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A Life Lesson - Don't Give Up

By
Education & Training with Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp Non-Licensed

 Well, I'm finally back to update you on the post "Overcoming Adversity, Change, and Life's Challenges" As most of you know, our family started off the New Year with quite a barrage of unfortunate events. When my wife told me that I should write a post on my Blog about the whole 3 day ordeal, being the stubborn Leo and mule that I am, I resisted! I was in too much shock and drowning in self pity to think anyone needed to know or would care. Man, was I wrong!

After finishing the post, I did feel a bit better, but when I started reading the comments from a few of you, I totally lost it and just had to walk away! It took me a while to even come back to the post, and start reading them again. Every comment, every word, every response simply made me weep! I'm not ashamed, I've been humbled! I have never experienced so much love and support from so many people I have never even met! (at least not in person) I realize now, this is NOT just my social network, this is my family.

I considered naming this the "Miracle Post." Even though I survived the first three days of the New Year, I honestly felt that I had lost all hope, and my faith was shattered. My mind was so emotionally twisted and heart so broken, that at times, I don't remember driving places, saying things, doing things etc. The entire first weekend of the New Year is but a blur for me.

 I kept coming back to the post, and reading the comments. They somehow began to give me peace. Just knowing that my family and I have so many friends here who sincerely care about us, gave me a sense of security, where "In My Heart" there was none . As I found the strength to read your comments, and believe them to be true, my hope and faith began to be restored. "THAT'S A MIRACLE!" I have never been so deeply touched by so many people in all my life. Here's part of the "Life Lesson" my family and I want to share with you.

On Friday, when my position was terminated from my Company that I had given 20+ years of my life to, I was at the end of my rope. I was trying to be strong and positive, but in my heart, I was toast! I saw no light at the end of the tunnel. I was scarred and the world seemed so dark. I could barely look into the eyes of my wife and children. I felt like a failure. I really did not know what I was going to do. I have never felt so helpless, insignificant and worthless as I did this past weekend. When I read through many of the comments (180+) my spirit was renewed, and I found a strength that I just can't explain to you. It was like some kind of strange phenomenon. I used the words from your comments as my fuel, and my post as a positive source to replenish my spirit. Not sure what I would have done without them....honestly!!

So I took the advice from so many of you to be strong, have faith, look for the open doors, don't panic, believe, and just "don't give up!" Such simple words, but yet so powerful. The advice, wisdom, scriptures and life experiences in your comments should be read by any and every person going through a life change, challenge or any type of adversity. I can't tell you how many calls and emails I have received from so many people from all over the Country. Lives have been, and are being changed. I see that many have been touched, and our story is an incredible testimony to what happens when you just hang in there, weather the storms of life, and just "don't give up." Something bigger and better will happen!! It's a fact, and my family and I are living proof.

 In my original post, I posed the question, "So how do you overcome adversity, change, and life's challenges? I really don't know other than to lean on GOD as our spiritual leader, and our friends and family for their love and support." Now, I am convinced that I was right. Look to and rely on God, your family, and all of your friends for support! I have learned so much from so many of you in a single post, richly loaded with comments of wisdom, love, prayer, scriptures, circumstances, trials, tribulations, and pain. You have permanently etched your names into our hearts.

On Monday morning last week, just 8 hours after being unemployed, I was hired (rescued) by one of my favorite local Title Companies here in the Bay Area called Placer Title Company. They are underwritten by Stewart Title and some others. The County Manager, Genie Branson, hired me first thing on Monday morning. She is the angel sent from above, I really truly believe that. Just after that, at 10:00am, my son Brandon had his first appointment with the Orthopedic Surgeon, and was given the green light to just cast the arm, and no surgery would be necessary. It looks as though his arm may heal normally. Someday soon, he'll be back to playing his guitar and wrestling with his brothers once again.

Lastly, even with all the storms, winds, and rains that came crashing down on us over the weekend, we still survived! There was no Flooding, our home was spared! This has been one heck of a journey for the Andersohn's this year. It is a miracle, and my wife and family believe it was because of you and all your positive thoughts, comments and prayers. How could the Big Guy ignore so many people praying for us? Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!!!!

 If God has a Blog, we think ours got featured! LOL!~ When I went into Walnut Creek this week to pick up my final check, one of my dearest friends who hired me back in 1986 was standing in her doorway holding what looked like a small phone book or manual. I asked, "what is that?" She said, "It's your post from Active Rain!" She responded, "I printed out the whole thing, comments and all, so I can take it home and read it, and then share it with my husband. You should publish this in a book!" She was in tears and was very moved by the support she saw here from AR. She said she had never witnessed anything like this before, and she wanted to share it with others. I agreed! You see, your comments and support not only helped us, but now it is helping others too.

We share this whole story with you in hopes that it will bring light into your heart and soul no matter what you may be going through right now. I hope it will give you a renewed hope and faith! I don't even know how to begin to thank all of you for your love and support, your thoughts, and your prayers. We are so appreciative for the time you took to embrace our little family whose lives had been stirred into such turmoil in such a short time. We are forever grateful to each and every one of you for seeing and helping us through this. I will never take for granted all the friends and family we have here. You are the very best friends we have ever had! Thank you, we love you all :-)

One last thing I wanted to share...

I was handed a piece of paper by an employee while I was packing my boxes last week, and it has been in my pocket ever since. It reads: "Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, and Today is a gift! That's why they call it the "Present"! It's so true, and what a beautiful thing! I know this is just another chapter in our life journal and journey, and I am happy we've had the privilege and opportunity to share it with all of you. This is one we probably won't soon or ever forget. The "Lesson" and message we hope to share and give back here is, DON'T GIVE UP! My wife and I wrote and recorded this song called "In My Heart" and she has asked me to share it with all of you. I think this is her way of saying thank you and trying to weasel into my Blog! :-)

Be Blessed, and thank you ALL for just being you, we'd have you no other way! God Bless!

IN MY HEART

In My Heart from bandersohn on GodTube.

Comments(157)

Debra Gambill
Weichert Realtor's Southern Coast - North Myrtle Beach, SC
Realtor, N.C. / S.C
I absolutely love reading your blogs and so many of the others--this is such a great place to be a part of!! Keep up the great work!!
Jan 22, 2008 07:04 PM
Debra Gambill
Weichert Realtor's Southern Coast - North Myrtle Beach, SC
Realtor, N.C. / S.C
I absolutely love reading your blogs and so many of the others--this is such a great place to be a part of!! Keep up the great work!!
Jan 22, 2008 07:04 PM
Debra Gambill
Weichert Realtor's Southern Coast - North Myrtle Beach, SC
Realtor, N.C. / S.C
I absolutely love reading your blogs and so many of the others--this is such a great place to be a part of!! Keep up the great work!!
Jan 22, 2008 07:05 PM
Anonymous
Diane Cipa

How very wonderful.

Never give up.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful lesson.

Jan 23, 2008 07:28 AM
#141
Rob Baldwin
US ECO-GREEN REAL ESTATE INC. - Santa Clarita, CA
REALTOR, Santa Clarita
Brad, the saying is as old as time itself. The Lord works in mysteries ways. Great looking family, you have been blessed with.
Jan 23, 2008 07:32 PM
Tara Colquitt
Tara Colquitt, The Credit Woman, LLC - Philadelphia, PA
Credit Counselor

The sun is shining and the Universe is back in alignment. Makes one appreciate what you have even when you think you know.

Perhaps Brad the challenge wasn't just for you and Debra, but for all of us. Through your adversity and triumph, you have shared a message to hundreds that will be shared with thousands in our daily lives. I plan on speaking of this. And I am sure others have also.

We are all very human and can become overwhelmed. But truly your faith, tested, and maybe shaken, was never broken. Thank you for reminding us to 'Keep the Faith'. More than just a nice quote when you really have to use it. 

NOW...GO GET 'EM!! 

Jan 30, 2008 10:06 PM
Marlene Bridges
Village Real Estate Services, Inc. - Laguna Hills, CA
Laguna Homes|Laguna Condos|Laguna Real Estate
Brad - He pronised to nevr leave you or forsake you...and He didn't! God bless you and your family.  To Him be the Glory!
Feb 02, 2008 02:34 PM
Jo-Anne Smith
Oakville, ON

Brad,

This post brought a tear to my eye...I'm so happy to hear that everything has worked out positively in the end.

Beautiful song! The two of you are very talented.    ((-:

Jo 

Feb 05, 2008 10:34 PM
Yolanda Hoversten
Self Employed - O'Fallon, IL
Referrals for O’Fallon, IL & the Metro East

Hi, Brad!

I'm so happy to know that all is well.  Miracles do happen, and you're blessed with loving family, friends, and devoted bloggers.  :)

Feb 07, 2008 05:35 PM
Tucson Real Estate Experts Anne McKechnie
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Tucson, AZ
Previews Property Specialist

Hi Brad

Great to read the sequel to the first!!! I do believe in this day and age we should have more than one income stream as you never know when someone will fire you or lay you off anymore. Have you ever thought of writing e books in the internet or something along those lines to help people start blogging? It would a second income stream and you could be an escrow agent for fun!!!!

 

Anne

Feb 07, 2008 10:58 PM
June Lewis
Northwood Realty Services - New Castle, PA
Realtor Northwood Realty - New Castle,Pa Lawrence Co 7247304571

Hi Brad,Just read this for the first time.  Since I just started 2 month ago,  I have missed a lot of things. I can say I don't know why you are surprise with the outpouring of love, care and support for you over your trying times.  Brad,  you are getting back, those same qualities you posses. The first few minutes I  was on AR I knew the kind of person you were.  You truly give of yourself to everyone, and on AR there are some of the most caring, giving people imaginable and my friend,  I am sure you are one of the ones at the very top.

Your post and beautiful song brought tears to my eyes also.  My husband also went through that after 19 years 3 months ---9 month short of a pension.....that's OK...God has a way of fixing things up...

Out of every bad thing that happens ...God makes something good come out of it.  The one good thing that came out of this is that ....just maybe you realize...we love you, appreciate you and are so glad your are in this family.  Please tell your wife ...she has the voice of as angel.

PS it's funny...just when I decide, I think, I will just give this blogging up...I run across a post like this.

God's blessings to you and  your beautiful family

Aug 11, 2008 09:23 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

June - I needed that!  Not just the comment, but the reminder of these moments that took place in my life.  I just spent the last 40 minutes sitting here reading my own post, all these comments from the dearest friends in the world, and balling my eyes out like a baby. 

Oh my gosh, I had forgotten about all of this and buried it so deep that I was just flooded with emotions right now.  This was good for me tonight.  This post has sat dormant in the dark now since 2/8/08.  It's not just a coincidence that you found it and commented. 

Thank you so much for your very kind and thoughtful words, but even more than that, thanks for helping to put me back into that humbled state where often times we just need to be.  What you have done for me tonight is nothing short of a spectacular miracle. 

I have been truly moved and inspired once again from all these wonderful friends and even my own post.  How cool is that!  God Bless you for being an angel in my path today!!  :-)))

Aug 11, 2008 02:16 PM
June Lewis
Northwood Realty Services - New Castle, PA
Realtor Northwood Realty - New Castle,Pa Lawrence Co 7247304571

Hi Brad, I am sorry I brought up those emotions but if that is what was needed ..so be it..now I am crying,  because someday , if I ever get the courage, I will share with you why, how, and why I have to stay ( even though it is overwhelming and disturbing at times)  in Active Rain.  When you said it wasn't a coincidence that I found that post, after all those months...well, that is just the confirmation I have been searching for.  I guess you are an Angel in my path also   There's a lot more going on in AR than I think anyone realizes     God bless you & your family

Aug 11, 2008 02:27 PM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

June - no apologies please. I needed that today.  Sometimes the greatest blessings can come from the things we notice least, like a blog post or a person.  I would love for you to share your story sometime when you feel comfortable and the time is right. 

I have been into the deepest and darkest canyons of AR and I have been on the mountain tops as well.  I have seen and heard things that not many members are even aware of that have taken place here both good and bad. I'm pretty intuned to what happens on the network.  I read hundreds of posts every day and see nearly everything that comes through this place, there's not much you could tell me that would surprise me. I love being a community builder here.

My door is always open and my ear is here when and if you need.  Seems destiny would have it that our paths would cross today, and two people having never met could help each other out in some small but special and significant way.  Thanks June, it really meant a lot to me having this little chat with you today!  ActiveBrad :-)

Aug 11, 2008 03:04 PM
June Lewis
Northwood Realty Services - New Castle, PA
Realtor Northwood Realty - New Castle,Pa Lawrence Co 7247304571

Thanks Brad That means so much...I do want to say, when I said there is a lot going on that people don't realize,  I meant in a spiritual way.  I just know that the Lord will use this network in a very powerful way.

In fact you can see it immediately.  He has gifted goodness to the members through caring, sharing

people who continually share and give what it must seem, like a task that will never end. Goodness comes from goodness. God will truly bless that,  as for the  deepest darkest  parts....God will shine the light. I know you are no doubt the busiest member in AR and I so appreciate your comments.  Thanks so much.

Aug 11, 2008 03:16 PM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

June - I think people realize more than you may think here.  Anyone who reads this post for example and these comments will see that there is hope, faith, and a glimmering light that shines on this place.  It's not just the netork, the blogs or the internet, it's "the people" like you that make this place truly amazing.

No people, No ActiveRain, and with no rain, there's no life.  Have yourself a blessed and wonderful evening full of peace and joy!  ;-)

Aug 11, 2008 03:26 PM
Kimberly Hinson
First State Bank - Lexington, TN

Never, never, never give up. I have enjoyed reading all of the words of wisdom. 

I did hear on the radio yesterday that sometimes we have to be put in a situation in order to make a move that we should have made some time ago. We become complacent with our lives the way they are . We continue to stay in a bad situation because we are familure with our surroundings.

That is exactley where I was. The business was going away at the company where I worked, but hated to leave and w as afraid if the unknown. God has blessed me so much with my new job at First State Mortgage. The people are friendly and the staff is more knowledgeable and I am closing more loans. It is true --no rain no life.

 

 

Aug 14, 2008 09:15 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Kimberly - that's right. Never!

Congrats on your successes, I wish you only the best and good fortune from this "rain" :-)

Aug 14, 2008 10:27 AM
Marian Gregor-Ann
Keller Williams - Ann Arbor, MI
Arbor area Real Estate

Hi Brad, Well, well, well now I know a bit more about you. I need to tell you that you're quite a special guy. When I read my first of your posts I thought 'Brad is terrific!'  Thank you!

The Horse Girl ~ Marian

Dec 22, 2008 12:42 PM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Marian - now you know everything about me!  (not sure if that's good or bad...LOL)  Thanks for the compliment, I look forward to sharing a great 2009 with you and all my other friends in the rain.  :-)

Dec 24, 2008 05:03 AM