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Pay it forward to a senior in need...

By
Real Estate Agent with Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage RECO Reg# 4325734

I work a number of adult lifestyle communities and am often in the "neighbourhood".  Being a gregarious person by nature, I will often stop and talk to people I see.  Waiting to meet a couple from out of town interested in seeing my listings, I saw an older lady, in her front yard, that I have talked to often over the years.  Something about the way she was acting seemed off... She seemed to be fretting about something.  I wandered over and said hello and started to talk about nothing in particular.  As we talked, I definitely felt that something was on her mind.  I found out that she wanted to go to the pharmacy in Tottenham, but her daughter was not going to be visiting her until Sunday, and she did not want to wait that long. I knew she doesn't drive anymore...

I told her that I was showing some homes but that I would be finished by 3:00 pm, and that I would gladly take her into town.  She told me that she did not want to bother me or take up my time, and I assured her that it would be my pleasure.

After my appointment, I picked her up, drove into town, walked with her into the new Foodland in Tottenham, and looked at and bought some fresh strawberries while she attended her needs at the pharmacy.  We were back at her home by 3:40 pm.  She was so happy and invited me in for tea and cookies.  I declined for the moment (I had an appointment), but told her that I would drop by the next time I was in the neighbourhood.

In my life, there have been many people who have helped me in many, many ways on so many occasions,  one couple that immediately comes to my mind are now lifelong friends, Al and Peggy Cunningham, people that I could never truly repay... so when I have an opportunity to help someone, even in a very small way, I try and help them if I possibly can...

spending time with a person, helping them and feeling there worries drift away, that truly is priceless.

Show All Comments Sort:
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

What you did, Chris, IS priceless. I am sure this 'Pay It Forward' would go long way...

Jun 24, 2011 11:46 AM
Pam Miller
Realty Associates - Conroe, TX
Broker Associate - Water Crest on Lake Conroe

Chris - What a kind person you are!  This lady will not forget what you have done for her and she will share her story with others.  It just takes a minute to share a smile or a kind word and you went over and above that!

Jun 24, 2011 12:30 PM
Al & Peggy Cunningham, Brokers
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage - Brampton, ON
Our Family Wants To Help Your Family!

This is a fantastic pay it forward Chris and we can so see you doing it!!! It is us that owes you so much kind sir!

Jun 24, 2011 12:30 PM
Chris Smith
Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON
South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

Praful, I am sure many other people, seeing what I saw, would do something similar...

Pam, Thank You, There are a lot kind people out there...

Al and Peggy, like I have said before, so many people, teachers, coaches, mentors, neighbours and friends have helped me over the years who I would never be able to pay back... so I feel the urge to pay it forward.  This group has set my antennae up, and I am more receptive to the many opportunities we have each and every day to help people around us =)

Jun 24, 2011 06:22 PM
FN LN
Toronto, ON

Hi Chris - Sometimes when you see older people on a periodic basis, you may notice behaviour changes (or sometimes when you meet one for the first time) that may require medical attention and/or in home care.

Jun 25, 2011 02:08 AM
Margie Kopp Sorrell
Coldwell Banker Lake Oconee Realty and Lake Country - Greensboro, GA
Lake Oconee Real Estate

The ultimate pay it forward. When I try to think about being in a position where I need to go somewhere and I have to rely on someone else to make that happen, I just can't imagine. My aunt is in a nursing home, can't drive, so my mom goes and picks up her just to get her out and about at least 4 times a week. My aunt expresses her gratititude every single time because otherwise she'd be completly stuck. I'm sure this woman was incredibly appreciative of your gesture Chris!

Jun 25, 2011 02:52 AM
Ralph Gorgoglione
Metro Life Homes - Palm Springs, CA
California and Hawaii Real Estate (310) 497-9407

Chris,

This was a VERY cool thing for you to do.

You've just made a deposit into your account at the Bank of Kharma!

Jun 25, 2011 10:24 AM