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What is a Legacy?

Education & Training with Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp

July 24, 2007 05:31 PM

What is your Legacy? Is it your name remembered by an action, a quote, or a change to the world? I have finally made another "life" discovery! It's not about me and my legacy, it's about what I will leave behind one day. What contributions I have made to the world with the miracles given me.

THESE PAST FEW DAYS HAVE ROCKED MY WORLD

I just spent this entire past weekend moving my baby, that's right, my 21 year old baby son Sean, down to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA. That's about 4 1/2 hours from our home. This was one of the most emotional and overwhelming experiences of my life! One of the most Happy/Sad moments I have ever experienced. We drove all his things down in a u-haul truck, moved him into his new apartment, took a walking tour of the campus, stocked his fridge, purchased his supplies, and then waved goodbye as these two grown men, father and son... cried! I will never forget his face with those tears in his eyes, and a smile from ear to ear. I don't think I will ever be the same!!

Tonight my heart aches, yet my spirit is over-joyed! My emotions are on this massive roller-coaster, and it seems I am having trouble focusing. He is all alone in a strange place, no job, no friends (yet), and he starts classes this Wednesday. His friend will move in with him mid August. I know he'll be ok. Why? Because he is a straight A student, with 4.0 GPA. Sean just transferred in from De Anza College as an Undergraduate. He will be starting his Junior year with Cal Poly. His Major is Business Administration. Sean's a great photographer, a musician, and just a down to earth, great human being. He has never drank alcohol, smoked, or done drugs, and he's at the Top of his classes. This is how I know he'll be ok!! I am the proudest father on this entire planet tonight!

SUGGESTION: THE ACTIVE RAIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Seans tuition over the next two years will cost nearly $40,000. If each member of Active Rain donated just one dollar, that would be $39,758 dollars (send to the address on my profile of course), (BIG SMILE) Am I getting creative here or what? LOL! I thought about coming to all your homes and washing your cars, but I don't have two years to raise the money! :-) Just kidding! I'll come wash your cars!

A LIVING LEGACY

Seriously though, here is my legacy. When it is my time to go, I will be leaving behind a trust-worthy and positive contibuter to society, my son Sean. I dedicate this post to his achievements, his dedication to education, and his "new life" at Cal Poly! He is a godly young man with a huge future ahead! It's so hard to believe twenty years have passed, and now my son is gone. Guess I have a bit of empty nestor syndrome, but I couldn't be happier or prouder of him. Sean will carry on our name for the next generations. For me, today is one I will always remember as long as I live. I have discovered that my Legacy is not all about me, it is all about the ones I love and truly care about!! My son Sean, today and forever, my Hero and my Legacy!

Oh Yeah...GO MUSTANGS!!

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Brad Andersohn

Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA

ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Jul 31, 2007 07:20 PM

David M. Childress

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Akron, OH

I would love to be your Realtor® in Akron Ohio!

Good morning Brad and congratulations, I know you did not write this for any honors, but it IS a great post and will outlive all of us, which is scary and very cool at the same time!

I read Cathy's comment earlier today but did not feel it was appropriate to post until you did. Cathy, I was really moved by your comment because of your perspective as the "dropped off". You, my dear, give me hope because of your sensitivity to this subject at your young age. You will be a wonderful adult and parent! I know thru you how my girl felt! Thank you.

I actually envy you, Brad, because that was the best and the worst time of my life because of the love I had and have for my daughter. I miss that time as well as all the others we shared. Time is fleeting and is not really known until you have been there. Really, really everyone, enjoy every minute and experiance with your children! Brad, this is great therapy, thank you for such a great idea. Have a great weekend, but, I am sorry, it will NOT be easier on Sunday. But you will be near your room, know what I mean? Love, David

Love that golf pic!!!!

Jul 31, 2007 07:35 PM

Brad Andersohn

Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA

ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Good morning my friend. You made me laugh about the raccoon, and now you're going to make me cry? LOL!!! I know right where the room is...yes...I know what you mean! (HUGE SMILE)!

I am focusing on Seans Future, his successes, and looking forward with great anticipation to his destiny, my legacy...really...My tears are only those of joy and happiness for him now, I have the memories, the photos, the videos, the baby clothes and stuffed animals, but more than all that, I have him in my heart and nothing or no one can ever take that away from me. My weakness has really been my own strength! Of course having good friends like you David makes it a little easier to play MACHO when we both know the real story....We Are But MEN! Right? LOL! I will enjoy every second of every moment of every day with my kids that are home still. Time waits for no one and moves faster the older we get. Thanks for reminding me to value that time with my children. You are a good man!!

Time for bed...I am going to San Francisico this morning in 6 more hours to the Bloggers Connect at the Real Estate Connecty Conference. Better get some shut eye...Ciao for now David. B-)

PS. Sean loves to golf with me, I had to put that one up...thanks!

Jul 31, 2007 07:49 PM

Christina Lackey

Coldwell Banker Prime Properties - North Syracuse, NY

Syracuse Central New York Real Estate

Brad- Congrats to you and your son. The two of you have the one thing that so many lack- a true, loving, supportive relationship. It's a testimonial to what a wonderful parent you have been and will continue to be and what a fine man your son is. I wish him the best as he tackle his new school!

Aug 01, 2007 01:33 AM

Cheryl-Anne Priest

Inviting Spaces - Home Staging Calgary - Calgary, AB

Inviting Spaces - Staging Calgary

Brad - yes, there is "Grad Day" yet to come. There was my son's graduation from elementary school (he was sort of a valedictorian at age 11), then there was graduation from junior high school, then high school and then University, all of which were emotional. Next spring there are two more to come as my son will have completed his Masters Degree. There are to be two ceremonies - one in Vancouver, B.C. and the other in Arizona. I plan on attending both. Emotions will run rampant I am sure. Happy 21st birthday to your son - a milestone that you both will feel very emotional about. Saying goodbye the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth time........... does get a "slight" bit easier each time. Not much though. Have fun and enjoy your time on Sunday.

Aug 01, 2007 01:48 AM

Brad Andersohn

Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA

ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Christina - thanks for you congrats comment. I appreciate your positive and kinds words. Again, thank you. :-)

Aug 01, 2007 04:32 PM

Brad Andersohn

Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA

ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Cheryl-Anne, sounds like you've been through the gammit of emotions and lifes child raising experiences. I look up to people like yourself who have lived through these times with their children and families, and come out in the long run that much stronger and prouder! I can tell you are very proud of your son and you should be. Us parents can only take so much credit. The truth is, kids now-a-days have to really apply themselves, it's not the same was when I was a kid. I'll let Sean know you wished him a happy B-Day! Thanks for your comment and for sharing a bit of your personal experiences here with me. :-)

My son hates it when I call hin son, he always says....OK FATHER (lovingly but sarcastic) I have to remember he is a young man now, and I probably shouldn't call him "Sunshine" anymore either. I guess I will just call him by the name I"ll always know as my legacy.... SEAN!

Aug 01, 2007 04:42 PM

Brad Andersohn

Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA

ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Just FYI - Quick update... Sean scored 48 out of 50 on his very first Cal Poly Stats test... "WOOHOO!!!!"
I just found out, I was at the Bloggers Connect all day in San Francisco. This is great news for Sean and for us. I am just so darn proud of this kid!! He's only just begun!! :-)

Aug 01, 2007 04:47 PM

Paula Henry

Home to Indy Team @ HomeSmart Realty Group - Avon, IN

Realtor - Indianapolis Real Estate - 317-605-4174

Brad - I relate to this is so many ways. My children have left for college, gotten married and moved on with their lives. I have one 20 year old left at home. Through it all, they have made their father and I proud. The emotional roller-coaster never ends though..........It is our inherent nature to want to protect our children from life and yet, we know they must face the challenge on their own.

It sounds like you have done a fabulous job preparing your son for creating his own legacy.

I am with you, if all I am ever known for is being a wonderful, loving Mom, I am happy.

Way to go, Sean! I think that is an "A"

Aug 01, 2007 11:48 PM

Brad Andersohn

Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA

ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Paula - Thanks! The roller coaster can be looked at as a scary thing, or an exciting thing. I am choosing the exciting thing for what happens in the future of Seans life and for my other kids as well. They are all my Legacy and I have the responsibility to make sure that their roller coaster ride is an exciting ride and full of adventure and thrills...no matter how emotional it gets for me. BTW - You are a wonderful Mom, so be happy!! You deserve that!! You have earned it!!!!! :-)

Aug 02, 2007 04:15 AM

Ray Saenz

Exit Realty Laredo - Laredo, TX

Homes for Sale in Laredo, TX - Texas, Realtor

Brad,

family will be a legacy always, :) including our appreciated sons or daugthers.

Ray Saenz

Aug 03, 2007 01:40 PM

Brad Andersohn

Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA

ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Said best by Ray Saenz!!

Aug 03, 2007 02:26 PM

Ray Saenz

Exit Realty Laredo - Laredo, TX

Homes for Sale in Laredo, TX - Texas, Realtor

Brad

:)

Ray Saenz

Aug 12, 2007 01:59 PM

Brad Andersohn

Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA

ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Here's a shot with Sean and I at his 21st Surprise Birthday party last week:

HAPPY 21st, BIRTHDAY SEAN MICHAEL!!
LOVE DAD!

Aug 12, 2007 04:39 PM

Cheryl-Anne Priest

Inviting Spaces - Home Staging Calgary - Calgary, AB

Inviting Spaces - Staging Calgary

Brad - beautiful photo. "Sunshine" looks extremely happy and so do you. Congratulations on his great score also. Sounds like he is doing well which is what we all hope for our children. The whole world is out there just waiting for our children to make their mark and the opportunities are endless. I just received an email journal from my son who is presently working in Taiwan for six weeks. He has been able to see so much of the world both through work and vacation. It is humbling at times to think that at age 28 he has seen more of the world than I will see in my entire lifetime. Another emotional roller coaster that is as exciting for me as it is for my son!

Aug 13, 2007 04:06 AM

David M. Childress

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Akron, OH

I would love to be your Realtor® in Akron Ohio!

Way to go Sean on your scores and success so early in life. And happy birthday young man! Sounds like you will do great in life and you have excellent role models in your parents. I know us old folks like to tell you, enjoy every moment because it zooms by, but it does. You WILLnot believe it when you are on stage receiving your degree!!!! It's that quick. Regards, DavidC

Hey Brad, knock the "sunshine" off old man, he-he, my girl calls me 'father' when I let a "princess" slip out, esp. in public!!! Ouch, the look I get!

I am so happy for you and your family!

Aug 13, 2007 07:13 AM

Brad Andersohn

Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA

ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Cheryl - he is doing GREAT!! I am so proud of him! Sounds like your son is doing some great things in Taiwan. The roller coaster ride is one to be enjoyed and remembered for years to come. Congrats on all your sons achievements and your success in raising him. Great job!! :-)

Aug 13, 2007 08:05 AM

Brad Andersohn

Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA

ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

David - he is my sunshine, been calling him that since birth, but you're right, I do not make a habit of doing that in public, he's big enough now to give me a real go if he wanted to. LOL! But he wouldn't. haha

Thanks David for all your support, your kind words, and most of all, your friendship! You're a good man and very much appreciated by your friends and family. Make sure you tell your daughter that "princess" is something she should be proud of, that's what I call my wife, and she loves it!! Only because she is!! :-)

Aug 13, 2007 08:09 AM

Anonymous

Robb Lucy

Some Legacy thoughts: the options to enjoy building Legacies... and smile when you 'go'!

http://legacysmile.blogspot.com

Oct 10, 2008 04:23 AM

#93

Anonymous

Shelby

What a great post, the message here is something every parent and child experiences at some point in their lives. Thanks for sharing this...very touching.

Jul 16, 2009 06:44 AM

#94

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