Call it Wonderful!
It is a well known fact. When you try something new and different you don't always get the results that you expect; sometimes the results are more wonderful.
I volunteered to work the 1-5 shift at a marvelous old home in Concord that was one of seven on Concord's first Private Library Tour. I had decided to devote the entire day to the affair because a. I love to see houses - any and all - which is one of the reasons that I sell real estate; b. I believe in participating in community service; c. I am an avid reader and fan of the Concord Public Library and d. It's always good to get out in public to interface with old customers and prospective customers. So, I was pleased when I was made "Captain" of the house and put in charge of welcoming everyone and checking their entry tickets.
Everything was going well. The libary had sold over 400 tickets and we had a constant stream of bibliophiles streaming into the house. The homeowners were gladly answering questions about their vast collection of books and antiquities. The light rain was not a deterrent and everything was proceeding with ease.
I looked up to see a nice looking couple approaching my check-in table - they seemed about 50 years old; he with reddish hair and she with black and gray hair pulled back in a ponytail. He stared at the name tag I had plastered on my chest, " Are you any relation to Dr. Yalman who taught chemistry at Antioch College?"
"Why, yes, he's my father."
Bruce Meltzer then launched into an excited tribute to my father - his professor and mentor. He told me that my father had been an inspirational teacher; had launched him in his career as a Chemist; was funny and kind and unforgettable.
The whole day seemed to take on a different feel. I was thrilled to hear the accolades placed on my 88 year old father who had spent his entire career teaching at Antioch. Bruce told stories about the first day of class, imitated my father's laugh, remembered he had an Irish Setter who actually belonged to his daughter, Margaret (me!).
While Bruce was talking I had to excuse myself every once in awhile to let other tour attendees into the house - nuisances at this point - but I kept turning back to Bruce to tell me more. Bruce's wife, Ellen, even chimed in, "Bruce so often talks about your father especially now that our daughter is taking chemistry in college."
As Bruce was finishing up one of his stories I said, "Actually my father is arriving on October 7th for a 3 week visit with me."
And that is when Bruce and Ellen laid out plans for a dinner party - a few alumni who live in the Boston area - all Chemistry majors - who would love to see my father after 40 years. We exchanged phone and email information so that the party can be planned in detail. What a delight for my Dad!
Call it fate - call it coincidence - call it wonderful!
Real Estate Hint - When your house goes on the market make sure everything is true to the season! Take down Christmas decorations including wreaths and those icicles that hand from the eaves in warm weather. Put away lounge chairs and portable swimming pools in the fall. Hide the shovels in the spring. The impression should be that you are up-to-date; not a season too late.
I volunteered to work the 1-5 shift at a marvelous old home in Concord that was one of seven on Concord's first Private Library Tour. I had decided to devote the entire day to the affair because a. I love to see houses - any and all - which is one of the reasons that I sell real estate; b. I believe in participating in community service; c. I am an avid reader and fan of the Concord Public Library and d. It's always good to get out in public to interface with old customers and prospective customers. So, I was pleased when I was made "Captain" of the house and put in charge of welcoming everyone and checking their entry tickets.
Everything was going well. The libary had sold over 400 tickets and we had a constant stream of bibliophiles streaming into the house. The homeowners were gladly answering questions about their vast collection of books and antiquities. The light rain was not a deterrent and everything was proceeding with ease.
I looked up to see a nice looking couple approaching my check-in table - they seemed about 50 years old; he with reddish hair and she with black and gray hair pulled back in a ponytail. He stared at the name tag I had plastered on my chest, " Are you any relation to Dr. Yalman who taught chemistry at Antioch College?"
"Why, yes, he's my father."
Bruce Meltzer then launched into an excited tribute to my father - his professor and mentor. He told me that my father had been an inspirational teacher; had launched him in his career as a Chemist; was funny and kind and unforgettable.
The whole day seemed to take on a different feel. I was thrilled to hear the accolades placed on my 88 year old father who had spent his entire career teaching at Antioch. Bruce told stories about the first day of class, imitated my father's laugh, remembered he had an Irish Setter who actually belonged to his daughter, Margaret (me!).
While Bruce was talking I had to excuse myself every once in awhile to let other tour attendees into the house - nuisances at this point - but I kept turning back to Bruce to tell me more. Bruce's wife, Ellen, even chimed in, "Bruce so often talks about your father especially now that our daughter is taking chemistry in college."
As Bruce was finishing up one of his stories I said, "Actually my father is arriving on October 7th for a 3 week visit with me."
And that is when Bruce and Ellen laid out plans for a dinner party - a few alumni who live in the Boston area - all Chemistry majors - who would love to see my father after 40 years. We exchanged phone and email information so that the party can be planned in detail. What a delight for my Dad!
Call it fate - call it coincidence - call it wonderful!
Real Estate Hint - When your house goes on the market make sure everything is true to the season! Take down Christmas decorations including wreaths and those icicles that hand from the eaves in warm weather. Put away lounge chairs and portable swimming pools in the fall. Hide the shovels in the spring. The impression should be that you are up-to-date; not a season too late.
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