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Pay It Forward - Sometimes Time Is The Best Thing You Can Give

By
Real Estate Agent with Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-457-7103

I sold a house to a really nice young couple with two little children and a third on the way.  As we all know, moving can be stressful enough, without the added pressure of little ones pulling at your pant legs and screaming for attention.  Within weeks of the closing, "Becky" delivered her third child, a second boy.  Drained, she did the best she could to keep everything functioning while her husband worked late hours.

About four weeks into the process, I stopped by to see how she was doing.  Though she tried to hide it, there was no question she was at the breaking point.  I told her to pick a day, sometime within the next week, and to plan to get out, with a friend, with her mother, anything she'd find relaxing.

When the time came, I sat with the three kids for about three hours.  It was that witching hour when kids get a little crazy so it was not my most stress free evening, but Becky had a ball.  She came back looking refreshed and relaxed.  As for me, by the time I got home, I needed a drink, but what the heck.  It was worth it and she was so grateful.

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Geri Sonkin - Long Island Real Estate Expert - Stager/Decorator  516 425-6098

Faith LaRosse
Springer Realty Group - Limerick, PA
Serving Berks, Chester & Montgomery Counties

I'm sure your thoughtfulness was very much appreciated...

Jun 12, 2011 03:04 PM
Bob & Leilani Souza
Souza Realty 916.408.5500 - Roseville, CA
Greater Sacramento Area Homes, Land & Investments

Geri, how so very sweet of you to give "Becky" some much-needed time off and stay with her three kids for three hours! :)

Leilani

Jun 12, 2011 03:05 PM
Kim Inman
Mountains to Lakes Real Estate, Inc. - Harriman, TN
CRS, Broker/Owner

Geri...that was VERY thoughtful of you, I'm sure that young mother appreciated your kindness.

Jun 12, 2011 03:07 PM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

No kidding, what a wonderful gift you gave that young mom. I'm sure you have a friend for life...FYI, I would have needed two drinks when I got home. 

Jun 12, 2011 03:11 PM
Cindy Edwards
RE/MAX Checkmate - Johnson City, TN
CRS, GRI, PMN - Northeast Tennessee 423-677-6677

Hi Geri,

That is very sweet of you and I'm sure you made this mothers day. Kindness is just a good thing.

Jun 12, 2011 03:11 PM
Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, ePRO, GRI
Keller Williams Indianapolis Metro NE - Carmel, IN
Carmel, Fishers, Westfield IN Real Estate Expert

Geri--This meant more to this woman than anything money could buy----being a mother yourself, you know this!!  Three hours is a lot to give up.  This was a very wonderful 'Pay It Forward'!

Jun 12, 2011 05:12 PM
Leslie Ebersole
Swanepoel T3 Group - Saint Charles, IL
I help brokers build businesses they love.

That's wonderful. There is no more precious gift than the gift of your time and attention.

Jun 13, 2011 03:12 PM
Geri Sonkin
Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-457-7103 - Merrick, NY
Long Island Real Estate & Staging Expert

Faith - I know it was appreciated.

Leilani - I think she was astounded that I offered.

Kim - There is nothing greater than the gift of time sometimes - for all of us.

Debb - When you're out of the habit, it's hard to dealing with young children, especially at the witching hour.

Cindy - I'm sure I made her day.  She really needed a break.

Pat - I think it did.  I was happy to make her happy.

Leslie - Isn't that the truth.  Now someone should teach that to adult children. :)

 

 

 

 

 

Jun 13, 2011 03:59 PM
Margie Kopp Sorrell
Coldwell Banker Lake Oconee Realty and Lake Country - Greensboro, GA
Lake Oconee Real Estate

Geri-free babysitting services?! I bet her socks 'bout knocked off when you offered that! How nice of you! I hear that ppl who indulge drink more when they have kids. That needed cocktail when you got home might just be proof of that : )

Jun 14, 2011 03:07 AM