I have to tell someone about this crazy day. The only way to make sense of it is to write it out. I think Miscellaneous is the only category for me on a consistent basis because any slice of life crosses many categories.
Take today for instance: Because I am a REALTOR, an appropriate category is Real Estate. Because I am a Christian, Faith and Core Beliefs are a part of every story. Anyway, you probably get the picture by now--Family because I am a wife, mother, sister, daughter. And so on...
Today was incredibly beautiful in my arena, Long Beach, MS. I remember looking at the glorious blue sky, hearing the birds proclaim their joy in the day--and feeling a tug at my heart for the misery that Arkansas and Tennessee were dealing with after being hit by tornadoes.
It occurred to me that September 1st, 2005 it was reversed. Many places in the world experienced the kind of glorious day I have today, while we were the ones in ruin and devastation. I remember also that as we escaped by evacuation, driving hours and hours, sometimes in bumper to bumper traffic that Arkansas was the first place we could actually stop.
The kids and I went into a cafe for a bite to eat while my husband napped in the car. We asked the waitress for recommendations of places to stay. We finally concluded that any place to lay our head and take a hot bath would work. Its amazing what a little devastation will do for our persnickety natures.
We asked for the bill so we could pay out and go on about our way. The waitress told us that the other customers had paid our bill. I remember Skye, Luke and I looked at each other quizzically--like, what's up with that? We are evacuating. We aren't hurt or broke. We had not seen the news either...the customers in the cafe knew what we were going to be dealing with, we didn't have a clue. Remembering the kindness of strangers at that time still brings tears to my eyes.
My plan for today was to set up my mobile office in a vacant listing. I stopped by a Dollar store to get some lightbulbs and paper towels. Pulling away from the store I hit a pothole I did not expect. The car made a strange sound so I thought I should pull over first opportunity.
The first opportunity happened to be the site of a new church called, "The Way". I had stopped by last week to say "Hi" and see what was up (some of my neighbors call it my nosy nature). I had the opportunity to meet the founders at that time.
It just happened that the Minister and other Brothers were working in the building. They came out. I had the Minister on his belly and under my car in a flash. He fixed it right off. We blessed each other and I was on my way again.
I unlock the gate, enter the house, and go about changing light bulbs. The lights didn't come on. I went about flipping breaker switches, nothing worked. Last, I checked the meter. It was not moving. Then I called the electric company.
It seemed that the seller had not paid the bill. I know her to be prompt in paying bills, so I tried to give her a call. Getting no response from any of her numbers I conclude that she is out of town. I call the electric lady back.
I started asking some questions. Why would the bills be so high? This is a vacant property with me visiting on occasion. I may or may not plug my laptop in. We always unplug everything when the seller or I leave. Don't you think that's a bit steep?
The electric lady was good natured and decided the situation merited a little research on her end. Then she said that the seller was on average billing and that is what the average would be. Then I asked the electric lady, if the seller intended to be on average billing, why would she have me check the meter every month?
Well, the electric lady graciously concluded that there was a failure to communicate somewhere along the line and recalculated the bill as a metered bill. The savings: $180.00.
I continued to use my laptop on battery. The battery finally ran out. I was not in the mood to leave, so I plugged into my car accessories. (I know, I should have an extra charged battery). I picked up a bit of trash on the lot that folks had thrown out driving by and puttered around the house waiting form my computer battery to charge.
I went out to my car, found the computer battery fully charged--my car battery dead. Isn't that hysterical?
The way my car was angled, no one could see the hood up. I called my husband who was several hours away. No problem, I could still be constructive. ...Maybe there was a Providential reason I was stuck.
It was still a beautiful day. I decided to walk down the road about half a mile and talk to a business owner who had expressed interest in the property. On the way, I noticed the sky was still a brilliant blue, the birds were still very happy with the day, and the frogs were competing with the birds on which could be the loudest in proclaiming joy. Momentarily, I remembered that immediately following Katrina it was so quiet--other than the sounds of power tools and hammers. There were no birds, and no frogs (but plenty of flies and mosquitoes), and, no train. I am grateful for this day.
He was closed. Not a big deal. I walk back to my car, to try it again. Still dead. Then I noticed a business card from "The Way" that I had layed on my dash boar d. Well, since they were not that far away, and there were men there I trust...I gave Brother Scott a call.
Brother Scott was in picking up his wife and said he would love to help, although it would be about 45 minutes. I asked him not to worry about it, the only reason I called was because I thought if they were at the church, they were about 3 minutes away.
Unfortunately, now Brother Scott feels responsible for me. He rounds up Brother Bill who is actually about 3 minutes away and tells me that if I don't accept his help I would be stopping Brother Bill from being blessed. My mother used to use that same phrase on me. I accepted Brother Bill's help so he would be blessed. I was soon on my way.
It was a great day.
Later, I reached a family member of my client. She had not returned my calls because she was in the hospital. That was not a good thing, but explained the electricity issue, and affirmed my belief in her character.
I was expecting a special show of Providence from my first inconvenience in the morning. That alone made an average day exciting, being on edge, wondering what would happen next, and how Providence would tie things together for a special outcome. Tomorrow, we can pick up where we left off. I can hardly wait.
Suzi is an Independent Real Estate Broker in the gorgeous and metamorphising Mississippi Gulf Coast. She began writing as a pre-teen often seeking the canyons of her home town, Borger, TX for solitiude and Inspiration. Suzi is a graduate of University of Texas at Pan American, Edinburg, TX. She is married and gifted with two amazing teenagers. She invites "Googling" her name for more information.
» left by Avis Ward(13,214) Avis Ward (301 days 4 hours ago.)
Ahhh Suzi, charming, well-told and inspirational story! It's amazing how making choices in our best interest can help us along. We get to see the glory of God at work in everything we hear, see, feel, do and speak. Thank you for sharing. I'm happy you and your family made it through and with blessings. :) Respond to this comment
» left by Suzi Gravenstuk(108) Suzi Gravenstuk (297 days 4 hours ago.)
"Avis, so sweet of you to respond. We are blessed! I was truly shocked to see my story hit the front page of SearchWarp. That is an honor, and it was such a simple story... I'm really pumped now:-)" Respond to this comment
» left by sue thom from nj (301 days 3 hours ago.)
hi suzi,
i loved your article, it was interesting and fun and inspiring, and clever, all in one. i love this word, one i've never heard, i might add: persnickety=whiny, i'll add that one to my brain. oh, wait, i have too much in there, now, but i'll keep it in the back for future use!
best regards,
sue thom (susie)
» left by Suzi Gravenstuk(108) Suzi Gravenstuk (301 days 2 hours ago.)
Susie, thank you for taking the time to comment. I am sure you know that real comments are treasured and keep the writer in us to keep on. It was a shock to see this particular article highlighted on home page. That really made my day. May you receive as much as you give:-) Respond to this comment
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