Just because my husband is ill doesn't mean I'm not still working.

Kathy, glad to hear your husband is doing better through this challenging time.  It's always frustrating when people we have been assisting for some time go another way (because we were on vacation, or their friend's friend's friend just got his license...).  

I'm glad to hear your husband is doing well.  Being self-employed and having a health crisis is very difficult. I am familiar, and it's very difficult when you hear from friends (and sometimes even family) "I didn't want to bother you".

Please "bother me!".. that's how I make my living, and how I support myself through the health crisis.  If it's more than I can handle... I'll tell you!!  Yeesh!

Best wishes to your husband for good health.

It is a good time to be thankful for the support you are receiving.

So glad to see Bob is improving. Thanks for sharing. Happy Festivus to all! Bill

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

#AZVHV / Arizona Veterans Helping Veterans

I am glad your husband is improving and sad some people used other agents - I hope everything improves both health-wise and work-wise!

Good morning, Kathy... so happy to hear that Bob is doing better. I've been in your shoes with my husband more than once... and I mean more than once. I'd hate to count up the numbers. It's very stressful... I found work to be a bit of a refuge from the stress and really said nothing to my clients until after all was resolved. Wishing you and your husband a healthier and happy new year.

I am sorry to hear about your husband, but glad to hear that he is recovering nicely. I will definitely say extra prayers for both of you.

Kathy,

I went through this when my husband was dying of pancreatic cancer for 3 years and 4 months.  I live in a tight knit community and everyone knew about my situation, just like your community.

I was the breadwinner.  I had no choice, but to work.  I never let my clients down and I know you won’t either.  It’s all about having the right team to support you.  Much of our work can be done via phone, texts, or email.  

We can be by our loved one’s side and still be working while they rest.  They are reassured by our presence and knowing that if they need something, we are right there to help them.  

Getting the word out that you are still fully available to your clients is critical.  I had a heart-to-heart with my clients about my situation and most understood, not all.  You have to let the ones go who aren’t comfortable with bothering you. 

I hope your husband is getting better.  Sending love to you both!

Hi Kathy,
I am happy to hear your husband is doing better. I can totally relate to working while dealing with a spouse's health issues. I did it for over 10 years. You are right, the best way can support you is to support your business. 

Congratulations on 27 years of love! ❤️

Kathy Schowe - We can never take our own or our loved one's health for granted. May you both have constant love for each other and excellent medical care. I hope you both enjoy Christmas and New Year.  

When it comes to business, you're not invisible. You are blessed to have an awesome Team. Sometimes the best healing for a spouse is to stay busy. May you always be busy enough when you know your husband is getting the best care possible. And may you please take care of yourself too.

I send you hugs and good wishes. 

Your honesty and strength shine through, Kathy Schowe, and the way you shared this moment brings real clarity to what commitment looks like. Thank you for opening the door to your world and offering insight that stays with people who read it. Sending a little warmth your way today ❤️🙂

Hello Kathy - real estate practice and the reality of everyday life combine and sometimes collide in unimaginable ways.  May your husband's recovery continue along with the ongoing success of your La Quinta California area realty business.  

Prayers for both your husband and you.  Yes the challenges in life are always unexpected.  Take care and may you have a new year filled with incredible peace and abundance.

Oh, Kathy I feel your pain! As you know, Ray has spent many a week/month in the hospital over our 30 years together. And, just like you, I SO appreciate the work - it gives me something to keep my mind on positive - something I can manage. When you feel like you have no control over your husband's health when he is in the hospital, that work is truly coveted! I can't tell you how many deals I've managed from the corner of a hospital room!! 

I would also share this on your FB page or wherever your clients follow you. I hope it starts your phone ringing instantly! And, I'm thrilled that Bob is well enough to move to a rehab/assisted living facility - that's HUGE!! 

Thinking of you and sending prayers for both you and your hubby. 

Prayers for you as you navigate this time. I hope Bob gets better very quickly.

We will have to do it right for us in special circumstances like that and the rest is nobody’s business,. Right on. Love and light all the best’

Sorry for what you are going through Kathy Schowe. Seems plenty of AR members have weathered the same storm and don't give up hope.

The bad news is not about business deals lost, it is about the good news Bob is alive, moving along nicely in rehab. That's the priority.

Clients and friends felt they shouldn't bother me at this time.

Nina Hollander, Broker has the right idea to avoid giving everyone the idea you are too bogged down and majorly distracted. People pick up those signals on your social media posts. 

"I found work to be a bit of a refuge from the stress and really said nothing to my clients until after all was resolved."

I am sorry your husband is struggling. Hopefully he will continue to improve and you can get back into the "real" office instead of your hospital suite.

I agree with Debe Maxwell, CRS, let your sphere know you have back-up and are able to take texts and emails while spending time with your husband. They may be unaware that you have real estate assistants to carry on for you. I'm sorry you missed out on a few opportunities. Now you can be pro-active and try to nip that. I'd also suggest you reach out to any potential clients first hand and let them know your staff is willing and able to assist you.

Best of luck to you and your husband.

I hate it when people make that decission for you.  I have had this happen and the truth is I needed to be delving into work not cast aside.  I have learned to not say anything to people until it is all done and over.  On a better note though I am happy to hear that Bob is doing better and hope that continued improvement will get him and you home soon. 

My heart goes out to you during this time.  My husband had a pacemaker installed last February and was in the hospital for a week with pneumonia last July - but nothing serious like this!  My prayers are with you.