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Grateful as can be!

By
Real Estate Agent with Wayne M Martin

This is my fourth and final entry to the Debe Maxwell, CRS November challenge on something I am grateful for.

After graduating from college like many who failed to plan I was on line to failing. Then I was challenged to go to law school and in my third year of a four year, year around schedule to graduate I met my wife of 46 years. Luckiest thing that ever happened to me. Her support had me graduating and starting a career in real estate where law school training played a big part.

The rest is history. We started moved to the suburbs, started a family. When it was essential for us to move to Florida to be close to JoAnn's parents, we pulled ups stakes and went. Opportunity necessitated a move from the east coast to the west coast. We were always in agreement as to our moves.

The next 17 years in Ft. Myers was where my son grew up and met life long friends who went on to the University of Florida together before scattering all over the country. During his four years there JoAnn and I made several trips to Gainesville to visit.

Once he graduated he moved to  downtown Chicago, his dream since we left when he was five. JoAnn visited often and as retirement approached, the subject of us relocating to Chicago intensified. As many of your know happy wife, happy life. She did not have to twist my arm and the team moved on.

In Chicago for going on eight years once again no regrets on our decision. She is the captain of the team. And the team is marching on. We likely won't make it another 46 years, ha, ha, but together to the end. I am so grateful.

Thank you again for the challenge Debe Maxwell, CRS and to those members of the Rain who read it and allowed me to share.

Show All Comments Sort:
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Roy Kelley - you are right the years seem to be flying by. My grandson started school and my granddaughter is almost two. And the wife and I are enjoying life.

Nov 26, 2023 06:04 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Kathy Streib - may we all reach 50 and beyond. Life seems to get better every day as we watch the grandkids and see time fly.

Nov 26, 2023 06:06 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Ed (Edward) Silva, 203-206-0754 - remember many years ago when I was managing an office ion Ft. Myers Florida and a stockbroker from across the hall came into the office and wanted to list his property. I asked why. He said he was going back to Milwaukee and getting an apartment close to his son and grandkids. I thought he was nuts. The years passed and I came to see his point of view. No regrets. 

Nov 26, 2023 06:10 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Debe Maxwell, CRS - forgive my lack of techie skills. Yesterday I provided what I think was the missing link. Let me know!

As for stories about being grateful for your spouse, you and Ray Amy take the cake. Just read yo9our post earlier this morning. You guys define the "T" (together) in Team.

Nov 26, 2023 06:14 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Endre Barath, Jr. - nothing would give me more pleasure than meeting you personally and having a long conversation over a bottle of good red wine, or coffee, depending on the time of day. You just never know what the future brings.

Nov 26, 2023 06:16 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Brian England - Nothing is truer than "happy wife, happy life"! And when she makes consistent good decisions, even better. Life is good!

Nov 26, 2023 06:18 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Kat Palmiotti - we are not ready to go, so making steady progress to 50 and beyond! In the meantime we watch the grandkids, ha, ha! And time flies!

Nov 26, 2023 06:20 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011
HomeSmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Real Estate Made Easy

Not many people move from Florida back to Chicago. Glad it worked out. Chicago is a great town (despite the bad media). I think about it often. Good luck.

Nov 26, 2023 09:13 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Wayne Martin don't rule out another 46 years yet, you may have more blessings left than you think.

Nov 26, 2023 09:23 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Joseph Domino 480-390-6011 - You are right, we are crazy but grandkids have a powerful draw that makes you succumb, sell and get an apartment in downtown Chicago. We have had two murders and a 8 person shoutout all within a block of our building. I am dropping off my car tomorrow for repair. I was hit by an unlicensed illegal immigrant with absolutely no documentation.

All that said, my view of downtown Chicago, especially at night is absolutely stunning. 

Nov 26, 2023 12:53 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

George Souto - like your line of thinking but another 46 would be a real stretch! Thanks!

Nov 26, 2023 12:54 PM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I so much enjoy your stories - thanks for sharing - and thanks to Debe Maxwell, CRS for this challenge

Nov 27, 2023 05:15 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Lise Howe - I get to get more grateful each day. And that is the way it is. Thanks for the comment.

Nov 27, 2023 05:26 AM
Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Wayne Martin - that is a beautiful picture of your wife and grandson. Thank you for sharing your reasons for being grateful. It must be a Wonderful Life to have a smart and excellent partner for life, much better than being a partner in a Law Firm. I can truly understand why it is important for couples to be on board for all the right reasons. Your full life is full of joy! 

Nov 28, 2023 05:27 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

As for my wife she is the perfect partner for me. As for being a partner in a law firm, never was. I choose real estate for various reasons and have never regretted it. Some of my choices were not goo but in general, real estate was the best choice. That's the short version Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP and I'm sticking to it. Thanks for your comment.

Nov 28, 2023 07:34 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Wayne,
Congratulations on 46 years together! That's something to truly be thankful for.

Nov 28, 2023 09:32 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Carol Williams - not bad for the second time around, but we both knew it was forever from the beginning. And, as they say, working well do for! Thanks for the comment.

Nov 28, 2023 09:41 AM
beckham daniel
SEO - False Pass, AK

What an inspiring journey! Your story beautifully illustrates the power of partnership and adaptability. From law school to real estate, and multiple relocations, your gratitude shines through. JoAnn sounds like a true pillar of support. Congratulations on your Subway Surfers enduring love and success!

Jul 01, 2024 05:26 AM
Gloria Todor
Premier Property Sales & Rentals - Springfield, PA
& Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA

Wayne, when you find your soul mate, home is where you are together, no matter where that may be.  Good heartwarming story, and wonderful you can be close to your son in your retirement years!   

Oct 29, 2024 07:16 PM
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

Good Morning Wayne Martin 

God is wise. He saw that it was not good for man to be alone so He created women. 

Proverbs 18:22 says "He who finds a wife, finds a good thing; and receives favor from the LORD."

Nov 19, 2024 05:00 AM