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Pay it forward...especially at Christmas

By
Mortgage and Lending with Starkey Mortgage - Where PEOPLE come first!

As a lender, I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing people - both clients and colleages.  I have found that I am driven by creating the relationship...not the pay check.  Many of my clients are now friends and many friends are now clients.  Several years ago, as I got to know a sweet couple purchasing their first home, I learned that the husband, "Daniel" , was a math tutor.  With a child who struggled in math and my realization that my attempts to help with his homework were becoming futile, I enlisted Daniel's help when he offered.  As I went to pay him after his first session with my son, he quickly explained that he couldn't accept payment and just asked that I return the favor and "pay it forward" when the opportunity presented itself.pay it forward

As I got to know Daniel and his family more, I found out that though he has a full time job, he also was an ordained minister who preached every other Sunday wherever he could find the space.  His new home which I had financed, soon became his sanctuary and he turned his patio into an enclosed space, complete with chairs and a pulpit.  For two years he continued to tutor my son and refused to accept any payment.  My son's math grade soared.

Last Christmas I asked Daniel if he had any church members who needed help with their Christmas wish list.  He emailed a list of needs to me and my adopted family became a reality.  Little did I know it wouldn't be the only Christmas I would spend with them.  Just two days ago, I received an email from the mother of my adopted family.  She had been going through a divorce when I met her last year and now that her divorce was final, she was living in an apartment with little more than a bed for her and her daughter and the kitchen basics.  But she had joy in her heart and was proud of her "own place".  "Pay it forward," Daniel told me. 

I quickly put the word out on Facebook that I was looking for a couch.  Through the amazing world of social media, a couch in excellent condition, two end tables, a coffee table and some lamps were delivered to her doorstep in less than 48 hours.  Her family room, once littered with toys and a homemade banner made from lined paper that spelled CHRISTMAS was now complete. As I watched the tears spill down her face, I knew why Joseph wouldn't accept payment.  Doing for others is what it is all about.

I write this not to pat myself on the back.  I simply put a request out there and it was answered.  I write this to encourage all of you to pay it forward.  The reward beats any gift you will ever unwrap.

Pay it forward

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The opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the view of Starkey Mortgage

Jennifer Robinson

NMLSR#190994 - Alabama license #50092

 

www.LoansWithJennifer.com

334.549.2445 cell

334.213.2537 office

jenniferr@starkeymtg.com

Comments (4)

Karen Anne Stone
New Home Hunters of Fort Worth and Tarrant County - Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth Real Estate

Jennifer:  What a great story.  You know... if each one of us immersed ourselves in the Pay It Forward philosophy... the changes that would be seen in the world would be just tremendous.  Relationships, and giving, are not only what a season like Christmas should be about... it's the reason that all of life should be about.  You are too sweet for words !

Have a very Merry Christmas.  Somehow... I just know you will.

Dec 07, 2011 01:20 PM
Karen Poss
Coldwell Banker Pinnacle Properties, Florence Alabama - Florence, AL
Realtor - 256-366-6292 - Search Florence Al Homes For Sale

What an awesome story!  Oh My...between you and Loreena Yeo the tears are flowing tonight!  You definitely realize what the true meaning of "pay it forward" means.  The reward it FAR greater than the sacrifice or effort isn't it.

Dec 07, 2011 03:22 PM
Jennifer Robinson
Starkey Mortgage - Where PEOPLE come first! - Montgomery, AL
NMLSR# 190994/AL#50092, Conventional, FHA, VA, Step Up and USDA

You ladies are absolutely right!  It all starts with a smile or good deed...it is contagious and can spread easily when hearts are in the right place.  I could truly care less what lies beneath my tree.  Doing for others who truly NEED the help fills my heart with far more joy than I could ever have imagined!

Dec 08, 2011 05:04 AM
Martha Givens
Century 21 Brandt Wright Realty, Inc - Montgomery, AL
Stress Free Real Estate!!!

Great story!  Glad to hear of Facebook being used in such a wonderful way.

Dec 17, 2011 02:52 AM