Sarahiously Speaking

Some days my job is very hard.  I have to deliver bad news more than I would like.  I get yelled at more than I would like to admit.  Most of the time, it’s not my fault.  But then you have days that make you smile and know that is all worth it.

I just had a client over to my house to ratify a contract.  He is a first time home buyer and has had a few disappointments thus far in the process.  After he finished initialling the final change in the contract, he turned to me and said, ” I have a song to sing for you!”

And this is what he sang (and he even had some dance moves):

I Have a Song to Sing 

I’m still smiling!

My husband and I woke up this morning and decided we should visit the religious institution that married us.  It’s been several months since we last attended and we were starting to feel guilty about our long absence.  So, we got up, got dressed, and walked the six blocks to St. George’s Episcopal Church.  

Something Out of the Ordinary

There is a point in all Episcopal services that the congregation says their own prayers either “silent or aloud.”  By this time I am usually daydreaming, yes - I am a little ashamed of this, but for some reason today, I decided to listen.  The prayers usually revolve around others from the congregation or their families and friends, but today a man spoke up and made us all listen.  He held his head high and unfolded a piece of paper.  He prayed for all the soldiers and soldier’s families who have been lost in the Iraq War.  He then read the names of the soldiers who have lost their lives in June 2008.  What really made me listen was that he also told us their ages.

The List

Spc. Justin R. Mixon   age 22, Spc. Christopher D. McCarthy  age unknown, Spc. Quincy J. Green age 26, Pfc. Joshua E. Waltenbaugh age 19, Sgt. Shane P. Duffy age 22, Spc. Jonathan D. A. Emard age 20, Sgt. Cody R. Legg age 23, Sgt. 1st Class David R. Hurst age 31, Staff Sgt. Tyler E. Pickett age 28, Pfc. Thomas F. Duncan, III age 21, Sgt. Steve A. McCoy age 23, Sgt. 1st Class Gerard M. Reed age 40, Pvt. Eugene D. M. Kanakaole age 19, Lance Cpl. Javier Perales Jr. age 19, Lance Cpl. Kelly E. C. Watters age 19, Sgt. John D. Aragon age 22, Spc. Jason N. Cox age 21, Cpt. Gregory T. Dalessio age 30, Pfc. Bryan M. Thomas age 22, Chief Warrant Officer Robert C. Hammett age 39, Maj. Dwayne M. Kelley age 48, Sgt. Alejandro A. Dominguez age 24, Spc. Joel A. Taylor age 20, Pfc. James M. Yohn age 25, Spc. Joshua L. Plocica age 20, Lt. Col. Max A. Galeai age 42, Capt. Philip J. Dykeman age 38, Cpl. Marcus W. Preudhomme age 23

What Have I Done?

As I looked around the room, I saw the same look on my fellow parishoners’ faces that must have been on mine, the look of guilt and compassion.  I felt guilty because I am older than most of these soldiers and I’ve never had to sacrafice like they have.  I felt guilty because the biggest worry of my day thus far had been getting my ratified contracts in today.  My biggest worry yesterday was the price of cheese.  I felt compassion for the families of these soldiers and what their biggest worries must be right now.   I also felt compassion for the men and women they served beside who know they might be next.

My Wish and Prayer

So, as America becomes consumed with rising gas prices, rising grocery prices, the economy, the housing market, and the upcoming Presidential elections, I hope that we all take time to remember the men and women who are fighting and dying in the Middle East.  No matter how you personally feel about our involvement in this war, we should respect the men and women of the Armerd Forces who are putting their lives on the line everyday.   I will be sure to pray for the well-being of our soldiers and their families when I go to bed in the safety of my American home.    

So, my 2nd post will be an educational one, I hope.  As some of you may know, I am a huge fan of holidays.  It doesn’t matter what the holiday is, I just like to celebrate!  Some holidays are more fun than others.  Some of my personal favorites are Talk Like a Pirate Day, Blame Someone Else Day, and Hug Your Cat Day.  But, sometimes there is a holiday that just makes you pause and think.  Today is such a day.  As I logged onto the computer this morning, my calendar notified me of how important today is.  Today is National HIV/AIDS Testing Day.  Why is this such a poignant holiday for me?  My father was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS when I was in 7th grade.  He lost his battle 5 years later when I was a Senior in high school.  By the time he found out he had this disease, it was too late.  His T-cell count was below 200.  It was merely a waiting game by then.  My hope is that anyone who may be at risk, or thinks they may be at risk, will take the time to get tested today.  There are an estimated 250,000 Americans who have HIV/AIDS and don’t know it.  Their families don’t know it and their partners don’t know it.  This disease can not be cured, but with the proper medical treatments, a quality life can be prolonged.  Here are some links for more information about this very important holiday:

www.hhs.gov/aidsawarenessdays/

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/

BE SMART and BE SAFE on National HIV Testing Day! Free HIV testing for anyone on a walk-in basis by Fredericksburg Area HIV/AIDS Support Services. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 415 Elm Street, Fredericksburg.

I am super excited about rolling out my new blog all about Real Estate in Fredericksburg, Virginia , but for now please excuse my mess while we get up and running.

In the interim, here is a quick video on how you can keep up with my real estate and city happenings!