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When you blog with a heart, you meet others with a heart ~ *Holiday Miracles*

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with CELLing Realty CalBRE #01445865

The New Year of 2010 started off for me the same as most years, full of hope and optimism for the year to come. I had just ended a very difficult year with an increase in business, and resolutions to other challenges in my life, I had no reason to envision that in just a few short weeks a seemingly endless cycle of loss would start. Big losses and small, some that ripped my heart out, and some that any other year might have seemed big but this year were mere inconveniences. Amazing how loss can change our perspectives.

 

Soaring with Eagles

 

Let me backtrack to two years ago when Sally ran a very similar contest to this one. I had agreed to enter but for the life of me couldn't think of anything positive.  Despair had taken over my world and health issues consumed what little normality I tried to maintain.  If I could erase 2008 from my memory I would in a second, all except the Contest.  It was because of my commitment that I focused on the beauty of life instead of losses.

 

I came to Active Rain back when there weren't that many people.  It was a fun place, and the way it was set-up at the time we could see who was online and find them for what basically was a chat on whatever they had recently posted.  But with all good things also come the bad.  For me, it was loosing people that I came to care about.  

 

 

"When you blog with a heart, you meet others with a heart."  

 

This was what I wrote about someone in Blogging with a Heart.....Will we remember you when you're gone that I  came to care about, someone that passed away just weeks before I would have met him in 2007. His passing was hard, and he did indeed leave a legacy for all that knew him. One of the comments on that post was from my dear friend Carol.  She was our resident Feng Shui Consultant, and she also was very good about going to others blogs and writing honest, heartfelt entries. 


Back to this year, and the cycle of loss.  It started the third week of January for me when I lost my house.  That was an overwhelming experience filled with guilt, and a lot of uncertainty as to the future. In the 2007 Holiday Balance Contest I had written that even though things were tough it was the sunrises and the sunsets that were the most important things.  That time was one of total despair as I saw my life crumbling more every day, and it really was only the gifts of nature that sustained me.  I fought every day to keep going, and in January of this year my fight was over...the bank took my house.  I remember Laurie sending me a mail saying how she cried when she read my post.  Never would I have dreamed that just a few months later I would cry over loosing her.

 

Gifts of Appreciation Contest  was one I started where other members were encouraged to write about the people  in our community here that they appreciated.  The difference of this contest was the writer wouldn't receive any points, but instead the points would be given to the people that were acknowledged. Laurie Manny was one of 3 people that won by way of Lola Audu's entry, Sometimes the Wind Kisses a Wisp of Dandelion

 

"In a sense they are like the wind...I did not know them personally, yet their notes of encouragement, good humor and insight have inspired and guided my quest to become a better communicator.  Their most significant contribution to me remains their willingness to give just a little bit." Lola Audu


Emptiness

 

This is really the legacy that Laurie and Carol left, their willingness to give, unselfishly.  To give for no other reason than to help someone else become better at what they do, or be more aware.  Both of them were Eagles, Giants, in their own way.  One would kick us in the butt, the other offered soft teachings...but both made an impact.  Both blogged, and taught with more heart than most.

 

"Give more than you take, and never leave anyone worse off than when you met them"  is how I lead my life.  Maybe that is why I connected with such wonderful people.  Our hearts connected with compassion.

 

 

 

What do you say.....when it has all been said. Colleen Kulikowski said it all in her contest entry. Parallel posts, extremely similar being posted just hours apart. Yes, when we blog with a heart we do indeed find others with a heart!  The Holiday Miracles this year are all the people that have reached out to each other during these losses, including the very sad news that little Gianni, Desire Daniels beautiful little boy just went to join the Angels in Heaven. One more loss...one more tear as this year winds down.

 

My wish for this Holiday: As the sun rises tomorrow, and all tomorrows, that our hearts will beat as one......we will be thankful for all we have and reach out to each other as we feel the losses of our friends. The sunrises and sunsets will remind us that the beauty of life only increases when we reach out and touch each other ~ when we  not only Blog with a heart, but share it with others.

 

Comments (36)

Kathy McGraw
CELLing Realty - White Water, CA
Riverside County CA Real Estate

Sally & David-  The one thing that always made this site special was the people.  There are indeed many legacies here...and yes let us hope 2011 is good ;)

Karen- Thanks for coming over from Anns blog ;)  I will start 2011 with hope and optimism...and then take each day as it comes.....good or bad.  I just hope there are more good than bad :)  Gosh I remember you from when I was brand new...you moderated the Newbies Group ....hope all is well with you, and if they aren't that you keep plugging away till they are :)

Missy- So true :)  I haven't written much in the past year or so, but I still know what's going on with so many from other networks, but the connections were made here :)  Now I have to come back here...a ouple people have been ragging me on Twitter about it ..too funny that I see them everyday, but they say they miss my writing :)

Dec 15, 2010 03:40 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

This is a beautiful post straight from the heart and so well written.

Dec 16, 2010 04:22 PM
Kathy McGraw
CELLing Realty - White Water, CA
Riverside County CA Real Estate

Jane- Thank you for taking the time to read it, I appreciate it :)

Dec 17, 2010 03:14 PM
Ann Dail
Baton Rouge Area Homes, Louisiana, USA, 225-761-0551 - Baton Rouge, LA
Broker/Realtor,CRS, ePRO, SRS, B.A.Chem

Kathy,  You are so right how pain and loss change our perspective!  I have had seasons of loss and those seasons have shaped my personality.  An to loose you house.  How traumatic!  I am sure you can really relate to stressed homeowners you help.  May your Christmas be joyful this year.

Dec 19, 2010 02:51 PM
Jamie Dumaine-Russell
RE/MAX Alliance - Branford, CT

Kathy - You express so much passion in your writing and this post truly touched my heart.  Your ability to overcome so many challenges brings so much inspriation to those of us who may be facing them too.  Active Rain has given me the chance to share things with all of you and open my heart in a way I never thought possible. 

Dec 20, 2010 01:26 PM
Jeff Belonger
Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ
The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

Kathy.. I just read Colleen's post... both of you paying it forward. There have been many that have touched our lives and when loosing them, it just makes it that much tougher. Especially when we are suppose to meet, and never get that chance. Thanks for sharing this.

jeff belonger

Dec 20, 2010 04:03 PM
Rita Fong
RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590 - Marion, AR
Realtor - Marion Arkansas Homes for Sale

Kathy, Congratulations to be one of the winners of the Miracle post.  You definitely write from your heart, and you are right.  When you write from your heart, you will connect others who have compassion, too.  I am sorry to hear the losses in your recent times, but I know you will continue to fight and things will get better, it will.  Have faith, and all shall pass.  Merry Christmas to you!

Dec 21, 2010 08:10 PM
CA COASTAL ESTATES Lauren Selinsky Perez CRS
California Coastal Estates - Aliso Viejo, CA
"Your Real Estate Broker" #oclauren

Kathy, reading your blog, had me there.... I truly felt something, reading every detail... We never know what life brings us... but sounds like there are many people that believe in you! Stay strong and know you are not alone... We started a fund for Reators(R) within our Chapter at WCR for times like what you went through... the families that had a lost. With sympathy for your friends...

Dec 21, 2010 08:32 PM
Steve, Joel & Steve A. Chain
Chain Real Estate Investments & Mortgage, Steve & Joel Chain - Cottonwood, CA

Kathy,

Great post; It takes people to make a community.  Active Rain really is a community that is making a difference in the lives and professions of so many people.

Best,

Steve

Dec 22, 2010 12:13 AM
Dawn Crawley
Dawn Crawley Realty - Pinehurst, NC
Find Pinehurst Homes

Kathy, congratulations on your post getting honored by the community, and here is for a better and brighter 20100 for everyone!

Dec 22, 2010 12:21 AM
Russell Lewis
Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX
Broker,CLHMS,GRI

Kathy, congratulations on your win in this contest. Wonderfully written, genuine and touching in a way that indeed show that we attract what we put out there! I completely agree that:

"When you blog with a heart, you meet others with a heart." 

It's the reason I have personally met so many like minded and truly good people here at AR and as you say it actually makes an impact on us on a personal level! Nice work and best to you and your family in the holiday season!

Dec 22, 2010 12:26 AM
The Scott Loper Team Bux-Mont Premier Properties
Keller Williams Real Estate - Montgomeryville - Lansdale, PA

Hi Kathy,

Congrats on the win.  It is a beautiful post.  Everything done with heart is so much better!

Lisa

Dec 22, 2010 12:38 AM
Margaret C. Taylor
Century 21 New Millennium MD - Mechanicsville, MD
St Marys/Calvert/Charles MD Real Estate Agent

Hi Kathy,  Congratulations on your win you deserved it.  What a beautiful encouraging blog of overcoming and moving on but never forgetting.  Margaret C.

Dec 22, 2010 01:07 AM
Colleen Irwin
Retired - Irondequoit, NY
Creative Real Estate Solutions...

Congrats my friend!      Thanks for sharing your beautiful post!

Dec 22, 2010 02:00 AM
Gail Robinson
William Raveis Real Estate - Southport, CT
CRS, GRI, e-PRO Fairfield County, CT

Congratulations on being one of the winners of the contest.  Your post was so direct and from the heart.  I hope things keep getting better for you.  I love your saying, "When you blog with a heart, you meet others with a heart."  AR isn't just about business.  Those who think it is are missing the best part -- the true friendships that develop.  It is so sad when we lose those we get attached to on AR, but we can keep their memories alive and we can support our AR friends in their tiime of need.

Dec 22, 2010 04:46 AM
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Kathy--we have not met until now thanks to this contest.  I am deeply touched by your post. 

Congratulations--well deserved over & over.

Mary-I will be back in 2011

Dec 23, 2010 05:01 AM
Jason Sardi
Auto & Home & Life Insurance throughout North Carolina - Charlotte, NC
Your Agent for Life

Love that quote by Lola, Kathy.

If anyone around here can communicate with heart, it's you.  And you are as transparent as they come.  There are few that I actually look forward to reading, knowing I really don't quite know what to expect.  You are among those few.

Merry Christmas, Kathy!

Dec 24, 2010 02:54 AM
Pam Dent
Gayle Harvey Real Estate, Inc. - Charlottesville, VA
REALTOR® - Charlottesville Virginia Homes / Horse

Kathy - You are one of the people that I have been blessed to meet on Active Rain with big hearts.  I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and I hope that the magic of the season continues throughout the coming year.

Dec 25, 2010 07:43 AM
Tina Gleisner
Home Tips for Women - Portsmouth, NH
Home Tips for Women

What a wonderful & heartfelt post.

Wishing you a much (MUCH) better year in 2011

Dec 31, 2010 03:13 AM
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Beautiful post Kathy.

Too bad you don't blog anymore here.

I hope, all is well with you.

Blessings your way.

Feb 28, 2014 04:28 PM