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Recovering From a Heart Attack

This morning started with the sun shining, the birds tweeting, a yawn, a stretch and the optimism of the day being filled with goodness. With I smile, there I was all ready to head out for the day in my white t-shirt, jeans, Reeboks, and my pink baseball cap. Not exactly professional attire, but it will be appropriate for my day.

With much excitement, I pulled up to this quiet little cul-de-sac in the heart of Salt Lake City, with a twin home being built. “Bob the Builder” (really Mike) who was the man in charge, and a sweet darling Mom sitting anxiously at the sidewalk for the crew to show up to continue building her dream. The crew would be me and 9 other people, which included Realtors, 2 Loan officers and our broker’s 2 children.

One by one everybody arrived and as we were waiting, “Bob the Builder” explained to us what Habitat for Humanity was all about, how to keep safe and oh, that he “wasn’t impressed that we had 10 people because “I only like to work with a max of 6” grumble, grumble. Who in the world grumbles about extra volunteer workers? Ok, maybe he had a bad experience in the past. Well we’ll change his mind. And did we? “Bob the Builder” wasn’t only smiling and laughing by 10 am, but he was patting us on the back, telling us what a great job we were doing, and treating us with total respect. We proved to him, we’re going to work our hearts out.

The darling mom was there to put in her 200 hours. Wow, did she impress me. That sweet lady knew how to pound a nail without smashing her fingers and she showed so much appreciation and excitement the throughout the day.

Wow did we make progress! We built two walls for the front of the house and we all worked so hard together to make this a successful day. What a team we were and as the hours were passing by, we all took a moment to stand back and stare in awe at the result of our hard work. We laughed a lot, drank a lot of water, and pounded those nails with a whole lot of power behind the arm. A few fingers were smashed, but all in all no major injuries.

Then it happened! I stood back and took a good look at everybody participating, amazed at how committed they all were to being there and following through with what they signed up for. Saying you’ll be there and showing up with the full intent to put your heart into it is more than a blessing. Being that I organized the Habitat for Humanity day, I was so humbled by the fact that everybody involved took it so seriously and got involved. Getting to know the darling Mom (the homeowner to be) and watching the joy on her face, made it even more worthwhile. “Bob the Builder”, he too lightened up and had a good time.

Before we knew it “Bob the Builder announced “we’re all done for the day, let’s clean up and head out”. What? We still have 1 hour left. Well I could see his point (he didn’t want to start a new wall), but I truly didn’t want this moment to end..

After cleaning up, we all walked away, I had to give each person a sappy Julie hug and say “Thank You”. The darling mom, went to each person to say Thank You and that’s when the Heart Attack hit me. No I wasn’t sent to the hospital, it wasn’t that kind of heart attack. I’m talking about the heart being so full, that you get a tear in your eye and think…I spent my day well.

Here is My Prescription for a Heart Attack:

Habitat for Humanity
1 Persistent Leader
6-14 Committed Volunteers
6-14 Waivers Filled Out and Turned In
1 House Waiting to Be Built (Habitat)
1 Happy Human Soul to Bring Home (Humanity)
1 “Bob the Builder”
1,000 Nails
6-14 Hammers
2 Coolers Filled with Water, Lemonade and Gatorade
Lunch Served for All
100 lbs. of Arm Muscle
6-14 Big Hearts Willing to Give Unselfishly
0-2 Smashed Fingers (optional, but wouldn’t recommend)

Mix together, absorb the moment, take some pictures and forever hold the memory of your Heart Attack by Giving Back.

Herriman and all surrounding cities.

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Julie Neerings, GRI- Heart of Utah Real Estate Copyright © 2008- If you are considering buying, selling, military relocations to Hill AFB or relocating to Utah, you deserve local expertise and advice to be provided by a professional in real estate. Julie Neerings is a Utah REALTOR® providing full time, professional real estate services to buyers and sellers in the cities of Layton, Bountiful, Woods Cross, West Valley, West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton, Herriman and all surrounding cities.

Posted by Julie Neerings~Lifting Hearts ♥ Building Dreams~Utah REALTOR® on 08/25/2007 12:17 AM

Comments (36)

heart of giving, utah, utah real estate, a cup full of inspiration, pay it forward, gratitude, salt lake city events and happenings

Originally posted at: From the Heart of Utah Real Estate by Julie Neerings: Recovering From a Heart Attack

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36 Comments on Recovering From a Heart Attack

AUG

2007

Great one. This is soulful writing - thanks. lol

That was really heart warming...thanks for a great bedtime story....and something to ponder

I always receive more when I give. I've worked on a Habitat House before and like you, I thought the day was ending too soon. It was such a blessing for me!

Sounds like a blast and a good opportunity to learn about home construction.

HI Julie,

This is a wonderful story. I am really impressed at your involvement in such a great organization...and I am also glad the story ended well. You had me a little nervous with the title. ;)

Good job - way to give back. We all need to take the time to remember those who are less fortunate then us. This is a great program that I have worked with in the past. KUDOS to you!

great story

I hope you all notice, I finally got the picts to upload. Enjoy!

Rosemary-You are welcome! Filling the soul is my goal.

Sally-Sleep well and have sweet dreams...lifting hearts, building dreams.

Renee-It is hard to see the day end. But the way I figure, when is the next charity event?

Jason-Very good opportunity in all aspects. House building? I know how to sell a house, but until today, I didn't know the first thing about pounding a nail. It was amazing to see the whole thing be created into a wall with a window.

Patrick-I'm so glad you stopped by to read. Sorry to have caused the nerves to flow with the title. Just figured that would draw some attention. I want everybody to read this and realize what their opportunities are.

Donna-Everybody worked so hard and with such great teamwork. I couldn't have wished for it to be any better. You have a great view on things. Thank you for stopping by.

Ginger-Thank You!

Nothing has a return greater that the giving from the heart. You are a great lady to give your time and effort and I applaud you and all who pitched in.

Great post, great photos... I'm so glad you commented on one of my posts, so I ended up finding you here on the rain. I'm going to be reading some more.

My whole family has been at the habitat builds for years. Any time one of us has an obligation or event planned we take the whole family. We have a blast.

This is a beautiful post, Julie ! Kudos to you for helping out such a worthy cause (and please don't frighten me with those kinds of post titles again !!!)

Julie, what a heartwarming story! Thanks for the photos.

Julie -- awesome! major kudos!

Darrel-Oh do I so much agree with you about giving from the heart. I don't expect applause, but thank you! I just want people to be aware of Habitat for Humanity, that haven't checked it out and to take charity seriously. We are out there in our communities and we should all take the opportunity to give back. It feels so good!

Margaret-I'm very glad you stopped by. Thank you. We had tons of photos that we will help us all to remember.

Chris-That is so awesome that your whole family takes part in Habitat for Humanity. The requirements out here in Utah are 16 or older. I can't wait for my boys to be able to jump in and help. They'll get so much out of it.

Jo-Your compliment is so much appreciated. I was worried about that title, but I wanted people to read this. I figured the only way to keep this good feeling going is to share with everybody on AR so that they can all walk away with inspiration and also in localism, to help people in the community realize what good they can do to get involved.

Mike-You are welcome! If you haven't done this already, I hope it inspires you to. Thanks for stopping by.

Aziz-Why thank you! However, that good ol pat on the back, isn't necessary. My hearts feeling it big time.

Thanks Julie

You are a lady of Integrity...giving a hand up....

Integrity

We make a living by what we get.........We make a life by what we give....

I used those words today as I gave tribute to honor a great volunteer in our town who for 26 years has organized the Terry Fox Run for out town of Uxbridge On..

I too have swelled my heart and soul by helping at Habitat for Humanity builds...in Toronto where we helped build 52 townhouses....what a job...and in Uxbridge where we built a single family home...we had the 32- 32 club consisting of those of us who had worked on the home in 32 degree sweltering heat....and -32 in the freezing cold. I would not have missed the oportunity to help...and as Realtors what better way than to assist someone with their new home. We leave a bit of our soul in each home we help build. .......Well done.

Kathy-Your compliment is truly beautiful. Thank you so much! From my heart to yours. You do know the power of greatness felt in the heart and soul by giving of yourself. Your heart has got to be swelling to an overlarge size. LOL What an amazing amount of giving and hard work you have given to your community and I'm sure with each job you complete, the homeowner does feel the love from your heart and the giving from your soul. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Julie,

What a truly inspiring story! What a amazing feeling that must be to know that you are helping someone build their home, you have a big heart my friend! :)

AUG

2007

Suzanne-I'm so glad you were inspired as well and thank you for your wonderful comment. I'm hoping this whole blog inspires people, who haven't yet reached out to do so and to fill their heart up.

SEP

2007

Julie - I really loved reading this, and I'm glad I found it. Better late than never, right? 'Sounds like a really moving experience.

SEP

2007

Margaret-I'm so glad you had the opportunity to read this. What a great experience it was. I look forward to the next one.

OCT

2007

Julie...I had never read this posting before....thanks for almost giving ME a heart attack....I thought you had really had one .....there are days I get so frustrated and built up that I have to take a step back....I think it's more of anxiety than anything, but it makes me think!

Thanks for scaring me! But great post and it got a point across!!

Julie, good for you. I feel we all should give something back in the form of community services. After all we are just borrowing all this stuff. Also, I too am glad you did not have a heart attack.

Thom-You are such a dear friend. It wasn't intended to scare anybody, but to pull them into reading how good it truly feels from the heart to give. Not only that, I'm too young to have a heart attack. (anyway I hope so). You my friend, are a hard worker and you go outside of the box to help your clients. People like us put enough stress on ourselves and it is good to step back, take a deep breath and enjoy life a bit.

Thank you for reading and go and do something for yourself today!

Frank-Thank you so much! If you haven't already, I hope you have the opportunity to do this sometime. By the sounds of it, you've taken other opportunities to help in your community. What a great place to be.

OCT

2007

Julie - I was also worried about you when I saw this title. I am glad to hear that the President is alive and well! This is a terrific post about giving of yourself. I have always wanted to participate in Habitat for Humanity, but I haven't ever found time with my other obligations.

Not a good post. It's an AWESOME post. Keep on doing what your doing. The Lord looks favorably upon people who serves others. I started feeling verklumpt (teary) inside.

Jason: I'm too young to have that sort of heart attack. Although I have a few extra pounds to get rid of so that I won't. You do have a lot going on in your life and you give back in so many other ways. The world is reaping the reward of your giving heart. If you do get the chance to join in with Habitat for Humanity someday, you will enjoy it. Thank you again for your support.

Robert: I sincerely appreciate your kind hearted comment and wonderful compliment. That means a lot to me that this experience touches other people from afar. Charity work and giving back is a wonderful addiction.

Julie - I am kind of in the same boat - too young for that. I also have a few extra pounds, but not enough to be dangerous to my health (I don't think).

DEC

2007

Lifting Hearts and Building Dreams That is exactly what you do! That is my new Julie motto!!! I'm crying like a baby!! I love you!

DEC

2007

Elizabeth: Good morning my friend! I'm so glad you stopped by to read this post. This has been one of the greatest things I've ever taken part in, in my life. Tears are good. You had me in many yesterday. I love you too my sister!

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