Looking back, always seems to provide some clarity when moving forward. After experiencing a whirlwind of painful events, I retreated in silence for some much needed reflection. In the months and years that flew by, Home became my quiet place of refuge.
I grew up as a poor kid, born to a disabled single-parent, waiting in welfare lines for food, and bouncing around from HUD houses in disrepair. I have very little recollection of happy childhood memories... although, once I was offered a Hershey's bar from a stranger; and my Dad gave me a Schwinn bike for my 6th birthday. Other than that, memories of abuse from a neighbor, along with regular beatings from a step-father permeated my adolescence. I felt shame as a child, and I never wanted to speak of such things to anyone. It took many years for me to reconcile who I was, and the events that shaped me.
When I got married and started a family, we built our first home. It was then that I began to make memories of my own; good ones. I loved being a Mom, and doting over my kids. We had a garden, dogs, a wolf, horses, chickens, and even a pet rat named Earl. We hosted Japanese exchange students, which provided awesome cultural experiences for our kids. We spent many weekends at baseball and football games, dance recitals, garage-saling with teenagers, and attending church. God and Home were the center of our lives.
It's probably no coincidence that I chose a profession in real estate, having a deep sense of longing for a connection to Home. After celebrating a successful 20-yr career in real estate, Home has once again become a quiet place to refocus and renew my love for what I do. Recently, I launched a campaign that marries my personal style with my belief system... Home is Where Our Story Begins. I'm excited to continue to fuel my passion for 'Home' by sharing personal stories alongside those of my clients. I still pinch myself every day... knowing that I am blessed to be doing what I love.
This post was inspired by ENDRE BARATH, JR. and his AR Challenge - What changes did you make last year or the year before that worked?
It feels like Home!
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