My son (8 years old) and I ring the bell for Salvation Army in front of the Wal-Mart every year at Christmas. Like many parents, I started taking him along a few years ago to try to teach him to volunteer to give back for the blessing of what he has. Usually we see some friends, maybe a past client or 2, and I walk away feeling good for seeing all the strangers who put in some change or a few dollars to help some unseen person in need.
This year was special. An older lady, a little stooped and slow and mabe 5 feet tall, stopped me as I rang the bell. She said "Thank you for all you do. One year when I was a little girl, the only Christmas present I got was from the Salvation Army. I kept that doll until I gave it to my daughter and it finally fell apart. I always remember and try to put in (the donation kettle) as much as I can, because I hope you can do the same for other little girls and boys." I could tell as she thanked me that she thought I was "the Sa;vation Army" and I wanted to explain that I was only volunteering for an hour, but she had already put her dollars in the kettle and started back to her car. A few minutes earlier, I was looking at my watch to see how much of the hour I had left. Now I felt guilty for only giving an hour. I watched the lady get in her car in the handicapped spot right in front of the store and was relieved when she pulled out and avoided being hit in the crazy traffic we see in front of every retailer this time of year.
I'm going to try to keep that little lady and her spirit with me as long as I can. A lot of us Realtors, including me, have felt frustrated by the tougher market. This morning as I write this, that little lady made me a lot more thankful and a lot less frustrated. I hope it makes you feel the same way.
Bill Balatow-Realtor- Iredell County-Lake Norman-North Carolina
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