I did the unthinkable; I fell in love with my client. It wasn't planned, no blind date jitters, none of my friends elbowing each other under the table. It just happened.

Let me explain.

Mr. Moran is a charismatic, happy, mannerly, and of course, handsome Drill Instructor for the United States Marines.

I met him after he contacted me through email (found me on, yep you guessed, it Active Rain).

We corresponded while he was checking out of his station post in Okinawa, Japan.

He needed a home, a home very close to Parris Island (Marine Recruit Station).  By time he arrived in Beaufort, I was sure I had the perfect home.

I did.

The moment he stepped foot inside he was like a kid at Christmas. I found myself just as excited as he was. He ran from room to room mentally arranging his furniture.

Not to diminish his excitement, I gently said, we have others to see.

No, he said, this is it.

After prying him from the first home I showed in we visited three others. None compared.

As we are writing the offer, I noticed he became abnormally quiet. His typical energetic smile seemed distant.

I assumed it was the first time jitters.

The transaction was a success. On closing day, he was ecstatic. Even the closing attorney found herself giggling and joking with Mr. Moran (SHE NEVER JOKES AND GIGGLES)...

Right before we left the closing office he looked at me and said...

..." thank you Cherimie. I am the first person in my family to own my own home. The whole time I was in Iraq, my goal was to purchase a home. You see, I am from the Dominican Republic and the rich are rich and the poor, have nothing.  I went to war to fight for my right to own a home. We all fight for different reasons, most of them personal. It isn't the political answer but it is the truth. Each Marine has a reason to walk through mine fields. "

Speechless.

This was not at all something I was prepared to hear.  I was certain I had heard all the "reasons to be excited for first time home buyers"....

So yes, I fell in love with my client. Wouldn't you?

God bless our Marines.