Each year at this time, I digress from coaching, commenting and sometimes ranting about this and that in real estate. My wife and I recently went to see Cats, the musical play. The event in itself was not a real milestone in our lives, and yet it was. It was special to us, because we were taking out my wife’s brother and sister-in-law, who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. And we were part of their celebration.
So, what is the big deal, Albert? Well, the cast, the music and the special effects of the performance were just as wonderful as when we saw the play 20 years before. But the song that was really special, that jogged my writing “pen” to work just prior to the REM deadline, was Memory.
Perhaps all the lyrics can cause a lump in one’s throat, but the ending lines:
Burnt out ends of smoky days
The stale cold smell of morning
The street lamp dies
Another night is over
Another day is dawning
Touch me, it’s so easy to leave me
All alone with my memory
Of my days in the sun
If you touch me
You’ll understand what happiness is
Look a new day has begun..
(Lyrics copyright Universal Publishing Group, Williamson Music)
So often, we reach back in our minds and reflect on those years that we’ve spent with family and or are mindful of those who have passed on, who live in our memories forever. Those thoughts are a given.
But what about today? Are we looking for a new dawn beginning? Are we going to reach out and touch a loved one or a friend and tell them: “You know what, I really enjoy being with you and cherish our times together.”? Or call on someone who you were friends with for some time and let them know you care about them and invite them to dinner?
Or how about that aged aunt or uncle who has become infirmed and needs a visit from a relative or a friend? Can you spare the time now, or will you wish you had after they’ve gone?
Those of us who are lucky enough to have both parents alive and well, do you take them for granted? Do you call on them regularly? Do you instill in your children now, that to do this “good deed,” that the memory of bonding with the older generation will be a wonderful memory to them for the rest of their lives?
Because, you know what my dear readers, one day, you will wish that you had reached out to phone or write that note that you were too busy to call or write.
Make that change in your lives in 2008. Look, a new day has begun…”
Stan Albert is celebrating his 36th year in active real estate, and is with Re/Max Excellence in Woodbridge, Ont. He serves on committees at RECO and at the Toronto Real Estate Board. He is an established trainer and business consultant and can be reached at salbert@trebnet.com.
Stan Albert, ABR, ASA is a consultant with Re/Max Premier in Vaughan, Ont. He can be reached for consultation by email. Stan is now celebrating his 45th year as an active real estate professional.
