There are many reasons that I wanted to become an Appraiser. I was attracted to the ‘half blue collar / half white collar' aspect with time split between being on the road and seeing places I wouldn't normal venture, to spending the other half behind a computer being analytical.
At first I thought it would be ideal to only appraise houses that were ‘cool' and I could go in and appreciate their splendor, maybe even getting ideas for my own modest abode.
It never occurred to me that I might meet some of the most incredible people of all classes in towns that I had only passed through before.
It is a strange life. We meet someone that we will likely only know for an hour and then *poof* we're gone... never to encounter them or their lifestyles again. I want to take just a moment to reflect on these people, but so many of these people flash through my mind that I think this might just be a very long post.
- The man who had more conspiracy theories than I could imagine anyone could ever conjure up.
- The family with foster children on the farm that they maintained so the children could experience a more nurturing lifestyle
- The recluse husband that finally lit up when I commented on his fishing pictures
- The multi-generational family that still eats breakfast together
- The woman going through a divorce because her husband of 20+ years disappeared with his co-worker
- The woman in an upscale neighborhood that was pleased I was dressed like a ‘normal person' rather than a sales person and we discussed the local artist whose work we both had in our houses
- The multitudes of wonderful dogs and cats that assist me on my inspections, even the one that willfully
let me into the backyard, but would not let me escape it - The people that take the time to put their animals in the garage or kennel when they don't know that I don't mind if they jump all over me
- The medical marijuana growers and their nervousness to let in an outsider and their impressive day jobs
- The woman with the daycare who made me want to have kids just so that I could send them to her
- The proud home owners that give a tour to show off all the personal touches they have added
- The day sleepers that wake up to let me inside
- All the people that invite me to take fruit from their gardens, invite me out to lunch, send anonymous gift certificates
- The family with a young son that just got back from Iraq and was still shell-shocked
- The gentleman that helped me when my car broke down at his house
- The people that apologize that your house is a mess because one towel is on the floor of your kid's bathroom
- The renters that landscaped and cleaned the best they could before I come over
- Even the vacant homes that you have entrusted with an unlocked door that tell me a story about your keepers with furnishings and pictures of grandchildren
Every time I pass a house that I have appraised, an hour's worth of their people's life stories are relived in my head. So don't think just because I won't ever see you again that I won't remember your amazing lives, your crazy collections, the way you lovingly decorate your children's rooms ... your private lives that I have been honored to witness for a small bit of time.
So take the time to know these people even if it cuts into your bottom line. I have grown because of them.
;)
Links;)
Tags (Tag Cloud);)
Archives
Every since we spoke about this I've been thinking about it. How the most interesting people just stop in our lives for a 'flash'. How memorable they can be long after they are gone. So glad you are in my life now ;-) A flash just wouldn't have cut it!! MWA!!!!
Nice writing too girlie!!
** That looks like my kitty in the window **