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Giving Thanks Part II: Memories

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Education & Training with Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals.

"The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments."

I'm pretty sure that every year I've participated in the annual ActiveRain Thanksgiving Challenge has included a special post for my one-and-only, Max. This year will certainly be no exception.

When Max died in May of 2011, I was convinced I would never be happy again and honestly didn't think I was going to live much longer. Why would I even want to?

I still miss him very much and wish he were still here with me. However, what I've found interesting is that the sadness over the loss I felt back then has turned into happy memories. I am truly blessed to have spent 28 years as his wife. My life with Max was a blessing, and I will always cherish it.  

I've written a lot about how my life has evolved over the last 12 1/2 years, and can honestly say I am happy and content again. That said, I look forward to a reunion one day when the good Lord decides it is time.

My sincere hope is that anyone struggling with grief of any kind can take solace in knowing it does get better if you work to move forward and focus on the memories, not the loss. It's not easy, but worth it.

Here is a link to the song I created in Suno as a
Tribute To Max

This is my 2nd Entry into the November 2024 ActiveRain Thankful Thoughts Challenge  hosted by Debe Maxwell, CRS 

Posted by

Carol Williams

"Information is FREE.
Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless."

- Carol Williams

Retired: Real Estate Broker/Owner, Property Manager 
Coaching, goal setting, and marketing consultant

Active: Golf & Travel Blogger
"Golf isn't a sport. It's a lifestyle."
SeniorWomenGolfers.com
TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
 

Whatever You're Doing, Make It Fun!




Comments(21)

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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Carol - grief can be difficult.  While there can be similarities between those grieving, it is not universal.  Like change and evolution of many kinds, hopefully each impacted by such sorrow discovers the way that works best for them.   

Nov 11, 2024 03:41 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Michael Jacobs 
You are right, grieving is not universal. Each persons grief is different. We all have to find out own way.

Nov 11, 2024 05:17 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Carol,

You have come a long way and I love your tribute to Max. You are right it does get better if you work through your grief and move forward. Focusing on the wonderful memories, and not the loss is a key takeaway.  

Nov 11, 2024 04:33 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Dorie Dillard Austin TX 
If anyone understands, you do. It's a unique journey for each of us.

Nov 11, 2024 05:19 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Carol. I don't think we ever get over "missing" a loved one like, Max. But we do move on, the pain lessens, and we can focus on the good memories. You've come a long way in the past 12+ years and I, for one, am delighted that your life is again a happy life.

Nov 11, 2024 04:45 AM
Carol Williams

Thanks, Nina Hollander, Broker 
You're right, we don't stop missing our loved ones. We just continue the journey in new ways, taking them with us.

Nov 11, 2024 05:19 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I think that you are correct, I believe I have heard about Max each and every year and I am glad he was in your life!

Nov 11, 2024 05:15 AM
Carol Williams

Me too, Brian England. Me too! ❤️

Nov 11, 2024 05:27 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Carol. I lost my father at 20 and have had to live with the memories and not the loss for many years. It does become easier with the passage of time but it is not an easy process. Enjoy your day. 

Nov 11, 2024 05:29 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Wayne Martin 
It is NEVER an easy process, that's for sure. I lost both my parents when I was a kid. Sometimes, I feel guilty because I don't have enough memories of them to feel like I can fully honor what time we had together.

Nov 11, 2024 05:36 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much, Carol, for sharing some of your very special memories.

Nov 11, 2024 06:23 AM
Carol Williams

Thank you for reading my post, Roy Kelley 
My time with Max was very special.

Nov 11, 2024 07:16 AM
Roy Kelley

Dolores and I are lucky. If we live until June 12, we will be married for 60 years.

Nov 11, 2024 09:40 AM
Carol Williams

That is very special, Roy Kelley.
Congratulations to you and Dolores.

Nov 11, 2024 05:22 PM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Carol, Forever thankful to those who have dedicated themselves in service to our country. They are all worthy of our honor and remembrance including Max!

Nov 11, 2024 07:12 AM
Carol Williams

Thanks, Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400 
Max was born Canadian so he did not serve in our military but our son did, including two tours in Iraq.

Nov 11, 2024 07:41 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

 

Reading this post Carol Williams:

You are truly blessed in so many ways. Not everyone gets to experience the kind of love and the depth of love you had with Max. 

When it comes time to give gifts (Birthday, Christmas, etc.) I prefer to do something, spend time together, and create a memory that will last a lifetime. Memories in life are the real gifts, the real treasures.  

Nov 11, 2024 07:37 AM
Carol Williams

I totally agree, Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist 

Nov 11, 2024 07:38 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

Don't miss this post, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 
I know you'll appreciate that I created a song to go with it.

Nov 11, 2024 08:32 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Carol I have been married for 50 years, and if the day ever comes that my wife goes before me, I hope and pray I can find the peace of mind you have found.

Nov 11, 2024 01:31 PM
Carol Williams

I hope you never have to go through that, George Souto. You or your wife will likely experience this loss at some point. It's not easy, but possible.

Nov 11, 2024 02:13 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Carol- you were blessed as many of us have been. Not everyone can say that. I look at your life and admire and marvel at how you've moved through the years since your loss. We never forget, and we never get over it. 

Nov 11, 2024 04:52 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Kathy Streib 
I am very well aware that not everyone has been blessed with the kind of love Max and I had, or you and Larry have. I think maybe the loss might be even harder for those who don't experience that because they may have more regrets of one kind or another.  It's something to ponder, as Michael Jacobs would say.

Nov 11, 2024 05:25 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Carol:

What a wonderful post of thanks for Max. I'm so glad your sadness has evolved into happy memories and contentment with your life.

Jeff

Nov 11, 2024 05:06 PM
Carol Williams

Thank you Jeff Dowler, CRS. It's been an interesting and rewarding journey

Nov 11, 2024 05:28 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

It's such a blessing that you experienced the love of a lifetime. It is also a blessing that you have such wonderful memories and have been able to move beyond the paralyzing grief that I'm sure you must have felt in the beginning. You've come a long way, baby! 

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful post in this month's challenge. 

Nov 11, 2024 07:16 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Debe Maxwell, CRS 
Yes, I've come a long way. It's been quite the journey. After the 4th post, I'll get all the links in ONE comment.

Nov 12, 2024 06:00 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Carol, so nice to read you are again content in life, and you do have all those wonderful memories with Max.

Nov 12, 2024 12:49 PM
Carol Williams

It's a true blessing, Joan Cox 
Thanks for stopping by to read and listen.

Nov 13, 2024 09:19 AM
Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

My dear friend Carol,

Love is eternal. Your post brought me solace, a connection to Max's spirit watching over you. Today, he guides you towards a life filled with meaning and purpose.

Your love song in memory of him is truly precious. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt story.

Nov 12, 2024 04:51 PM
Carol Williams

Thank you for reading and listening, Aura Alex 
He truly continues to be my inspiration and guiding light.

Nov 13, 2024 09:20 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Carol, you are fortunate to have had Max in your life.  I am sure you are grateful for that, and the memories those days created.

Nov 12, 2024 06:27 PM
Carol Williams

I am deeply grateful, Myrl Jeffcoat 
The memories are timeless and endless.

Nov 13, 2024 09:21 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

What a wonderful post.   I can certainly understand that grief seems to be everlasting, but eventually happy memories surface more frequently.  He looks like a true gem and I bet you had some wonderful times!  Hugs Carol!

Nov 12, 2024 06:43 PM
Carol Williams

We had an amazing life, Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ 
Even his illness didn't dim our light.
I hope to see you this winter. I arrived in Yuma on Sunday evening.

Nov 13, 2024 09:22 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

Just wonderful Carol!  Finding a love like that is rare 🥰  When will you be in Phoenix?  I'm heading out  for my 2 week trip before and during Thanksgiving to visit 2 of my 3 daughters.

Nov 13, 2024 09:27 AM
Brenda J. Andrew
ULTIMA REAL ESTATE - Willis, TX
Professional Realtor in N Houston & Corpus Christi

Good morning Carol Williams.  You are such a precious and special person.  Your post really touched me this morning and I am sorry I have missed them in the past.  It is such a blessing to find a once in a lifetime love.  I loved the song you dedicated.  I wasn't ready for such a beautiful post this morning but so thankful I read it.  This is the way I feel about my husband Jim. In fact, my nickname for him is Gem because he is so precious to me and I am so thankful for him.  May the Lord continue to bless you as you continue to bless each and every one of us.  Have a beautiful rest of your week!

Nov 13, 2024 03:36 AM
Carol Williams

Thank you for the kind words, Brenda J. Andrew 
It is such a precious gift to know what we have when we have it. 
Thank you so much for reading and listening.

Nov 13, 2024 09:25 AM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

Love your tribute to Max.  You are fortunate to have spent time with your soulmate.  Look at you now a traveling nomad who golfs at every opportunity GF

Nov 17, 2024 10:22 AM
Carol Williams

Thanks, Eileen Burns 954.483.3912 
I was definitely blessed to have the years I did with Max. He's still with me wherever I go.

Nov 26, 2024 07:48 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Carol Williams  Your Max is so proud of you. The true gift of this kind  of love is being so  darn thankful for what we had. So appreciative of the many years together and for recognizing that love  through our memories. And Max is just loving your song and you!!   And me too.

Nov 26, 2024 01:47 AM
Carol Williams

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 
Do you suppose your Lee and my Max are up there together, smiling down and saying "You ladies rock"?

Nov 26, 2024 07:50 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Carol Williams

Of that, I am 100% sure. And we do!

Nov 26, 2024 08:56 AM