This is a social network, and many of us also belong to other social networks, chat rooms, etc. where we meet people that we call "friends". But what happens when that friend leaves, or you don't read anything from them for a long time. Do you think of these "living in my computer" friends and colleagues, or is it out of sight out of mind? Today I remembered a dear AR Friend that is no longer with us.
Today I have been working on several Real Estate related articles for my outside blog California Real Estate and Life. As a Veteran myself one of the areas that I have been excited about developing is the Military Matters and Relocation. I have plans for this. So today between Escrow problems, Agent Issues, and Broker duties I have been writing about VA loans.
I wrote a Post on 8/27/07 About some of our friends that were in need of a little AR Support at the time. This is an excerpt from that Post:
Many people work in a home office, or maybe live alone. We have a lot of things going on in our lives, both Professionally and Privately: transactions that need attention, people that want something from us, family, friends, kids, etc. But, who is there when we need a shoulder to cry on, to vent, to throw ideas around, for feedback, or to just listen......
Active Rain of course....
"When you're crying and all alone
It's nice to know someone cares.
They don't have to be on your doorstep
or on the telephone,
Just knowing they're there
Shows they care
When you need them the most."
Many years ago I wrote this for someone that was grieving. Not everyone has someone that they can talk to, and they might just need something that lets them know they're not alone. That's what I have seen Active Rain do.
- Motivate,
- Lend a hand,
- Inspire,
- Allow someone to vent and reassure them,
- Welcome others,
- or just be there by sharing information.
- The community at it's best......
Well, when I posted this I had links to all sorts of people, and one of the people that commented touched my heart in a big way...even as I write this sentence tears are rolling down my cheeks. Anyway, that Post brought someone into my heart from then and even now, although I no longer see him, or hear anything about him.
After that Post I started to read the most Positive Posts, sprinkled with wisdom over and over again. I didn't really know who this person was, but I sure learned. And every Post that I read I could feel a heart and soul so beautiful that I wanted more. Today I just read every single Post he wrote here on AR. Some of them made me cry, some made me smile, and some gave me the VA Information I was seeking. And even though this Blogger, this Veteran, this lover of life is no longer on Active Rain....I remember him well, and I am just as sure many of you do as well.......
Bruce Bourgault was a VA Lender in Honolulu, HI
Bruce loved Blogging . Many of us remember his fight with Throat Cancer, and the beloved Hot Dogs that he so desperately wanted to taste again. It was a very sad day when Linda, his wife, told us that complications took over, and Bruce passed away. I remember that day like it was yesterday.....although it was the end of October 2007.
So, what started this memory......VA Loans!
Bruce touched my heart....and when I checked just for the heck of it, yes he is still on my subscribed list, and yes his Posts and Profile are still here. I'm not sure why, but for now I am glad, as it gave me a chance to reconnect.
Real Estate and all the other parts of it; lending, staging, home inspections, and everything else involves people. Our blogging gives us a chance to connect to people in a much bigger way. It is the way we Market Ourselves online. Just as Bruce, who lived in Hawaii, and who passed away weeks before I would have met him in person made an impression on me.....we try to leave an impression on others. We want people to remember us, as I remembered Bruce when thinking of VA Loans....that is what online Marketing is all about.....remembering when it's time.
In memory of Bruce......I will will dedicate part of my Military Matters Posts to him, and his love of both of his careers, An Officer in the Army, and a VA Mortgage Lender :)
***This is more than I ever expected from my Actie Rain Blogging....but when you blog with a heart, you meet others with a heart***
The bottom line is any and all of us are making impressions......but what kind is the question. Do we want to be a Bruce, who is no longer here and is remembered so fondly by so many. Or do we want to be the controversial type that can be kicked off the network, and the thing people remember is controversy and violation. It's our choice....
By: Kathy McGraw
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After writing this I don't think I have the mental energy to finish my VA Loans Post today. I really am amazed at the people that are here, and the people that have touched my heart in one way or another...
Long live Blogging :) :)