Raleigh - Durham...A Real N.C. Girl's Perspective

Years ago, while going through some financial difficulty, I accepted a temporary (3 month) assignment at a large, Fortune 500 company that provides HR outsourcing services. The company used three different employment agencies to locate 100 qualified applicants...then trained all 100 people, at the same time, to perform a specific task. Our training was intense, thorough and comprehensive...lasting three weeks and ending in a pass/fail exam. Those who passed would continue to work for the remainder of the three months...those who failed would be dismissed immediately.

On the final day of training, only 86 people showed up to take the exam. Of those who took the exam, only 58 passed. From the 100 people who began the training, a little more than half remained. When I commented to one of the trainers about how disappointed they must have been with the results, she said..."Actually...we were only expecting half of the people to pass the training. We are ahead of the game."

On the following Monday, those of us who had passed the exam were broken into three teams... introduced to our team supervisors...and assigned our cubicles and equipment. That whole day, we tested our systems and prepared to ‘go live' the following morning. Throughout the day, we received random, mock calls from supervisors and trainers who tested our ability to apply the classroom lessons to real life situations. All of the calls were recorded and played back to the whole team. After weeks of training, some of the CSRs (Customer Service Representatives) were completely clueless and made up answers...others were just rude. It was both hilarious and disturbing. At the end of the day, another 9 people were asked to leave...AND THEN THERE WERE 49!!!

At 7am the next morning, I began receiving live calls from retired people who wanted to confirm their enrollment in their health insurance plans. Although the process was simple, many of the callers were quite elderly and needed a lot of explanation in order to understand their options. Most of my calls lasted 15-25 minutes, as many of my callers were lonely and enjoyed having someone with whom to talk. Sometimes, they would share how they had recently lost a spouse to illness and were having problems getting the insurance company to pay the hospital bills. I would cry with them and then promise to investigate their cases. Their stories touched my heart so deeply that I had to do everything I could to help them.

In sharp contrast...from the cubicle to my left, I would often hear the CSR make negative remarks after her calls. She would hang up her phone and refer to the caller as a ‘bitch‘...or say, "I'm so tired of these old people complaining to me. It's not my job to listen to their problems." After a few days of hearing her negative remarks, I could take no more. When I heard her hang up from a call and say, "stupid, old bitch", I leaned around the cubicle wall and said, "You know...I've been sitting here all week taking calls...just like you. The thing I can't understand is how ALL of my callers have been so sweet and polite, but ALL of your callers have been ‘bitches'. Hmmmmm...do you think they intentionally assigned you the ‘bitch line'?" She did not answer me, but apparently I was not the only person who had heard her rude remarks. The supervisors were still recording calls, and they had overheard some of her comments. Her cubicle was empty the following Monday.

By the end of the third month, only 33 people (33%) remained...25 of whom were offered full-time, permanent positions in the company...including myself. In my interview, I learned that the company had received over twenty letters and emails from customers I had helped during my three month assignment...expressing their gratitude for my assistance and care. I was the only CSR who had received such correspondence during an open enrollment...ever!

At that time, I was not familiar with the 80/20 Rule (also called Pareto's Principle). Had I been, I would have understood why the trainers only expected half of the class to pass the exam...why they hired 100 people to fill 50 positions...why they expected to discover and hire 25 permanent employees. In any business...including real estate...you can see the 80/20 Rule at work. The 80/20 Rule says that 20% of the people will do 80% of the work...80% of the wealth will be earned by 20% of the people...20% of real estate agents will produce 80% of the sales. In other words...in any situation..."80% of the effects comes from 20% of the causes."

In reality, the exact numbers are not important. What is important to understand is that the cream will always rise to the top. It is not good enough to be average...you must set your sights on being among the top 20%. To stand out from the crowd...to be the ‘cream'...you must perform better than 80% of your competition. You must go above and beyond the call of duty...giving your customers the absolute best service available in the marketplace.

Ask yourself..."Why should a customer choose to work with me when they have so many choices available to them?" If you cannot think of a good reason...it is time to evaluate the services you provide and make the changes necessary to distinguish yourself from the crowd. In my example above...all 100 of us received the same training and opportunity...but only 33 took full advantage of the situation. Are you taking full advantage of the opportunity you have been given in real estate? Are you the best REALTOR® in your office...in your area of expertise...in your town? If you are not the best...are you in the top 20%?

If not...it is not too late...

YOU CAN BE GREAT IN 2008!

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

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"I know this is not what you want to hear, but there is nothing more we can do. Go home and prepare to say 'good-bye'. Make this Christmas with your famiy extra special, because it will be your last one." I stood there in my doctor's office stunned. I was 31 years old, and I had just been told that I had less than six months to live. That was the day after Thanksgiving in 1996.

Two and a half months earlier, Hurricane Fran had slammed into the North Carolina coast. On September 6, Hurricane Fran traveled hundreds of miles inland and hit Raleigh/Durham...devastating everything in its path...including my home.

For thirteen days...in record-breaking heat...I dug through the soggy, molded remains of my crushed and broken home. I salvaged photos, treasured keepsakes and my childrens' favorite toys...things that money could never replace. I worked from early morning until no light was remaining...day after day. Finally...it was time to let go and move on.

Since so many families were left homeless, it was very difficult to find housing. My family moved into my father-in-law's vacant lake house. Upon moving in, I realized that the lake house had also flooded...leaving behind some mold and water damage under the carpet. We had nowhere else to go, so I pulled up the carpet and used bleach to kill the mold. I worked for five or six days until the home was safe and dry.

During that week of working in the lake house, I began to experience some respiratory problems. After a few days, the symptoms worsened. I went to my doctor who diagnosed my condition as strep throat and prescribed antibiotics. Upon completion of a ten day course of antibiotics, I was no better...so he prescribed stronger antibiotics.

By the end of that ten day treatment, I had other symptoms in addition to the respiratory problems...severe headaches, swelling, dizziness, confusion and inability to eat without experiencing digestive problems. I went back to my doctor and asked for further testing. After weeks of out-patient testing, my doctor discovered a rare infection in my intestines...requiring yet another round of antibiotics. By the time it was diagnosed, the infection had done extensive damage to my digestive tract. I remember my doctor saying, "Elizabeth, you are one sick girl." I wanted to scream, "I KNOW I'm sick...when are you going to make me better?"

A few days later, I awoke in the middle of the night with unbearable cramps. When I stood up to go to the bathroom, I passed out. Later, I learned that I began hemorrhaging profusely. Over the next few weeks, the bleeding continued...always followed by fainting. In late October, I underwent two procedures...one to stop the bleeding and one to diagnose the reason for the bleeding. My doctor could find no apparent reason for the bleeding and referred me to a specialist.

From that point onward, I was unable to care for myself and my children. I was very weak and fragile...unable to speak coherently...and confined to bedrest. Still...not one doctor had been able to explain what was happening to me. It was the most vulnerable I've ever felt in my life...as I was completely powerless. All I could do was pray.

In November, I began another series of test with a specialist. On the day after Thanksgiving, I had an appointment for him to reveal the results of the testing. He explained that I had been exposed to some rare molds and bacteria...most likely while cleaning the damage from the hurricane...that the antibiotics were not effectively fighting the infections...that my brain and organs were overloaded with toxins...that there was nothing more medical science could do for me. He sent me home to say 'good-bye' to my family.

On the long drive home, I thought about my girls...my youngest had just celebrated her 6th birthday. I thought back to the moment I had learned I was pregnant with my oldest daughter...how I had been told that I would never conceive a baby. I thought about the first time I held them in my arms...the first time I nursed them...thanking God and promising to prove myself worthy of the precious gift of motherhood. As I thought about my girls, I tried to imagine all the moments in their lives that I would miss...school plays, proms, graduation, weddings and watching them become mothers.

In that moment, something rose up inside of me...a determination to fight...to live. I could not leave my girls motherless...they were just too little. They needed me, and I needed them. I owed it to them to live. I had a promise to keep. Instead of going home to say 'good-bye'...I went home on a mission...TO LIVE!

Over the next few weeks, I searched the internet and read every piece of information about my condition. I also made an appointment to see a Natureapath, who performed tests on every system of my body. He then created a specific vitamin and supplement regimen to which I adhered strictly...along with a severely restricted diet of only organic vegetables and grains. Within three months of beginning this treatment, most of my symptoms were gone. I continued to follow this program for a full year...at which time I was perfectly healthy.

Although Christmas has always been a special and sacred time of year for me, it is even more precious to me now. Every Christmas, as I shop, bake and prepare for our family celebration, I think about those words..."Go home and prepare to say 'good-bye'...make this Christmas with your family extra special because it will be your last one." Every cookie I bake is sweeter...every carol I sing more meaningful...every gift I wrap more treasurable...every memory we create PRICELESS.

For months, I have been hoping and praying for a white Christmas...but it did not snow. Still...I received the greatest gift in the whole world. Our home was filled to overflowing with family, love and laughter...and I was here (alive and healthy) to enjoy it ALL! For what more could I possibly ask?

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

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Although I personally feel that every post I write is another piece of ‘meme'...my buddy, Lisa Heindel, seems to think that I'm holding something back. In her recent post, A MeMe Trifecta, Lisa shares 5 of her previously hidden secrets and has tagged me to do the same. After reading Lisa's post, Martin Abeshaus also joined with her in demanding that I strip away all my masks and reveal the naked truth about what makes Elizabeth Nieves tick. Lisa and Martin...I'll do my best to make you proud!

Well...gosh, golly, gee whizz...where do I begin? I was born a coal miner's daughter. (Oh...wait a minute...that's not me! That storyline belongs to country singer, Loretta Lynn.) I, Elizabeth Nieves, was born in Durham, NC in 19-- (A real lady never reveals her age!) Now that I think about it...Loretta Lynn and I do have one thing in common. We were both born into very poor, Southern families.

1)  Although I've lived in many different homes, there is one place that I will always consider my ‘real home'...Quail Roost Farm. My family moved to Quail Roost Farm when I was six years old. Quail Roost Farm was my special gift from God...a wondrous and amazing place for any little girl...especially one as daring and imaginative as I was (am). Surrounded by horses and nature, each day was a new adventure...an opportunity to live out one of the escapades I had plotted in my mind.

On one such day, my younger brother and I were playing on the hill in front of our home. He was my captive, and I was a fierce, Indian warrior. I had tied him to the tree, and I was contemplating his torture when a golf cart putted down the road...just in time to save my brother from his horrible fate. As the golf cart came to a stop, Mr. Phillips (the caretaker of Quail Roost Conference Center...located at the top of the hill), commented that he had someone he wanted us to meet. He pointed to his passenger and asked my brother and me if we recognized her. In unison, we squealed..."That's Aunt Bee!!" Frances Bavier played ‘Aunt Bee' in the 1960's TV program ‘The Andy Griffith Show'...which was set in Mayberry, NC...a fictional town based on the real town of Mount Airy, NC. Aunt Bee was a superstar to us!

2)  Now that I've admitted that I'm really just a country girl who grew up on a farm, I suppose this is a good time to talk about my ‘old-fashioned' values. As a REALTOR® and broker-in-charge of my own firm, I have developed a public image as a strong business woman who can go head-to-head with any man in the business and come out standing. I'm also a fierce negotiator who remains calm...even under intense pressure. However, when it comes to my hubby, I melt like butter and transform into a delicate, feminine flower.

To further demonstrate my point, I will share something that happened recently. In August, I attended a real estate convention in Austin, Texas. As Keller Williams' guest, they arranged for me to share a hotel room with another REALTOR® from NC...a woman I had never met in person. Although Cindy did not know me personally, she well knew of my business reputation. She had taken an early flight to Austin and was already settled into the hotel when I arrived...talking on the phone with my husband...telling him all about my flight from NC to Austin. We rarely spend time apart, and I was already missing him. We talked for about an hour, and then I hung up...tears streaming down my face and sobbing like a little girl.

Two days later, as Cindy was leaving the hotel, she said..."Elizabeth, I gotta tell you something. I had this idea of what you would be like...but when I heard you talking to your husband that first night...you totally demolished my image of you." I smiled and said, "Cindy...I LOVE my man!" She replied, "Girl...I haven't met him yet, but he must be one amazing man to make you react like that after ALL these years of marriage." I just kept smiling...knowing that Cindy had seen a side of me that I reserve only for my husband.

3)  While I'm on a roll...let's go ahead and get something else out into the open. You know how little girls grow up watching fairytales about knights on white horses and princes who rescue the damsel in distress? Well...I have a ‘thing' for heroes. Please understand that I'm NOT referring to superheroes such as Superman and Batman. NOPERS! My heroes are men such as William Wallace in Braveheart and Robert Roy MacGregor in Rob Roy...men who, driven by the love of a good woman and for their just cause will lay down their lives without a moment of hesitation...men of conviction, courage and honor. These are my heroes.

Are we there yet?? Oh man...I've got to give Lisa and Martin TWO more secrets. (How am I doing, guys?) Let's change the subject a bit.

4)  Most of my regular readers know that I studied Visual Design at North Carolina State University School of Design. What no one knows is how I came to be a student at NCSU School of Design. For four years of high school, I was absolutely certain that I would go to college to study either Veterinary Medicine or some other medical science. I had applied and was accepted into the School of Veterinary Medicine at NCSU. A few weeks before graduation, I had a moment of clarity and realized that I did not want to study any form of medicine...that I wanted to be an artist.

Immediately, I made an appointment to speak with the school advisor...who quickly advised me that I was making a big mistake. She suggested that I ‘not make waves' and just ‘go along with the plan'. I did not take her advice, and I called NCSU to apply for a position in the School of Design...clueless to the facts that the School of Design only accepted a handful of students each year...that they had already filled all of their openings...and that the School of Design required all applicants to undergo a live interview with the Design School staff. The gentleman who answered the phone asked me a few questions about my background and reason for waiting so late to apply. I was very honest with him, and he seemed genuinely impressed. A few days after my conversation with him, I received an invitation in the mail to go for my staff interview...along with instructions to bring my portfolio for review. Aside from the fact that I did not have a portfolio, I was ready for my interview!

On the day of my interview, I took a bus from Durham to Raleigh...and then walked 8 blocks, in pouring rain, before arriving at my interview...drenched from head to toe. As I waited, I noticed that the building seemed very quiet...too quiet...but I was so excited that I thought little more of it. Then, a grey-haired gentleman stepped out to greet me. He led me to a room and proceeded with the interview. He asked me why I was so wet...and then asked to see my portfolio. I presented him with three drawings...one from third grade, one from seventh grade and one from the day before my interview. I then explained to him that I had never actually taken a drawing or drafting class...but that I was a natural artist. I told him that I was the first person in my family to graduate from high school and that I had followed an academic course in school in order to please my teachers and family. I then looked him in the eyes and shared with him my lifelong dream of becoming an artist. He smiled, shook my hand and wished me luck.

Three days later, I received a personal letter from him...the Dean of the Design School. He told me that I was the first applicant he had seen in years that had the heart to fight for their dreams...that he could not hold me back...that he had made an exception and accepted me into the School of Design. I fell on the floor in shock!

5)  Finally...the moment you all have been waiting for has arrived...my last revelation. Are you ready? Are you sure you are ready? Okay...I'm ready also. My favorite color is green...not just any green...apple green! ALL of my life...green has been my favorite color. I love green vegetables...green apples...green sweaters...green grass...everything green! I LOVE GREEN! (My house is even green.)

Well...Lisa and Martin...I hope you are pleased. I've revealed five things that you did not know about me. I fulfilled my contractual obligation, and I will wait for the check to arrive in the mail. OH YEAH...no check, huh? ::GIGGLING:: That was too much fun.

NOW...I must choose three unsuspecting people to whom I shall pass the ‘meme' baton. Eeenie meeenie miney moe...I choose:

Julie Neerings   -- Julie is the sweetest and most gentle person I've ever known.

Courtney Cooper  -- I only recently met Courtney, but she is compassionate and generous.

Gary McNinch -- A fellow KW agent...Gary is someone I admire greatly.

Okay guys...it's on you now. Open the door and show us what's hidden in the back of your closet!

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

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One week ago today, I woke up and discovered an email telling me about the fire in Melissa Grant's home. After reading her blog and learning of her situation, I wrote a post asking for YOUR help. OH BOY...did you help!!! 

Experiencing the outpouring of love and support from this incredible group of people at ActiveRain has made this Christmas memorable and special NOT ONLY for Melissa Grant and her family...but for me also. I am so honored to be a part of ActiveRain...and to know each and every one of you. YOU are proof that the spirit of Christmas is alive and well! Thank you for giving of yourselves through your comments, prayers and donations!

When I first set up the Melissa Grant Fire Relief Fund, my goal was to collect enough money to buy Melissa's three children...Josh, Grace and Cole...some of their favorite things for Christmas. I was also hoping that we would have enough left over to help them cover some of their fire-related out-of-pocket expenses.  

Together...and through YOUR generosity...we have achieved our goal!!!

When I talked to Melissa Thursday morning, I had the honor of telling her that many, many boxes of Christmas gifts were on their way to her children (which touched her deeply)...AND...that there was a check for $700 in the mail, as well. She was speechless! ALL she could say was that she could not believe that people (that do not know her and her family) would give so generously...especially at Christmas when everyone has extra expenses. I WISH ALL OF YOU COULD HAVE HEARD THE JOY IN HER VOICE! I will never forget that conversation.

Everyday, I continue to receive checks in the mail. After Christmas, we will be able to present the family with another check. PLEASE KNOW...if you missed the opportunity to give...IT IS NOT TOO LATE! The PayPal account is still available. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me directly.

While I was talking with Melissa, she shared something with me that pierced straight to my heart. I want to share it with you. One evening, her little girl, Grace (7), asked her mommy to go buy envelopes. Melissa was busy with something important and asked Grace why she needed envelopes. When Melissa went to where Grace was sitting, Melissa discovered that Grace had made cards, letters and 'gifts' for everyone at ActiveRain who had donated money to their family. Melissa had shared with the children about all of her wonderful friends at AR...about the fund to help give their family a nice Christmas. Little Grace wanted to give something back to US. She has no idea how much she has given.

This video is my Christmas present to EVERYONE who took part in giving Christmas to Melissa Grant and her family!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

MAY YOUR HOMES AND YOUR LIVES BE BLESSED BEYOND YOUR WILDEST DREAMS!!! 

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

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A few weeks ago, I pulled into the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel for breakfast. (Not unusual!) As I stepped out of my car, I felt a snowflake hit my face. I looked up, in disbelief, and waited as another one landed on the tip of my nose. Standing in the parking lot, I quietly prayed that the snow would fall more quickly...that it would decorate the landscape with a blanket of white icing. As I continued to stand there (in the middle of the parking lot staring up at the sky)...the snow fell more quickly. Other people in the parking lot began to notice and look up toward the sky, as well. For a moment, I was hopeful.

Just as suddenly as it began, it ended. It was gone! FALSE ALARM!!! The sky cleared up in a matter of minutes. There would be no excuse to stay home from work. The kids would not get out of school early. No snowmen. No snowball fights. No SNOW!

For those of you who do not know, I live in Eastern North Carolina. I've lived here my whole life. When I was a child, I would hear about other places that had many feet of snow on the ground and imagine what it would be like to play in it. I would listen to the news about snowstorms and blizzards and the like...but I never experienced it.

Oh...we do occasionally get snow...a few inches every few years. At the very mention of snow, everyone rushes to the grocery stores and wipes out the bread and milk supply. Schools are cancelled, and businesses close their doors. The highways back up for miles as parents flock to daycares and schools to collect their children. As you can see, a snow flurry is a big deal in North Carolina!

For several years, we've not had even a 'flurry' in North Carolina. That little 'snow tease' that lasted for ten minutes a few weeks ago was a joke. I want snow...I need snow...I NEED SNOW!!! And, I NEED it NOW!

For weeks, I've been reading about ALL the snow that many of you have in your cities. OH YES...you've bragged about YOUR SNOW...even posting pictures of the beautiful 'WHITE STUFF'...dangling YOUR SNOW in front of my face like a piece of steak in front of a starving dog! ENOUGH!! I'VE HAD IT!! I WANT MY OWN SNOW!!! AND...I WANT IT NOW!!!

Christmas is four (4) days away. I am now officially placing my order for a WHITE CHRISTMAS!!! I don't want any gifts. I just want SNOW. And...NOT just a snow flurry...I WANT a LOT OF SNOW. I want a SNOWSTORM! My pantries are full. BRING ON THE SNOW!!!

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

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Music is incredibly powerful. Just hearing a few notes of certain songs can take me back to a specific moment in time. When I close my eyes...while listening to the song...I can ‘see' the moment...feel the moment...and sometimes even smell the moment.

Last week, I came across a CD that I have not played in years. I slid it into the CD player and waited for the first song to start. Hearing the first note of the song, I was immediately transported out of the present moment and back to a day long ago...a really, really hot day in Atlanta, Georgia. It was the summer of 1994.

As I had done for several consecutive years, I took a large group of teenagers to Six Flags over Georgia for Atlanta Fest '94...a Christian music festival. For three days, we camped on the grounds in unrelenting heat...listened to live Contemporary Christian bands day and night...and played in the theme park between concerts. We had a blast!

On the second day...standing close to the stage in an amphitheater packed with 20,000 people...I waited for the concert to begin. The Kry was a relatively new band on the Christian music scene, but I had previously heard a few songs from their debut CD. I was excited to finally hear them play live.

After a few upbeat songs to get the crowd moving, the lead singer announced that they were going to slow things down and play some of their personal favorites. Accompanied by acoustic guitars, The Kry sang the song...'I Believe in You'. As I listened...standing there...with the Atlanta sun shining down on me...I closed my eyes and lifted my face toward the heavens. It was the first time I had heard this song...but it became my personal anthem...a proclamation of my commitment to live my faith out loud...a declaration of my willingness to go wherever God directs my feet. When they sang the chorus the second time... "From the mountain tops to the depths of the sea...I will always trust in You. Though the world may label me a fool...I believe in You"...I sang those words to Jesus Christ...my Lord and Savior...as a promise.

Almost fourteen years have passed since that day in the summer of 1994, but the words of this song mean more to me today than the first time I heard them. Everyday, I understand a little bit more what it truly means to "take my cross and go against the flow...to deny myself...to lose my life to gain it all." No...life is not a bed of roses. How do you have faith when all you see around you is desperation and despair? How do you hang on when you can barely find the strength to make it through the day? How do you believe when you are consumed by fear? How? By holding onto the hand of the ONE who created you...the ONE who has walked in your shoes...the ONE who will never leave you and never forsake you.

"Some say I'm crazy...that I have no reason to believe in You. The whole world can try to bring me down, but I'll stand on the promise that no one can take me away from You. From the mountain tops to the depths of the sea...I will always trust in You. Though the world may label me a fool, I believe in You!"

Kry - I Believe In You Lyrics
years ago
when i said i'll follow You
i didn't know
what it meant to
take my cross and go against the flow
to deny myself
to lose my life to gain it all

since i've learned
life's a battlefield
and i'm a soldier
when marching through
the evil under fire
You remain my shield
in my darkest hour
yes i know life ain't no bed of roses
so as i go i will hold to You again

Chorus:
from the mountain tops
to the depths of the sea
i will always trust in You
though the world may
label me a fool
i believe in You

now i know
a servant is no greater
than his master
people hated You and
mocked You with their laughter
to bear Yor name oh Lord
is my greatest honor
for my soul

You endured all the shame for Your love
help me stand until the end

Repeat chorus

some say i'm crazy
that i have no reason
to believe in You
the whole world can try to bring me down
but i'll stand on the promise
that no one can
take me away from You

Repeat chorus

John 15:18-21, Romans 8:38-39

More Kry Lyrics...

*****This post is dedicated to my beautiful friend, Julie Neerings. As I was writing this post, I received an email from Julie. She took this photo a few weeks ago while she and I were talking on the phone. She told me that the sun was shining into her office window so brightly...that she wished that I could see it. I asked her to take a photo and send it to me. I cannot imagine a more appropriate photo for this post. Thank you, Julie! I love you, my friend!!!*****

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

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Saturday morning...after learning of the housefire that destroyed a portion of Melissa Grant's home...I wrote a post asking for ActiveRain members to join me in giving Christmas back to Melissa and her family. I shared with you how the fire began in 15 year-old Joshua's room and destroyed ALL of his possessions. I told you about 7 year-old Grace and 6 year-old Cole's fear that Santa would not be able to find them this year. I asked you to place yourself in their shoes...to imagine how you would feel if you could not be in YOUR own home for Christmas...to ask yourself how you would cope with YOUR childrens' fear and grief. Your response was amazing...your outpouring of love inspiring!

This morning, I had a long conversation with Melissa. I shared with her some of the stories of how you have opened your hearts...many of you giving out of your own need. I encouraged her to go to her office and log onto AR...to read the many, loving comments you have left for her. After reading your comments, she left this comment for ALL of YOU!

I had a few minutes and access to the pc and I am sitting here reading all the beautiful comments and words simply cannot express how grateful...thankful I am for each and every one of you. You are all amazing people and well..I truly just don't know what to say. I'm sorry I cannot right now comment to each and everyone of you so I will try to sum things up as best I can.

Each day is a little different, emotionally, physically we are all okay. I seem to be wearing many different hats of emotion and staying strong for the kids..Josh, well..that's a hard one..what do you say, what do you do to make a 15 year old cope with losing 15 years of his treasures....The most amazing thing happened ...I got up in the middle of the night Saturday evening..I wanted to check on all the kids..I feel frightened over the littlest things now..hopefully that will pass...when I checked on Josh, he fell asleep with the bible he found in the nightstand, he lay there peacefully sleeping..the bible lay next to him and the way his arm was spread out it looked at though he was hugging it...I just kinda stood there in awe..knowing he was getting the peace he needs. My 2 little ones, are just really confused. The hotel Manager wrote a note addressing it to the children from Santa and stuck it to our door...they were excited to know that Santa found them and even though we didn't have a chimney he had a special key :)..

The weirdest thing for me is that everyone around us seems to know exactly what to say or do and i am usually that person. I would have never thought about a letter..from Santa..I would have never thought to have someone write a letter to Josh like Kris Wales did telling him from an outside source it wasn;t his fault and everything would be okay...I would have never thought to call someone like Vanessa did me this morning and hook up to kids with similar talents...

I know I have missed many calls and many emails. I appreciate all of them. In the hotel I sometimes get cell reception and sometimes I don't. Please know I am checking messages as often as possible and logging in as often as possible and will get back to everyone whom I am able to reach. As for me, well, some days are better than others but logging in here today has been so uplifting...and I really needed it. Sometimes I feel guilty if I laugh, then I feel guilty if I sort of go numb thinking to myself I don't care..I welcomed the frustrated/angry emotion on Friday when my son was given a detention for not having his school id that was in his room and the school new...I know that sounds weird but it gave me something else to do rather than feel guilty or numb... But, I have learned so much from all of this, especially the power of love...and to not take the little things for granted. I was speaking with Elizabeth earlier this morning and telling her it's those little things ..the things that are luxuries that become necessities in our lives...like a microwave for example..I don't have one in our hotel room...but how use to them we get..it makes you value things a little more..or like yesterday when I was at the laundry mat doing a load of cloths..you just look around and see ...everyone has laundry..some of us are lucky enough to be able to walk 15 ft in our home and do it...some us are not..Things change us, society changes us, the hype of what's in or what's not changes us....but..fire...has changed me...it has confirmed angels are among us, that God works in the most miraculous ways...that he will never give us more than we can handle...that we have no earthly idea what will happen tomorrow and to live today as if it were our last...that dirty socks, will always be there, that our children, our family is the most precious thing HE ever GAVE TO US...and I cannot imagine my life without them or all of you !

Thank you all so very much...for everything...for just people who you are...

Melissa

As I shared with Melissa about YOUR overwhelming show of love and support, I realized that I also needed to share with you. ActiveRain is a community of real estate professionals from all over the country. Most of us have never met one another face-to-face. Yet, everyday we interact with one another through our blog posts. We exchange ideas...experiences...photos...successes...needs...OUR BURDENS. Galations 6:2 says, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

When I wrote the post about the fire in Melissa's home...I made you aware of Melissa's burden and asked you to help her carry it. YOU DID EXACTLY THAT! So many of you, who do not know Melissa or even me, stepped up alongside Melissa and took a portion of her load onto yourself. As you can see from her comment...your love and support has meant the world to her...giving her the strength she needs to keep moving forward. Isn't it wonderful to know that...one day...when you need some help to carry your burden...YOUR ActiveRain family will be there for you, too?

::DRUM ROLL PLEASE::

• So far...we have collected almost $450 in the Paypal Account.
• IF everyone who has committed to give sends in their checks...we will have an additional $1500-$2000.
• A young man (17 years old) heard about Josh losing ALL of his 'stuff' and decided to donate $20 of HIS OWN money to Josh.
• Another child asked her mom to give some of HER Christmas presents to Grace.
• An AR member has already gone online and ordered gifts for each of the children.
• Some of you have asked if you can send gifts as well as donations.
• One precious woman gave a small donation and asked God to mulitiply it 100 times. She gave ALL she had to give. I'm praying that God will bless her 100 times more than what she gave.
• A special AR member has been calling local and national real estate organizations and making them aware of Melissa's need.
• An AR member who desperately needs money to make a car repair made a donation.
• Several of YOU wrote posts pointing your readers back to my post...to get the word out faster about Melissa's need. Several large contributions were a direct result of your posts.

Everyone: Please read Elizabeths Nieves blog - It's so important!!   by Kris Wales

A Plea For Help For A Fellow Active Rainer   by Tom Plant

Help for Melissa Grant and family   by Missy Caulk

URGENT! An Active Rain member needs help!   by Jason Crouch

One of Us Needs Help   by Sarah Cooper

IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO GIVE!

IF you wish to make a donation to make Christmas special for Melissa Grant and her family...go to PayPal.com. My email address is the contact for the Melissa Grant Fire Relief Fund. Elizabeth@ElizabethNieves.com

FROM THE DEPTHS OF MY SOUL...THANK YOU !!!

MAY GOD BLESS EACH ONE OF YOU BEYOND YOUR WILDEST DREAMS !!!

THIS IS WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT!

MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

Visit our website at http://www.elizabethnieves.com