retiring off that massive inheritance I'm getting.  ;)

Dec 22, 2009 12:11 PM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Kay...

I miss my mom and dad too, especially at this time of the yrar.

Dec 22, 2009 01:18 PM
marti garaughty
garaughty.com - Montreal, QC
a highly caffeinated creative type...

 Great memories Kay, tough times really show us who we are. Have a wonderful Christmas and a great 2010.

Dec 23, 2009 02:33 PM
Charlottesville Solutions
Charlottesville Solutions - Charlottesville, VA

I just wanted to say "MERRY CHRISTMAS" to you and your family!

This is a great time of year and I am trying to remember that Christmas is in our hearts year round!

your friend in Charlottesville!

Dec 24, 2009 12:53 AM
Ann Allen Hoover
RE/MAX Advantage South - Hoover, AL
CDPE SRES ASP e-PRO Realtor - Homes for Sale - AL

Christmas can be difficult for many reasons.  A dear fried of my mother ended her battle with cancer yesterday.  She is not suffering anymore, but it sure is hard on family and friends.

Dec 24, 2009 06:10 AM
Kay Van Kampen
RE/MAX Broker, RE/MAX - Springfield, MO
Realtor®, Springfield Mo Real Estate
Lina, you've already spent it.
Dec 24, 2009 11:05 AM
Kay Van Kampen
RE/MAX Broker, RE/MAX - Springfield, MO
Realtor®, Springfield Mo Real Estate

Richard, I hope you have as many great memories of your parents as I do of mine.  We will have those the rest of our lives.  Merry Christmas.

Dec 24, 2009 11:08 AM
Kay Van Kampen
RE/MAX Broker, RE/MAX - Springfield, MO
Realtor®, Springfield Mo Real Estate

Marti, we have survived the tough times and because of them we are stronger and wiser.  You and your family have a very Merry Christmas.

Dec 24, 2009 11:09 AM
Kay Van Kampen
RE/MAX Broker, RE/MAX - Springfield, MO
Realtor®, Springfield Mo Real Estate

Charles, MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your family.

Dec 24, 2009 11:10 AM
Kay Van Kampen
RE/MAX Broker, RE/MAX - Springfield, MO
Realtor®, Springfield Mo Real Estate

Ann, this is a hard time of year to lose a family member.  Our prayers and best wishes go out to them.

Dec 24, 2009 11:11 AM
Rita Fong
RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590 - Marion, AR
Realtor - Marion Arkansas Homes for Sale

Kay,  Merry Christmas to you and your family.  It is a very heart warming story you are telling, too many people focus on all materialism to their children during this time of the year.  So many of them have no clue what working hard and sharing means. 

Dec 24, 2009 12:11 PM
Kay Van Kampen
RE/MAX Broker, RE/MAX - Springfield, MO
Realtor®, Springfield Mo Real Estate

Rita, the most important lesson I learned from my parents, was the love we shared was priceless.  There is nothing material that will ever take their place.  My wish for you is a happy and prosperous New Year.  Merry Christmas!

Dec 24, 2009 12:18 PM
Darren Stewart
Mortgage Investment Services Corporation - Broken Arrow, OK
Licensed MLO in Oklahoma and Arkansas

Kay, thanks for that great post about your parents, my work ethic is something that came from my father as well, he to had heart issues and we lost him 3 years ago however he taught me so much about providing for my family and really what was most important in life to him was us and he passed that on by example.  Hoping you have a wonderful 2010!

Dec 26, 2009 12:28 PM