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Leaving A Life Legacy

By
Real Estate Agent with Myrtle Beach Homes Blog

Dennis BlantonAs many of you already know, just a few short weeks ago my father passed away.  It was a very sudden event and definitely unexpected.  Amazingly, our family seems to be doing very well coping with the loss.  At his celebration service I spoke last and really struggled for a while with what to say.  It's hard to put into words what to say about someone you love, care about, and well without them you would never exist.  Finally at around 3:30 AM the day of the service I was awakened from sleep and started to get the words.

Friends and family that we talked to the few days leading up to his service kept referring to the "legacy" that dad left behind.  The more I kept hearing that it made me realize that he did leave a legacy behind that touched the lives of thousands all around the world.  He was one of the most intelligent, loving, and giving people you could ever meet.  When he was a young teenager his musical talents helped him excel as he began to teach piano lessons for a local music company in PA.  I still to this day have the image of someone in their mid 40's coming into his room for their lesson and being greeted by this scrawny 13 year old.  In college his musical abilities garnered him a brief stint traveling with the group Chicago.  

DadSo when it came time for me to share, I decided I was going to share the principles and things that he taught me growing up.  These are the things that I feel led to the legacy that he has been left behind and how he touched the lives of so many people.

Here are the 9 things he instilled in me that I try to live my life by each and every day:

1. Be willing to help others- When you see a friend in need, reach out. The smallest acts of kindness can change someone’s life. No matter how busy he may have been, Dad would stop the world to help others at any time and at any cost.

2. Be a man of your word- If you say you are going to do it, you do it no matter what. This was his foundation to building trust. Everyone knew that if they asked Dad to do anything and he said yes, there was no reason to worry again. He would finish what he said he would do, even if that meant working on the task till 4 AM.

3. Build up others to be better than you. Dad was a constant mentor, teacher, trainer, and helper to all around him. He would always say he wanted to raise up those around him to surpass him one day and he meant it.  In February 2013, he called me one morning all excited on the phone.  As I answered the phone he said: "Jeremy guess what!  Brittany Brewer just won rookie of the year!"  I congratulated him and asked if he won any awards, to which he replied: "Yes, I got top sales, top listings, and top referrals, but BRITTANY WON!" He was so much prouder that he mentored her and she won than anything else.

4. Be a man that stands for what you believe. Everyone knew Dad was a man of faith and wouldn't compromise it for anyone.  In 2002 when our team broke a 30 year company sales record I remember our CEO askin
g Dad at an awards dinner what was the secret to our success.  My father paused a moment, smiled large, and replied: "Well Don, that's easy, it is prayer.  We pray each and every day for our clients, their families, our business, and the things that are going on.  We pray that our clients that need their home to sold that the right buyer comes so that they can move forward, and those that need to buy a house, that we can find them the right property."  Don looked at him, tilted his head and said "prayer hmmm, I like that Dennis." Dad with kids

5. Love unconditionally and equally. It didn’t matter who you were, whether you were buying million dollar homes or 30,000 condos, you were given the same amount of attention & help. It didn’t matter if you drove a BMW or were homeless, dad loved everyone the same. As many I’ve heard say over the past few days, though Dad was one of the smartest people you would ever know, he never looked down upon others and treated everyone with the same.  He didn't care if you were a Doctor or a high school dropout, you all received the same level of love and attention.

6. Have Fun- While Dad really didn’t have a bunch of hobbies in life, he still would have his ways of fun. We all remember some of his 2/3rds of a Pun “P. U.” jokes that he would share with you. Things like:

His phone calls where he would act goofy and try to order a pizza from you when you answer the phone in his terrible Chinese accent. Or maybe you were lucky enough to experience the ever so popular answer he would use when asked "Is there anything you need?" He would respond “Got any large bags of hundred dollar bills?” My personal favorite was when you would ask him “How are you Dennis?” he would respond "Highly unpredictable, somewhat debatable, a little controversial, but other than that, just fine."

7. Live a standard of excellence- The only choice for dad was the best. The cars always needed to be cleaned, the hair needed to be all in place. The pocket square had to be perfect. During the funeral home visitation our friend Jessica shared about how he spent an hour just last week to get his pocket square just right for his new professional pictures.  He tried to always exceed the expectations of others with things he did.

8. Details, details, details- This is probably the biggest item that attributed to Dad’s legacy. For those of you who ever worked with him in real estate, he was a stickler for the details on a contract. I’ll never forget him saying there should NEVER be a blank spot on a contract Jeremy, at least put in “N/A”. He became infamous for his "sign here" & "initial here" stamps that were all over every single page of the paperwork. Plus, who could ever forget, We need to make a backup of the backup of the backup, “Just in case.”  His attention to detail earned him the nickname AROC which stands for Anal Retentive Obsessive Compulsive. Paying attention to every detail in every aspect of life is what helped set him apart in his personal and professional life.

9.  Put others first- He constantly put the needs of otDad Isabellehers well before his own.  If he saw someone needing shoes, he'd walk up and hand them money to go shopping for new ones.  Whenever he heard me mention about a slow month in business, or a deal falling apart, he would stop by with groceries and other essential supplies at our home just to help out.  Most of the time he would go without so that he could do for others.  If my mother would forget to bring her lunch to work, he would drive well out of his way just to bring her something to eat.

Now, these were the things that Dad taught me during his life, but in his passing he taught me one last key to living a life of legacy:

10. No matter what, we aren’t in control.  The day after Dad passed I went by his office to pick up a few things and noticed a scripture taped to the front of his computer.  It was Proverbs 16:9 which says  The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Many that I've talked to referred to Dad as one of the smartest people they ever knew.  When he took his Doctoral exams he set new records for Doctoral exams at Temple University.  He had things planned out and was always prepared.  The picture above of him in his suit and tie was take just 3 days before he went to the hospital where within three days of being there he passed.  No matter how smart & planned you may have things, life is one thing we don't get to set the plan for.  God directed his steps and decided it was time for him to go to heaven.

This has taught me to live each day with purpose and meaning. Live to love those around you.  Cherish family and the time you have with them, you never know when that will be gone.

My dad was a special person.  He definitely lived an amazing life and left a legacy behind.  One of the proudest things that I think of to help keep his memory alive is that our church has created the Dennis Blanton Music Fund.  They only thought it was fitting to name it in his honor as he was the first musician of the church. This fund has been created to help assist the church's music program in raising funds for all of the campuses that we have around the world.  We currently have 9 church plants which are in South Carolina, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.  Over the next few years that number will continue to grow.  If you want to make a donation to The Dennis Blanton Music Fund, it would be awesome.

I love you Dad, you will be missed but not forgotten. Just like I told a friend who was sad realizing she would never see him again at church: Dad influenced so many people in his life, you will see his thumbprint every where you go and on all those around you.  This is what it means to leave a legacy behind.

Originally Posted at: 210 Consulting- Social Media Advisors

Comments (37)

Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Elite - Lititz, PA
Homes For Sale in Lancaster PA - 717.413.0744

Such excellent life principals. Your Dad definitely left a legacy. So sorry to hear of your loss and wish you the very best.

Cal

May 20, 2014 01:47 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I was just talking about my mom's passing in a post. Give it a read if you want. Be blessed!

May 20, 2014 03:09 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

JB, great tribute to your father. Isn't it true, we think we control everything whereas the fact remains - we don't!

May 20, 2014 04:09 PM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

A wonderful tribute of your Dad, Jeremy... You were blessed to have him. I love the funny stories, I think we would have gotten along really fine. He was indeed a very special person, and there's alot about life that can't be planned, just lived, in the moment, grateful, alive, it's finite... I miss my Dad, he's been gone since 1998 but rarely a day goes by that I don't think of him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing your Dad with us and God Bless.

May 20, 2014 05:40 PM
Chris Griffith
Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL - Bonita Springs, FL
Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent

I was so sorry to hear of your loss Jeremy. I know how close and special your relationship was. God bless your family transitioning through this difficult time.

May 20, 2014 08:42 PM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Sorry for your loss and never prepared for the death of a loved one. I wonder about the folks who don't know who their parents are, who lost them in a war before they were born or early on. Mine both lived into their 80's, were healthy until the end and vibrant. I can't feel sorry and am grateful. They taught us death is part of life. Live in today. The season.

May 20, 2014 09:05 PM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I am so sorry to read about your loss. You will always have great memories.

May 20, 2014 09:16 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Yes to the living of the virtues of life which enhance us all...

May 20, 2014 11:22 PM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Jeremy, a beautiful tribute to your Dad. He sounded like a great and wonderful person. His legacy will live on forever.

May 20, 2014 11:42 PM
John Jonas
ReplaceMyself - Virtual Assistants - Highland, UT
John Jonas

Sorry to hear of your loss. But it's very clear, your dad was a great man. You should be proud as he is proud of you right now living in your own legacy.

May 21, 2014 12:02 AM
Sharon Paxson
Sharon Paxson, Realtor® EQTY Forbes Global Properties - Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach Real Estate

What a wonderful list of items that you shared with us today and I know your Dad would be very proud of you. What a tribute!

May 21, 2014 12:48 AM
Bruce Kunz
C21 Solid Gold Realty, Brick, NJ, 732-920-2100 - Howell, NJ
REALTOR®, Brick & Howell NJ Homes for Sale

Sorry to hear of your loss, Jeremy. This is an amazing tribute to an obviously amazing man. Thank you for sharing.
Bruce

 

May 21, 2014 01:02 AM
Suzanne De Vita
RISMedia
Online Associate Editor

Jeremy, condolences for your loss. #2 and #5 really resonated with me. I thank you for sharing this tribute. Wishing you all the best going forward and know that your father is with you.

May 21, 2014 04:01 AM
Suzanne Strickler
Realty Mark Associates - Havertown, PA
School is never out for the Successful.

Jeremy ~ And are you your father's son? If you are, then his legacy is alive and well. :-)

May 21, 2014 05:28 AM
DALIA KIBBY
One Sothebys International Realty - Cooper City, FL
Selling Florida Homes with Passion!

Your father was a huge success...because he left such an inspiring legacy. Know that you'll rejoice with him in heaven one day. Beautiful post

May 21, 2014 06:05 AM
Donald Hester
NCW Home Inspections, LLC - Wenatchee, WA
NCW Home Inspections, LLC

Jeremy, That was awesome. Thank you for sharing. I lost my mom last year and I can really feel for you.

May 21, 2014 12:43 PM
Jeanne Dufort
Coldwell Banker Lake Country - Madison, GA
Madison and Lake Oconee GA

Jeremy - what a heartfelt tribute.  I'm so sorry for your loss, but you were clearly blessed with a wonderful dad.

May 23, 2014 03:06 AM
Sussie Sutton
David Tracy Real Estate - Houston, TX
David Tracy Real Estate for Buyers & Sellers

I just got around to reading this post. I too had been AR MIA just like you. You have not posted in a while and I wondered what was up.

My dad passed this year too. It knocked me off my kilter. I didn't open AR for a very long time and one day I realized my dad would have told me to move on. 

I still am missing him so much and hurt like hell because he is gone. So I figure your are too. Heads up dude what would your dad want you to do? 

I think you are so smart and still have much to contribute to what ever you want to. I hope you come back and teach us all more stuff.

Hang in their dude. 

Oct 04, 2014 01:06 AM
Jeremy Blanton
Myrtle Beach Homes Blog - Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach REALTOR®- myrtlebeachhomesblog.com

Thanks Sussie Sutton !  I'm moving forward one day at a time as I get back into selling real estate again.

Oct 04, 2014 01:11 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Jeremy, I am just reading this, and am sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like a truly wonderful man and you've written a fitting tribute. I have recently come back to AR after an extended absence and am catching up with my friends from "back when".  Best of luck to you and your family.

Aug 04, 2015 01:33 PM