I had intended to provide a brief overview of the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) designation today but, instead, will postpone that bit of information for another day.
I paid a visit to the Minnesota Veteran's Home located in Fergus Falls yesterday and had the opportunity to share some time with a resident. Until that moment he was unknown to me, but our conversation managed to awaken a flood of memories related to many dear friends now since departed. Without exception, the passing of each has made my life both richer with the lessons they shared . . . and less full in the profound absence of their physical presence.
Each friendship has been a journey laden with joy as immense as sorrow's depth. These men and women understood not just the concept of allegiance, but the cost. Through it all, I believe their strengths have shared a common thread. As difficult as times were - with hardships I can't even fathom - these great humans were never hardened in their hearts. In fact, that alone - their tenacious grasp on human kindness and patience, an unwavering hope for greater good - is likely what allowed them to survive these gravest of moments in our Nation's recent history.
And with the passing of each - as we pay final tribute - the same question taunts my confidence: Could we ever be as strong as these? (I pray that we should never find out.)
Not long ago I was driving through town and noticed an elderly gentlemen waiting to cross the street. I slowed to a stop so that he could cross and when I did, I recognized him - a WWII Veteran and close friend of the family. I had not seen him in some time but had heard he was engaged in yet another trying battle - a battle with dementia. As I watched him pass before me, I saw in his stride the pride he held for our Nation. Here walked a man of Honor. My throat tightened with each step he took. His journey - his life - had become an endless confrontation with forces that first sought to debilitate governments with the same callous ravage as he was now facing in his own mind.
And then, just as he stood directly in front of my paused vehicle, in a moment that will never escape my memory, he turned towards me. He was no longer able to recognize who I was, but it did not matter. From the depths of his being, he straightened his worn frame, stood at attention, and saluted. There was no point in trying to fight the tears that ran down my cheeks. He would remain unwaivering and steadfast - to God and Country - until his final step.
He turned and proceeded to the other side of the street to continue his, by all appearances, carefree journey - distracted by little, or nothing at all.
So, what does this story have to do with real estate? Absolutely nothing . . . and absolutely everything. The story is all about service to others. For each of us - you and I - in all we do, regardless of what we do, we should do our very best in service to those around us.
Today, Veteran's Day is nearly half-way around the calendar. I would hope we should not wait so long to take a moment to thank a Veteran - or 'future' Veteran - for their service to our Nation and also, through a handshake or a pat on the back, we might feel the immeasurable strength of those tough hearts that were never hardened. May God continue to bless America with hearts such as these.
Jon
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