Sobbing Parents, Screaming Adults, Crying Children, 9-1-1 ... Do You Ever Feel Like A Social Worker Having A Really Tough Week?

This past week brought flashbacks of my years doing counseling/social work ... and now that it's over ... relief because it looks like a few clients can go in to the weekend with a better state of mind.

The stories:

Pregnant Buyer, with 7-yr old twin boys and a fiancé who just wants to build a life in a home for his family.  They had disappointments along the way trying to find the perfect home.  Finally - they did! With escrow opened and inspections done - set to close in a few weeks - they began dreaming of the day they could move.  Then the words, "There are no more USDA funds available ... you won't be able to buy the house."   Being pregnant didn't help with the buckets of tears and sadness that came out while talking to the Buyers.  After spending a couple days helping them work through this challenge, we may have come across a miracle and, if nothing else, a better outlook on the future (you know - there is always a bright side to every let down).  For now, I feel good these Buyers can go into their weekend with a more positive outlook on things - no matter the outcome.

Unexpectedly, I found myself right in the middle of a situation that had all the makings of a "ticking bomb".  The short version - dropping off papers at a clients house - Sellers grown kids are there and they suddenly lost control of themselves. Then came screaming, death threats, throwing things, shouting every cuss word known to man (not to mention some creative uses of those words that I had not heard before!) and me in a far end of the home trying to protect the little children from harm as 911 was called.  All the while using my best mediation skills to calm the situation so no one would get hurt.  The children got out safe.  For the rest ... they have some really hard times ahead.  But with time and effort to make changes, this may be one of the better things that could have happened to them.

So here I sit on a Friday morning, feeling like a social worker, and wondering if it's all worth it.

Years ago, working in this field, I made a difference - so it was.  Today working as a Realtor? Yes, it is still worth it.  Today, more grateful for my life, I'm reminded that this job isn't just about selling homes - done right,  it's about helping build a better future for someone.