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I'm Grateful for Family Relationships

By
Real Estate Agent with Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 SA5376460000

This has been a sad year for my family.  With the passing of one of my brothers I'm grateful for my family realtionships, especially having created better relationships with my brother's children this year.  We can't pick our family members, but we can make every effort to be a good friend and cherish the family that we are born into.  Whether those are blood relatives or not, being grateful for family gives us stronger bonds with those we love. 

 

My brother was a kind soul who helped anyone without hesitation.  At Stuart's service, a young boy about 12 offered to speak.  Since I don't live in Kansas (since '91) and haven't gotten to know his neighbors, this boy was a mystery to me.  I can't remember the boy's name, but I'll never forget what he said at the memorial for my brother.  

 

The boy spoke of how he had "borrowed" a fishing lure from Stuart's tackle box.  I'm not sure how he happened upon the tackle box, but when Stuart found out he wasn't angry.  Stuart offered to show him how to tie a fishing knot and helped the boy.  This neighbor boy told the story of how Stuart had offered advice and helped him.  This was Stuart. He was a philosophical type of person who always had a story to tell.  He made a lasting impression on that boy who will probably never forget my brother.  

 

Since Stuart's passing, I've extended and made the effort to get to know Stuart's children and their families better. Stuart and I haven't lived in the same state since '91 so his kids don't necessarily know mine.  

 

My daughters have also made an effort to extend their friendship to Stuart's daughter and sons.  While attending their grandfather's birthday party in Kansas, they made a special effort to visit my niece and nephew and family members that they typically hadn't visited.  My daughters haven't lived in Kansas since they were very young and the relationship with their cousins is self created at this point.  

 

Seeing pictures of them all together brought tears of which I'm very grateful.  Knowing that they made that effort in honor of my brother is something very special of which I cherish.  Although it was very sad to lose my brother, I'm very grateful for the family bonds that have been created in his honor.  

 

The featured image was taken while driving in 54 Highway to Wichita about three years ago.

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Comments (22)

Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, Jan Green so sorry for your loss.... but that turned into a positive note for his children and for you to have established a new found relationship.... family is everything....cherish it, Jan.

Nov 06, 2018 03:28 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I am sorry to hear of your brother's passing, but glad you are taking the opportunity to get to know his children better. Enjoy the journey.

Nov 06, 2018 03:36 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Jan Green - I do believe that in the fire of tragedy, there are new sprouts of life that poke out and call to us. I am happy that you have developed a closer relationship with your brother's children. 

Nov 06, 2018 04:40 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Jan. I remember your brother's passing and how sad you were. This story is poignant and that little boy was touched in a very real way.

Nov 06, 2018 05:35 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

So true Dorte!  It's been great staying connected to his kids.  

Nov 06, 2018 09:19 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you for your sentiments Sally K. & David L. Hanson !  I know Stuart would be happy about my daughters' visit as well. 

Nov 06, 2018 09:20 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you Barbara Todaro !

Nov 06, 2018 09:20 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you Kat Palmiotti !  So important to know them. They are as kind as he was. 

Nov 06, 2018 09:21 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you Sheri Sperry - MCNE® ! The really cool thing is that the youngest son just had a baby in the middle of all the tragedy. And they named him Dean after my brother, Stuart Dean ;)

Nov 06, 2018 09:22 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Yes he was touched Sheila Anderson .  It was heart warming hearing how he was touched by my brother and thought enough of him to stand in front of 40 people on  a microphone and admit he "swiped" a fishing lure and then the lessons he learned from my brother.  We were all touched by his comments.  Thanks again for your sentiments!

Nov 06, 2018 09:23 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Jan,

What a touching story.  Sorry to hear of your brother's passing and delighted to hear of the legacy he left also.  A

Nov 06, 2018 02:17 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you Ron and Alexandra Seigel !  Yes, it was very sad but remaining in touch with them has been very rewarding. They know we share that loss together ;)  Thank you for commenting!

Nov 06, 2018 03:08 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Jan- I am sorry for the passing of your brother this year. Stuart sounds like the kind of person that we need more of!!!  I was lucky enough to grow up around my cousins and even though I don't live in Texas now, I still see them when I go back. Family is so important and I'm glad that you're reconnecting with them. 

Nov 07, 2018 08:06 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you so much Kathy Streib !  There's really nothing like family.  Being the middle kid of 6 was fun and noisy!  Yes, Stuart was a quiet kid growing up and he was always a good mentor for me.  So good that you stay in touch with your cousins.  Thank you for commenting!

Nov 07, 2018 08:16 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Hi Jan, Glad that you are reconnecting and building stronger ties with your brother's family. It will truly bless you.

Nov 09, 2018 06:53 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you Debbie Reynolds !  They are a great bunch of kids and include me in a lot of their FB posts.  So nice to see them at least on FB if nothing else!

Nov 13, 2018 03:27 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Jan Green - the loss of a sibling is something I haven't come to know yet. Sending you virtual hugs. Nieces and nephews don't always know their Aunt's and Uncles. I didn't get to know one of my Aunts until she was in her 80's and when we finally connected, we made quality time last. I'm sure you will do the same for yours and be there for them while you're still young enough to enjoy them. I hope that baby born out of tragedy lives a good and healthy life and is loved by all members of the family. I'm glad he carries the legacy of the name, Dean. May you all be blessed this Thanksgiving holiday. 

Nov 14, 2018 03:33 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I can relate to your thoughts.

My younger brother passed away a couple of years ago and left a wife and five children. His widow is now on a trip with one of my sisters and her husband on a tour of New Zealand and Australia.

Nov 16, 2018 07:45 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Thank you so much Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI !  You are such a doll to spread good wishes.  I'm glad you got to know your Aunt.  How wonderful for you both to extend friendship into the family :)  Yes he carries a great legacy.  My Dad's middle name was also Dean and I think my grandfather's as wel, not sure as he died before Stuart and I were born.  The name Dean may be on it's 3rd generation . He's a sweet little thing!  Here he as it 2 months :)

Nov 16, 2018 12:23 PM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good morning Jan - I am glad you got to visit with your brother's children.  It is sometimes funerals that bring people closer together.

Nov 17, 2018 05:57 AM