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Accident Started My 3rd Career

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 311291

 Aha’ Moment - Self-discovery and Personal Growth

 

This month’s theme of self-discovery has me reflecting on my journey through several decades. Have you ever experienced a moment that opened your eyes to a new path? For me, it came during a challenging time. As a dedicated stay-at-home mom, I had poured my heart into my ceramics business, creating custom pottery for designers, private clients, the D&D Building in DC, and creating displays in jewelry store displays. It was fun having my pieces draped with diamonds and pearls.

It was a fulfilling way to express my creativity and connect with others. However, everything changed when a car accident left me with neck and back injuries. The surgery the doctors were recommending would not guarantee the use of my hands, forcing me to pause my ceramics passion. I chose to skip the surgery and spent a couple of weeks in traction. It felt like I was losing a part of my identity, leaving me uncertain about my future. Just when I thought I had hit a dead end, a former nurse who had become a Realtor® reached out to me and asked if I would consider selling my house.

I had always enjoyed helping friends find their dream homes, but I had never imagined it could evolve into a career. Intrigued, I enrolled in a Real Estate course, thinking it would be a temporary distraction. That decision turned out to be my true aha moment. Many of my former patients and ceramic clients became my real estate clients. The combination of my nursing background, love for art, and newfound passion for real estate has brought me immense satisfaction. I find joy in guiding families through significant life transitions, helping them navigate the often-overwhelming process of buying or selling their homes. This unexpected journey redefined and revealed a new purpose that I am deeply grateful for. Life often leads us in surprising directions, and this has certainly been one of mine.

 

ActiveRain December challenge hosted by Lew Corcoran and  Patricia Feager #ActiveRainChallenge

Posted by

Margaret Rome
HomeRome Realty
Broker/Owner/Realtor®

Baltimore, Maryland


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Comments(13)

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Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Thanks for sharing Margaret as an accident closes one door, but another doors open. Life does change that way. Jeff

Dec 10, 2025 08:20 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Thanks Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI 

But we have to be willing to open that door. 🙃

Dec 11, 2025 09:52 AM
Patricia Feager
Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 - Raising a family and having your own ceramics business was a great way to strike a balance between the business of managing a family and the business of having a purpose to create custom pottery and jewelry. Knowing that many of your pieces were displayed in prominent places in DC must have given you pride and joy.

It's sad that a bad accident caused serious dilemmas. Thankfully you were able to use your hands, and your sphere of influence supported you in your new career that led to greater joy in helping others to find their dream homes. This is a fine entry that illustrated one of your many aha moments in life. Thank you for participating in the December Challenge. 

Dec 11, 2025 02:51 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Patricia Feager, Thank you for hosting this month's challenge.

That was a long time ago, and your contest brought back the memory. I have been very fortunate in this wonderful life!

Dec 11, 2025 09:55 AM
Patricia Feager

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 - I enjoy hosting and it has been great to host with Lew Corcoran

I'm discovering this has been a very meaningful Challenge for members on ActiveRain. No two are alike. 

Dec 11, 2025 05:28 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Margaret - many of us adapt and adjust as life "happens".    You have done that and much more.  

Dec 11, 2025 04:05 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Michael Jacobs

Through the years, we all adapt, some more than others!

Dec 11, 2025 09:56 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much, Margaret, for sharing some of your personal story.

Happy Holidays!

Dec 11, 2025 04:54 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Thank you Roy Kelley 

Dec 11, 2025 09:58 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Margaret. Sometimes an unplanned unfortunate event that causes a major detour makes that event a life changing moment for the better. You are one amazing example of that. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your day.

Dec 11, 2025 05:17 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Wayne Martin 

Sometimes a little detour leads to the best adventures! 

Dec 12, 2025 12:42 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Isn't it amazing how things that are so horrible can turn our lives in a new direction that is wonderful? Thank you for sharing.

Dec 11, 2025 05:19 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Kat Palmiotti 

Some detours can lead to a different but exciting venture...and for me, it was RE.

Dec 12, 2025 12:56 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Margaret this is the first time I have heard of your car accident, but it goes to show how a tragedy in our lives can open us to new opportunities if leave our minds open to them.

Dec 11, 2025 08:10 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

George Souto

Always good to see you!

Have a good evening,

 

Dec 12, 2025 01:05 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Retired Real Estate Broker

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400  I am a firm believer in Karma and all things for a reason. Your best was saved for real estate.

Dec 11, 2025 10:10 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Thank you, Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 

Dec 12, 2025 06:46 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Margaret- this is what they mean when they say "making lemonade out of lemons."  Isn't it interesting how life has a way of diverting you to what becomes your best path. 

Dec 11, 2025 06:34 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Kathy Streib

You are so right about how life continues to divert us to our best path.

Dec 12, 2025 06:48 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

What a powerful story of turning hardship into purpose, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400showing how life’s twists can spark new beginnings 🙂. Thank you for sharing such heartfelt insight that reminds us how resilience can open unexpected doors.

Dec 12, 2025 01:53 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

And thank you for hosting this month's challenge, Lew Corcoran 

Dec 12, 2025 06:50 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Your story shines with resilience and heart, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, showing how life’s turns can spark unexpected purpose 🙂. Thank you for sharing such meaningful insight. It’s a reminder that growth often comes from the most surprising places.

Dec 13, 2025 12:54 PM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Douglas Elliman Las Olas - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

ah the quest for purpose continues Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 You manage to create and enjoy all your decisions

Dec 20, 2025 07:08 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Eileen Burns 954.483.3912 

And I will be looking for that quest for many years to come!

Dec 20, 2025 03:30 PM