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February 2022 AR Challenge - My Story

By
Real Estate Agent with DFW FINE PROPERTIES 0506509

This month’s AR Challenge is “What’s Your Story,” inspired by Richie Alan Naggar and hosted by Carol Williams and Anna Banana Kruchten CRS, Phoenix Broker.

 

IN THE BEGINNING

I was born in St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Chicago, an early Catholic hospital established in 1887. The only time I went back to St. Elizabeth’s was to visit my mother during her last days in Chicago before she died.

My upbringing was seeded in the lives of immigrants from East Europe, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. They shaped me into who I am because of their deep faith, hope, and passion to live and work hard in America. The children I grew up with were newly immigrated, first generation, or second-generation Americans. The church in the photograph that I belonged to was St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. It's where my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, attended, and where I was baptized, married, and graduated. My relatives had their funeral services here too. 

 

THE COMMUNITY


Sprinkled throughout the community were businesses, schools, hospitals, and restaurants of diversity. Like my grandparents, the nuns from the schools came from war torn countries; many were children when they were sent to concentration camps where their parents were executed. After coming to America, they were sent to live in orphanages. Many became nuns. Like hospitals, the majority of private schools were organized and run by the nuns.

 

DIVERSITY

Besides general education, I learned Common Courtesy and was graded. In between my house and school, I walked with my best friend Pat (same age) and her best school friend Juan. They attended pubic school. I went to Catholic School. Pat’s father, like the majority of parents died when their children were still under the age of twelve. My mother was the last living survivor of the neighborhood where I grew up.

 

A typical day in 1966 waiting for the Bus to take people to work Downtown

 

What shaped me into the person I am today is diversity, education, respect for the elderly, hard work, and getting along with all people. During my freshman year in High School, I paid my own tuition by cleaning classrooms after school. It was my duty to help my parents and contribute to my education. I did that for four years. When I was fifteen, I started working in an auto parts store where I was paid 50 cents an hour in cash which was against the law. I did physical labor carrying heavy auto parts. The man I worked for got fired. 

 

My second place of employment was at Division Chevrolet. My manager was Mr. Garcia. I was the only girl who worked there and he was very protective of me and we had mutual respect. Because I was under the age of seventeen, he found me a job at the Record Shop a few blocks away, where he felt I belonged with students my age.

RIOTING

On my eighth-grade graduation day, the Puerto Rican Parade began that morning on June 12, 1966 on Division Street. What began was the first Puerto Rican riot in the United States, which caused a major disturbance between races. I walked home from my graduation while the rioting was taking place. As a response to the shooting of the young male who lived a block away from where I lived, the world from which I knew had changed in a single bullet.

 

 

BUSING

Freshman year of High School was the first year of busing in my neighborhood. Bussed to my school at St. Stanislaus Kostka were girls from Cabrini Green. By sophomore year, Dr. Martin Luther King was killed. In our school, we learned from the same books, hugged, sat together at the same lunch tables, played basketball, went to the same dances, prayed, and shared each other's company. Our favorite Teacher wasn't a nun. His name was Mr. Pariaswamy from Pakistan. He taught us about the real life in the Middle East. He was our "To Sir With Love!" There was no fighting, hatred, or animosities towards each other. At our age, we were all sad about the political upheavals and still hopeful for a successful graduation. We sang Kumbaya and Let There Be Peace On Earth. Our bonds grew stronger.  We were just girls with hopes and dreams about the same things we wanted in life, a family, a home, and success. Diversity wasn’t a word my generation of girls had to learn. We lived it our whole life.

 

We were children of many different nationalities, backgrounds and ethnicticity 

 

VIETNAM

After High School I got married to a recently discharged Vietnam Vet. It was very difficult for him to get work and we struggled throughout the 1970’s under the Nixon and Carter administration. I worked in Downtown Chicago at a Law Firm on Wacker Drive, an Insurance Company on East South Water Street, and finally Robinson, INC., the old Rookery Building at 209 South LaSalle Street reporting to the Vice President of the Company as a Secretary doing dictation, Shorthand, and Typing. It wasn’t until after my children were born and I quit work that reality became real. Long gas lines at the pump, blizzards, unequal pay, unemployment, discrimination against service men and women, and political unrest, I lived through all of that. We bought our first home with a VA Loan in the month of July, 1979. It was not easy. Hardships were many. But we were the lucky ones. Our interest rate was 10.5%.

 

PICKING MYSELF UP BY THE BOOTSTRAPS

By the late 1980’s my spouse was dead, my children were still in grade school. My son turned 10 years old, twenty one days after we buried their father. We grew up FAST! I was a stay-at-home mom. Life insurance wasn’t something we thought about. Life got better before it got worse. We were in the process of building our first new construction. That dream died. All the joy was gone soon afterwards due to brain cancer and a doctor’s death sentence of 24-hours or less to live. He beat the odds and lived for 3 1/2 months. I was his 24-hour a day caregiver and had to pull myself up by the bootstraps for us to survive.

 

EDUCATION

College education was financially a hardship. Because I had a house, I was not entitled to a Grant. Nor was my daughter either because I had a job and a house (which was still mortgaged). Rules were rules; financial forgiveness was not in my cards. Sacrifices were many. Yet faith, hope, and love for my children, ignited my passion. Sacrifices were worth it. Before moving to TX, I graduated with an Education Degree from the University of Kansas, three Associate Degrees from the College of Lake County, IL, a Bachelor’s Degree from National Louis University  in Evanston, IL. I graduated high honors from all three schools and my children succeeded in higher education too. After being relocated by my company to TX I earned my Master's Degree from the University of Dallas, and Paralegal from Southwesthern in Dallas; then my Real Estate License in 2003. 

 

LIFE-ALTERING

Life-altering experiences can happen to anyone, anytime, place, or age. I know that because it has been my life experience. I love to read and write beginning with my early years in grade school. My passions are many. As far as writing a book, I have written stories about my life, all my life. In more recent years, three editors read them; none were interested. No. I will not pursue writing with a published author and I have no intention of self-publishing. My decisions are not because of rejection. My passion is my business of selling real estate to people in need. I firmly believe in home ownership and want what's best for my clients and myself. I aspire better things for myself today which are personal. Until then, I remain a blogger on AR and will continue to discover my life’s purpose.  

Posted by

Texas Law requires all license holders to provide the Information about Brokerage Services form to prospective clients.

https://www.trec.texas.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-forms/CN%201-4-1.pdf

dfw fine properties

PATRICIA FEAGER, REALTOR®
DFW FINE PROPERTIES
3575 LONE STAR CIRCLE SUITE 315
FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76177

Email Me
                                  

                                     

MBA (University of Dallas)
BA
(Bachelors of Arts & Science)
Paralegal (Southeastern Career Institute)
Associates (3) (College of Lake County)
KU (University of Kansas)

CERTIFICATIONS

CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)
SRES (Certified Senior Residential Specialist)
PSA (Certified Pricing Strategies; Mastering the CMA)
CRS (Certified Military Relocation Specialist)
RENE (Real Estte Negotitions Expert)

"With self-discipline most anything is possible." --- Theodore Roosevelt 

 

 

 

  

Comments (40)

Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Brian England - I can still remember how long it took for me and my long, long wedding veil to get down that aisle up to the alter to take my wedding vows. It really is a beautiful church. Have you noticed now many people packed into the church when this photographer snapped the picture from the balcony! I have many photos of this church from family photos. What's most interesting to me were the photos of my grandparent's wedding photo in the late 1800's, my parents wedding on the steps going into the church, and my wedding pictures taking my vows. This is an historical church. 

Feb 03, 2022 05:54 AM
Brian England

I love it, so much beautiful history!

Feb 03, 2022 06:16 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

Brian England - The church was founded in 1867. I was there for their 100th Anniversary! Attention to details is everywhere!!!

Feb 03, 2022 06:32 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

You jumped into this challenge with passion and determination. Love hearing more about you. I do know some of it, but like Nina, enjoyed hearing more of the details. Your children have a great role model in you. It's not easy being a single mom, but you carried it off with grace and guts. 

Feb 03, 2022 08:58 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD - I was worried people would judge me because I wasn't born into luxury and had such an unusual background. But I have no regrets and I really did have a good childhood. Your comment and comments by others gave me reassurance that I could be accepted for who I am here on ActiveRain. I guess you all figured out, I'm not like anyone else and an odd duck. I hope to have real friends here on ActiveRain for the rest of my life on this platform. But if I don't, I'll understand. 

Feb 03, 2022 10:17 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP Oh my goodness, it's a wonderful life story and I can't imagine feeling anything but interest and great admiration for you.   

Feb 03, 2022 10:54 AM
Buzz Mackintosh
Mackintosh REALTORS - Frederick, MD
“Experience, reliable, leadership”

Thank you for sharing your story it is an inspirational and  fascinating read. Your time line defines the beautiful person you have become.

Feb 05, 2022 05:06 AM
Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

A true "fighter" I have come to know.  Thank you for sharing your intimate story. Your clients are lucky!  I wish you continued success.

Feb 05, 2022 02:27 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

You are one of the strongest people I know... and you have the ability to always see the best in any situation. You've lived through some hard times, and have came out the other end, a wonderful, caring, learning, open, giving, person... I remember the first time I met you, I had no idea what to expect, and there you were with a smile that was bigger than anyone in that hotel lobby. You should be very happy with you.

Feb 05, 2022 06:05 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Patricia! I knew most of this story but, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED filling in some of the blanks. Great details and I LOVE that you shared this story for our February challenge. You are one amazingly strong woman!! ❤️

Feb 05, 2022 09:31 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP   Kodos to you my friend ! Being a single mother not easy .It does makes one strong and teach one with faith and hard work we can do almost anything +

Feb 06, 2022 09:27 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Hannah Williams - My child rearing days were the greatest joys of my life. My world revolved around them and that's what made me happy. Being a single mother, wasn't something I wished for on any stars in the sky. It was the toughest and most joyful work I did. Faith is a healer.

Feb 07, 2022 03:16 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Debe Maxwell, CRS - I appreciate you stopping by to read my non-fiction story. Thank you. 

Feb 07, 2022 03:17 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Kat Palmiotti - it was my good fortune to discover you on ActiveRain and my good fortune to meet-up with you in Maine that first year you moved there. I will never forget how you made me feel, so welcomed to your new home. I was lucky I got to see the foundation of your home and all the beautiful trees. As you know, Montana is very special to me, and after sharing time with you and having meaningful conversations, I am very proud to know you. 

Once again, you did it! You caused tears to well up in my eyes this morning. And you did it by accomplishing a smile on my face. Thank you. 

Feb 07, 2022 03:22 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Aura Alex - when the lines are blurred and you want to survive, you fight back without letting anyone know how hard you're fighting and you do it peacefully. That's the only way to come out ahead. 

Feb 07, 2022 03:24 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Buzz Mackintosh - It's not because I'm ashamed that I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth, or had the luxuries of childhood, I never thought I was any different from the kids I grew up with. The fact that I had parents and my father got to walk me down the aisle was satisfactory to me. Reading your comments now as an adult, you'll never know how much you touched my soul. 

Feb 07, 2022 03:27 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good afternoon Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP ,

What an inspiring entry into the February challenge. Very riveting..I knew some of your story but this definitely filled in the areas I wasn't sure about. Thank you for taking the time....Life is a negotiation on what is dealt us!

Feb 12, 2022 02:15 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Dorie Dillard Austin TX - I'd like to think of myself as a robust writer of truth without any carbon copies. There is always a price to pay for the negotiations we make in life, whether its because of the purchase of a house, a place to rent, or the decisions we make. Negotiations are tough. It's the outcomes that make the difference. Thank you for your comments without judgment and for your interest in me.  

Feb 13, 2022 01:58 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I knew this would be an interesting read Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP as I've always found your posts interesting. We are of similar age but our experience but we sure grew up under different circumstances at the same time.

Feb 15, 2022 07:23 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Your story to anyone would be the beginning of a lasting friendship... well done dear lady. 

Feb 18, 2022 11:01 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Bob "RealMan" Timm - Thanks for the nice comment. Knowing that you anticipated something interesting made me smile.  

Feb 18, 2022 06:34 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Richie Alan Naggar - thanks! Although I didn't hear you on Zoom, I did think of the idea for the AR My Story last year and held my first contest. The stories were incredible then, and just as interesting this year too. I sure wish you would have submitted a story when I held the contest to learn more about you. 

Feb 18, 2022 06:36 PM