The "C" Word A Story of Strength, Cancer, and Life Lessons - Savannah Homes and Lifestyle with Nik

The sale of this property and this closing a home experience was special for me. Every transaction brings meaning if you choose to take the lessons it gives you.

I do this though, because of the people.

It’s the people that matter.

When we first listed this home, my clients had the excitement of finding that larger space and place where their girls could play with friends and be closer to grandparents. It would also serve as more space to welcome clients for his growing law practice.

Then came seasonal influences. Next, the government shut down.

But then the “C” word hit.

Cancer.

No one ever expects that. No one plans on it. And no matter how “mild” the diagnosis or what stage you find yourself in, or what the odds are, it changes you forever.

It’s hit both sides of my family. And sometimes, it just feels like that word is everywhere.

Touching everyone around you.

And it’s heartbreaking.

Heart. Breaking.

The image of a father going into his room to silently cry is an image that never leaves you. And for the parents who have heard that their child is the one who got the diagnosis. I think that’s the one that is simply unfathomable. This alone deserves its own breath. Its own space. My grandmother once said that when you lose a child, it’s as though the breath has been taken from you and you never get it back. For those families who have heard those words, experience that fear, and take those steps, regardless of whether the end of treatment brought full healing or not- I marvel at the unmatched strength that it requires that those who don’t have to journey rarely understand.

Or, when you watch as the love of one’s life has been struck by it. You watch as heartache, resilience and an unmatched determination all co-exist. Watching from the outside, you see faith built, challenged, crumble and begin to strengthen again. It’s hard on the patient. But the helplessness of watching a loved one endure needs its own space.

And for a child, who has to scale the mountain of fear of losing a parent. When you know there are so many life lessons that they still need. All the milestones they have to fear of missing out on. And if by chance, the parent gets to ring the bell, and good news is given at a follow up. It’s a fear they may never walk away from. And if the news isn’t good. Then they’re forever changed again.

As an Agent involved in closing a home during a difficult time?

Being trusted with both the responsibility and privilege of walking alongside someone during these moments of life, it changes you too. Because no matter the space or cost of where your clients choose to call home, you are reminded once again, life is about the people.

You are reminded it is their journey, and what they need in those moments.

Presence.

All I could do is offer presence.

Dropping off meals without asking, “please let me know if you need something or I can help in any way.”

I couldn’t. We can’t.

It’s a journey they had to walk.

And while dropping off meals felt paltry in comparison, and the real estate updates and guidance felt inconsequential. Because what is closing a home, when someone is battling for their life?

And the texts that said, “praying for y’all” or “thinking of y’all” felt empty when you wanted so much to be able to do more.

All I could do were those things. And listen when they felt like giving an update. And so, I listened. And I cared. And I still care.

And for them it mattered. The texts mattered (even when they didn’t respond). The meals mattered, because they didn’t have to ask, or feel like they would need to entertain or discuss.

And the listening always matters to people. Because we all need to feel heard.

So yes, this was special.

Because I was gifted both the responsibility and privilege of helping them through this process and while the outcome always matters. These moments are what I’m here for.

They were and are special.

He rang the bell. And his forever one, she was strength when he didn’t have any, she kept things on track and together and managed all the things when he couldn’t. She shouldered the weight of so much through those months. She should have received her own bell.

And their girls got their own bell, the one that gets to ring when their dad walks through the door for all those moments that he gets to capture with them.

Rooting for y’all! And one more Congratulations. Closing a home like this is one less thing you have to carry now.

Every transaction carries its own kind of meaning. Whether it’s a divorce and you know you are helping someone take the steps to begin a new chapter in their life, and getting the weight of what was, off their shoulders is meaningful. Or, for the clients who are just looking for a vacation home. The excitement there of finding that space, a home away from home, is fun. First time home buyers, the newness and the excitement of building your life, there is wonderment there.

It’s no secret I came from humble beginnings, and through it, I had the benefit of learning how meaningful the intangibles in life are. I try to teach my girls that life isn’t about stuff, it’s people that matter.

And the C word is a clear reminder of that.