Extra Special

He was the neighbor who was a quiet and steady presence in the background of my life. Often, when I would step outside, shovel in hand, on a winter’s evening, he’d already be approaching, pushing his snowblower through the deep white piles. “Get back inside,” he’d say, shaking his head. “It is too cold out here and you could hurt your back shoveling.” He’d then press onward, clearing the entire sidewalk in minutes.

At one point along my path in finding in my career, when I was feeling beyond discouraged, he left an envelope for me. Opening it, I found his perfect print. “A sword’s strength is never known until it is tested,” he wrote. “You are being tested; pass the test.” Tucked into the note was a gift card for Mister Car Wash. “This is so your car will sparkle for all of the interviews I know you will get,” he wrote.

An adventurer at heart, he loved to travel to third world countries and venture to parts unknown. After one such exotic trip, he brought back bags of real vanilla beans, spices and peppers, as a gift for keeping an eye on his house while he was gone.

So, yes, this one was extra special. It was a chance to watch over his house for a final time, this time as a realtor rather than a house-sitter; to make sure his home was well cared for, safe and entrusted to a new owner, so that it can continue to be home sweet home for someone new.

If you, or your friends or family are interested in buying or selling, I’d be very honored to help. I promise to take great care of those with whom I have the privilege of working! I may be reached at (509) 290-3824 or blythe@windermere.com