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Day 2 of the 12 Days of Thanks Giving - My Best Friend

By
Industry Observer with Nature As Neighbors

Debbie Reynold's November challenge keeps us in gratitude mode for the days counting down to Thanksgiving. What a perfect way to fill the Rain with positivity. Thanks Debbie!

 

 

 

Day 2 of Thanks Giving 

 

Honeymoon in Alaska July 2002


Today I'm grateful for my partner in life...


We didn't find one another until 2001, several days after the 9/11 attacks that shook us all to our core.

Perhaps, because we are both parents, it helped us connect on a very visceral level.

We felt a profound sadness that our country was now going to be a very different place for our children.  It spawned some amazingly philosophical discussions - it was a good foundation for a relationship.

 

We married a year after we met, never looking back. 

Wanting to capitalize on spending as much time together in life, we decided to both become Real Estate Brokers in 2004. Life threw us a curve though, a great job opportunity came Bernie's way and we both agreed he had to take it. Therefore, he didn't join me full-time in the real estate business until several years ago. 

 

Our relationship is true yin and yang in business - and at home.

We don't share the same traits and skills and that's precisely what keeps things in balance. Most days. Hey, we're not perfect! 

 

One of his traits, and it's an important one for me, is an ability to be playful.

     Being goofy keeps us from taking ourselves too seriously. 

     Looking at the world with a child's wonder keeps life exciting.

     Laughing together is good for our souls. 

 

His relationship with our children, three of whom he inherited from me, and our grandchildren, is warm and genuine.

 

They all adore him!

 

I often wonder how many men would agree to move in with his aging in-laws and his wife's sister and husband. I am beyond thankful for the day Bernie walked into my life. Lucky, lucky me. 

Posted by


Debb Janes  Bernie Stea
Brokers/REALTORS®
Call or Text 360-608-4900

We help buyers and sellers in Camas, Washougal, Brush Prairie/Hockinson, Salmon Creek, Felida, and other Vancouver, Washington Areas. 


We bring our passion for nature and beautiful environments to Real Estate. Multigenerational and family estates, country land and homes, and small farmsteads are our speciality.


We agree with our clients, "The true luxury of rural living is having elbowroom for the soul.

 

Comments(21)

Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Ha! Thanks Patricia Feager. We used to feel a bit sad that we didn't meet until later in life, but then we realized we met at the perfect time. It was meant to be...

Nov 13, 2017 07:36 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Aw, what a great story Debb and I can see why you two are met to be together.  Now I am sure Bernie is PERFECT, he is a man.

 

Nov 13, 2017 07:41 AM
Beth Atalay
Cam Realty and Property Management - Clermont, FL
Cam Realty of Clermont FL

Hi Debb, this is such a beautiful post. You found the perfect partner for you in every way. Timing was probably just right.

Nov 13, 2017 07:42 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Will, he completes me. Lol. 

Nov 13, 2017 07:43 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Beth, yes. We likely just weren't ready until 2002. D 

Nov 13, 2017 07:44 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

I have enjoyed reading all of these thankful posts for the contest...well done!

Nov 13, 2017 07:45 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD - Meant to be - BELIEVE IT!

Everything happens for a reason. And now you're all one big and beautiful family. Now it really is a home, a dream home, a real home - the way life was intended. 

Nov 13, 2017 07:45 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Debb,

Having been around Bernie, we both admire him and love him...but lucky, lucky Bernie he has you!  And both of us are thankful of our relationship with the two of you...lucky, lucky us.  A

Nov 13, 2017 07:47 AM
Debb Janes

And we are both so grateful for you two.  Our friendship is a wonderful gift. D

Nov 13, 2017 08:22 AM
Debb Janes

We were just talking last night about all the goofy and laugh filled times we spend with you two. I am a lumberjack...lol, lol, lol. 

Nov 13, 2017 09:34 AM
Steven Nickens
Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers - Wailea, HI
R(S)GRI ABR, Maui Real Estate Hawaii

Debb, finding your perfect match in life is a good thing. Something to be thankful for.

Nov 13, 2017 07:56 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

HI Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD - You are truely blessed to have a Best Friend that you love and work with on a daily basis. This is absolutely a "Day 2" post. It is all about family isn't it? 

Nov 13, 2017 08:05 AM
Debb Janes

Yes, loved reading about you little family gift today. 

Nov 13, 2017 09:35 AM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Debb, true yin and yang and you two are completely at ease and comfy with one another and bring out the best in each of you. Isn't it the best feeling to have your true partner in life and know that without a single doubt? You are BOTH lucky to have each other. I feel the same about mine!!! I wish everyone could find that in their lives. 

Nov 13, 2017 12:02 PM
Debb Janes

Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate Yes we are both lucky. I think Larry is perfect for you and such a wonderful man. He has so many interesting facets. 

Nov 13, 2017 12:07 PM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate

Soulful...as you put it. He still mentions that occasionally. He doesn't think he is, silly man. WE know better, don't we?

Nov 13, 2017 12:36 PM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Debb - While I haven't yet had the pleasure of meeting Bernie, it's obvious that you're a great team and well-matched, even in your differences. And I do know the importance of that : )

Nov 13, 2017 12:19 PM
Debb Janes

You will meet him Dick. We will defintely have him meet you and Mary on one of our visits. Next time, I promise. 

Nov 13, 2017 12:35 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Debb you two have a wonderful life together and I'm sure Bernie feels like he's the lucky, lucky LUCKY one too!  Life is so grand when you're well matched like you two - it's like it becomes a beautiful dance along with lots of fun and laughter! I look forward to meeting both of you in person one of these days!

Nov 13, 2017 12:52 PM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Debb-I am so happy you found your soulmate in life. You deserve it. A special lady who found her special man.

Nov 13, 2017 01:34 PM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Oh yes, it seems to me that you met at the perfect time, and as for him moving in with an extended family...he must be a Saint!

Nov 14, 2017 04:02 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Debb, having met Bernie and able to celebrate one of your many anniversary, you are very lucky!  

Nov 14, 2017 05:32 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good morning Debb and Bernie - you sound like you are perfect for each other.  To me having a life long partner makes everything worthwhile.  Congratulations!

Nov 14, 2017 07:23 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

You guys are all awesome, and I'm grateful for your kind words and support. D 

Nov 14, 2017 07:25 AM
Yolanda Cordova-Gilbert
Richmond, TX

Debb,

     I too love the positivity in the rain, and I can feel the love you have for Bernie, he reminds of Bob who had finished raising his children and took on mine 4 and 8 at the time. He also let my parents come live with us. My dad still does. Though I am the playful one he is very serious..

Nov 14, 2017 03:32 PM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

It was meant to be. What a blessing to like and love your partner. You have found a husband with a loving heart that loves and accepts your family as his own.

Nov 22, 2017 04:53 PM