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Lessons in Gratitude

By
Real Estate Agent with HomeLife Southern Properties

Our lives have become so busy with all that we do, that we often forget to slow down and smell the roses.

 Many years ago when I was still practicing nursing, I was in one of the Houston Medical Centers finest cancer center’s MD Anderson.  People from all over the world, including royalty come to MD Anderson for treatment.  As I passed through the lobby, which is huge and comfortable with chairs couches, fine art and a grand piano.  I saw a young child sitting in her wheel chair; she was about 8 years old.  Her hair had all fallen out from her treatments and she had a close friend next to her…an IV pole which didn’t seem to bother her in the least.  I sat in the chair next to her, as I was waiting to meet someone. 

In a few minutes she looked at me and said “Do you hear the music?”  Someone had sat down at the piano and began to play.  I told her with a smile yes I do.  She then told me with her child like wisdom.. “You need to slow down and listen to the music.”

I have never forgotten the words spoken to me that day by a very content and blessed little angel.  As I left the hospital I could still hear the music playing in my mind.  It has been my challenge since then to slow down and hear the music.  It often gets drowned out by other noises, but when I slow down….I can hear it!

Posted by

 

Deb Jamail, GRI, E-Pro  

Broker / Owner

HomeLife Southern Properties

Direct: 832-671-0998

Office: 409-935-9156

Galveston Homes For Sale 

Bayou Vista Texas For Sale

 

 

                

"When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life or in the life of another." ~Helen Keller~

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonja Babic
Sonja Babic/PRIME Realty NC, LLC - New Bern, NC
New Bern NC, PRIME Realty NC, LLC

Great post THANK YOU Deb, It is very easy to forget this in our business. I try to take few minutes every morning to reflect.

Jan 21, 2011 01:43 AM
Dan Edward Phillips
Dan Edward Phillips - Eureka, CA
Realtor and Broker/Owner

Good Morning Deb, excellent advice for maintaining stability in our lives.

Jan 21, 2011 01:47 AM
Karin Lundeen
Keller Williams Realty - Denver Southlands - Centennial, CO
Realtor Centennial Homes For Sale

Deb, So precious to hear that from a child!  Great post!

Jan 21, 2011 01:47 AM
Retired from ActiveRain
Baker, OR

I spent this past weekend in a Reno, NV hospital eight hours away from home visiting my elderly mother-in-law.  She calls me her "Pussy Cat."  The trip and visit definitely made me pause to slow down and listen to the music.  The hospital did have a grand piano and someone playing it too.

Jan 21, 2011 02:29 AM
Lorraine Sayer
Monument, Black Forest, Falcon, Fountain homes - Colorado Springs, CO
Realtor ABR,CDPE,GRI - Colorado Springs,CO RE/MAX

Deb isn't it strange how children with severe illnesses seem to have adult wisdom and tolerance beyond our comprehension.  I too have a medical background and have been taken many times to the level of pure gratitude for all my blessings. 

Jan 21, 2011 02:39 AM
Deb Jamail
HomeLife Southern Properties - Galveston, TX
Galveston County Real Estate

Sonja

Thank you for your comment. Out of the mouth of babes!

Dan

It is difficult at times to keep balance, but where ever we go in our hearts or minds to do that, needs to be a place we go often:) Thanks for reading!

Karin,

It really is the small gentle moments that keep us directed.

Rick,

I pray your mother-in-law is doing well. The hospital is a place where we can really appreciate what we are blessed with..especially when we are leaving!  I will be thinking of you!

Lorraine,

I spent 25 years as a pediatric ICU nurse.  It is truly amazing what we can learn at the hands of a child!  Thank you for your comment!

Jan 21, 2011 06:39 AM
Larry O'Sullivan
Sandy, UT

Good one, Deb. Nice thought to temper a hectic week. amazing we always need reminding, and often we get it from children.

Jan 21, 2011 06:48 AM
Judy Jennings
Top Agent Plus - Middleboro, MA
Tap into Judy's real estate expertise & resources.

Deb - What wise words from a young child. I will be singing in the car today, just because I can (and should). ;-)

Jan 21, 2011 10:15 PM
Charlottesville Solutions
Charlottesville Solutions - Charlottesville, VA

Great post and great advice, thank you

Your Friend in Charlottesville

Jan 22, 2011 01:28 AM