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Can you do me a favor? That was the gift!

By
Real Estate Agent with Wayne M Martin

Than you Carol Williams and Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 for sponsoring the December 2024 challenge. Until this morning I did not think about participating but I awoke early and sitting here with a cup of coffee something came to mind.

As a youngster, I experienced the gift of giving and the joy it brought to my Dad. He got me up on Christmas morning and off we went to pull a surprise. A family we knew had little money and five kids. It was going to be a stark Christmas. We pulled into the driveway and my Dad emptied the trunk with many presents he placed on the front porch. We then went to the back door and knocked. My Dad asked if they had any hot coffee. As the adults sat at the kitchen table, my Dad asked the kids if they had checked the front door?

Were they surprised to see the pile of presents! But the biggest gift of all was the look on my Dad's face watching them. It was a lesson to me that if you have the means help someone in need.

When JoAnn and I lived in Palatine, Illinois we belonged to a local church where one member, with two children was recently divorced and down on her luck. Her car broke down and others had offered her the use of a car. She refused because of her pride. We had just bought a new vehicle and had the other one in the driveway taking up space. The light bulb went on, thanks to what my Dad had done years earlier. 

I contacted her and asked if she could do me a big favor. We had a short driveway and the extra car was always in the way. Could she store it for us, as a favor? And while it was stored there feel free to use it. She responded yes and was elated. My heart was about to burst as I dropped off the car. She kept it for a couple of months as a favor to us. When hers was fixed it became a burden and she returned it.

Life goes on, but the favor remains in my mind. Her favor was a great gift to us. Thank you for allowing me to share the story.

Show All Comments Sort:
Dick Betts
Dick Betts National Speaker - The Villages, FL
Realtor, Team Leader

Wayne Martin wanted to take a moment and wish you and yours a great, happy and healthy New Year!!

Dec 31, 2024 08:25 AM
Wayne Martin

Same back at you. May you continue to have a wonderful life in The Villages. Any new projects around the house or is noting left? Enjoy your day

Jan 01, 2025 05:39 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Wayne and thank you for the story share with us about your Dad.  I hope you have a great 2025.  Happy New Year Eve.

 

Dec 31, 2024 10:24 AM
Wayne Martin

May 2025 be prosperous and personally satisfying to you.

Jan 01, 2025 05:39 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

You are a smart cookie Wayne!  That lady was able to 'help you out' because of your kindness and generosity to help her out. And everyone feels good!  Love it!  I remember hearing about your Dad's giving stories and I never tire of heart felt stories like yours!

Dec 31, 2024 11:33 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Absolutely!

Jan 01, 2025 10:44 AM
Wayne Martin

Sometimes asking for a favor is a favor on both sides.

Jan 01, 2025 05:40 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Thanks for your entry, one of my very favorites, Wayne Martin 

Your dad's actions showed you the importance of life's lessons. His teaching style was about leading by example and leaving a lasting impression on you.

As the year ends, I want to thank you for always visiting my posts. Your support means so much! See you in the new year!

PS, make sure you post to this month's challenge blog.

Dec 31, 2024 01:12 PM
Wayne Martin

Have done so. Easy to visit your posts and my responses are truthful. You are a precious asset here in the Rainl

Jan 01, 2025 05:42 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Wayne Martin

Thank you for the best comment of the year! It truly made my day!

Jan 01, 2025 08:32 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I love what you did for the woman struggling without a car and it sounds like it worked out well for both parties!  I have been storing a vehicle for a friend for much too long in my garage, so I hope that he will get it out of there in 2025, haha.  Is that your grandson pictured in your featured photo?  If so, I love that you shared a photo of him with us, he is precious!!!  Happy New Year!!!

Jan 01, 2025 05:23 AM
Wayne Martin

Sometimes asking for a favor you need is also a favor to the person you asked. It was a situation that worked out well. As for the photo, it is of the son of co-worker of my wife who we considered an adopted daughter at her request.

Jan 01, 2025 05:44 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Wayne, it sure sounds like your Dad was very special, and a great role model for you.  Happy New Year!

Jan 01, 2025 08:02 AM
Wayne Martin

His message becomes clearer as I grow older.

Jan 01, 2025 11:27 AM
Beth Atalay
Cam Realty and Property Management - Clermont, FL
Cam Realty of Clermont FL

Hello Wayne Martin, what a beautiful story. Giving generously without asking for anything is return is not something you see often, however, there are those like you with a kind heart. Thank you for sharing this touching story with us. Wishing you a happy, healthy, prosperous 2025!

Jan 01, 2025 08:11 AM
Wayne Martin

Actually she did me a favor and got benefit as well. Worked for both sides.

Jan 01, 2025 11:28 AM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

What wonderful stories, Wayne Martin 

You and your family have big hearts.

Jan 01, 2025 08:31 AM
Wayne Martin

My Dad was the one with the really big heart.

Jan 01, 2025 11:29 AM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

What a wonderful story about the lessons your Dad taught you, and the way you applied them, Wayne! I often read in your comments to blogs that you are spending time with your grandkids on Tuesdays, I am sure another generation is learning valuable lessons in human generosity.

Jan 01, 2025 10:16 AM
Wayne Martin

Tuesday is a family day and I don'r eve miss it. My grandson is doing well on his own but I am watching carefully. My son is his role model. 

Jan 01, 2025 11:31 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Wayne:

What a wonderful story and such an important life lesson learned from your Dad - he was a great influence on you. And as a result what a special thing you and JoAnne did to help someone in need.

Jeff

 

Jan 01, 2025 12:03 PM
Wayne Martin

My wife wanted that car out of the driveway and I was happy to assist. Happy wife, happy life

Jan 02, 2025 04:51 AM
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

This is why the Biblical teaching from Acts 20:35 is so true. when Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than receive." Wayne Martin 

Jan 01, 2025 06:59 PM
Wayne Martin

Actually she was the one giving. Needed the vehicle out of my driveway.

Jan 05, 2025 08:44 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Wayne Martin  loved your post and the message you conveyed here, very heartwarming story, Endre

Jan 01, 2025 11:03 PM
Wayne Martin

She needed a favor but would not ask. I needed a favor and did. It worked out. 

Jan 02, 2025 04:53 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Beyond a great story, a lesson we can all take to heart.

Jan 02, 2025 06:40 AM
Wayne Martin

Sometimes needs just come together and everybody wins. 

Jan 03, 2025 04:47 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

What an excellent story! You helped her out, and allowed her to maintain her dignity. Excellent!

Jan 04, 2025 05:16 AM
Wayne Martin

If you ask my wife, she saved my butt! Either way it worked out for both of us.

Jan 04, 2025 05:52 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Wayne... how did I miss this wonderful post? Probably, while I was out of town. 

Jan 04, 2025 05:50 AM
Wayne Martin

You were out of town and that post was a spontaneous memory I had forgotten. Thank you

Jan 04, 2025 05:51 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Your story brought tears to my eyes Wayne Martin . I am glad that it was featured on Carol Williams  second chance Saturday.

Jan 04, 2025 07:54 AM
Wayne Martin

Bob "RealMan" Timm - there is a longer story behind it and how cruel kids can be to those less fortunate.

Jan 04, 2025 08:52 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Jan 04, 2025 06:03 PM
Wayne Martin

Thank you for the consideration

Jan 05, 2025 08:45 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP
Big Block LPT Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Retirees Services

I'm so glad you decided to share this post with us, what a great experience to have in your memory bank! Your vault is full of wonderful stories I'm sure, please share them, this one was very uplifting!

Jan 05, 2025 07:41 AM
Wayne Martin

The advantage of being old is a big vault if you did some things right.

Jan 05, 2025 08:46 AM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D

Happy New Year Wayne and congratulations for being listed on Kathy's highlight...beautiful post I enjoyed it

Jan 06, 2025 01:30 PM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
The best agent in Southern Utah!

What a selfless act, Wayne and one that is long remembered fondly! Kudo's to you and youer wife for such a generous gesture.

Jan 06, 2025 03:21 PM