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Heaven Had Everything To Do With It

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

I have a connection to England that goes beyond geographic boundries, language and culture.  It lives deep in my soul, as if I have a history there, and for some reason the universe, responding in some cosmic way, keeps populating my world with people from London and all the surrounding areas.

A number of years ago, a charming young man called me, looking for a home in Merrick.  His family would be moving over from England for a job relocation, with him doing all the initial legwork.  We clicked from the first chat, setting up an appointment a few weeks out, when he would be in New York.  From the moment I picked him up at the railroad station, our conversation was easy and animated.  "Edward" picked my brain about the area, schools, activities for his three young children and before I knew it, a full day had gone by and we'd seen some nice properties.

His price range was good, opening up a lot of possibilities, but having been around this block a time or two, I knew we had to get his wife, "Ellen" in to see if his vision matched hers.  She was as much of a delight as was he, and the time spent finding them the perfect home, was more pleasurable than I had any right to expect.

The place they ultimately settled on, excited them on so many levels, with elements that reminded them of home.  The problem was, it wouldn't be available in time for their move.  Fortunately, I was able to get them a temporary rental right next door to my house, and just a short distance from the one they were buying.

Life, being what it is, sometimes throws us a curve ball.  Sadly, one day I got a call from a friend, telling me he had tragically died in a freak accident somewhere on the west coast.  The news hit me square in the gut, breaking my heart for them all, for wonderful, caring "Edward," for his adoring wife "Ellen" and for their sweet, innocent children.  God bless them all.  The memory of him will travel with me all the days of my life.

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Comments (8)

Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Geri- you must be like me and get attached to most clients and consider them friends and keep up with them.  Bless their hearts.

Feb 03, 2014 11:15 AM
Geri Sonkin
Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-457-7103 - Merrick, NY
Long Island Real Estate & Staging Expert

Tammy, I do.  I'm not sure if I adopt them, or they adopt me, but I truly love them.

Feb 03, 2014 11:20 AM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

Wow, your story hit me in the gut this morning Geri.  I can only imagine how you felt when you got the news.  It's amazing when those kind of relationships are formed so quickly and magically but can end just as quickly.

Feb 03, 2014 08:59 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

Wow, your story hit me in the gut this morning Geri.  I can only imagine how you felt when you got the news.  It's amazing when those kind of relationships are formed so quickly and magically but can end just as quickly.

Feb 03, 2014 08:59 PM
Geri Sonkin
Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-457-7103 - Merrick, NY
Long Island Real Estate & Staging Expert

Roger, you know that inexplicable connection we have with some people.  I've often felt so blessed being in a business in which I can make a difference and I can fall in love with some very special people.

Feb 03, 2014 10:25 PM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Good morning Geri.  What a very sad story-especially when one dies tragically, and so young, with three children.  But I know that connection will live on for you in his wife and children as well.

Feb 03, 2014 11:13 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks for sharing your experience. Real estate stories do not always have happy endings. 

Feb 04, 2014 12:10 AM
Rob Thomas
Prestige Homes of The Tri Cities, Inc. CALL....423-341-6954 - Bristol, TN
Bristol TN-VA & Tri Cities Agent, ABR, GRI, e-Pro

Geri ...amazing story ...I know this meant a lot to you!

Have a great night!

Feb 04, 2014 07:18 AM
Geri Sonkin
Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-457-7103 - Merrick, NY
Long Island Real Estate & Staging Expert

Joanna - It was such hard news to hear, and such a difficult time for his family.  I think of him often.

Roy - Life doesn't always have happy endings, but hopefully we find the little gems along the way that make it all special.

Rob - It did mean a lot, and despite the pain, I'm grateful I got to know him.

Feb 05, 2014 10:34 PM