As I sat next my wife waiting for the rib eye and lobster we had just ordered, my mind began to reflect on the amazing day we had in Las Vegas. The better part of the afternoon was spent listening to various speakers from the real estate industry with the keynote being delivered by Lonnie Bedwell, a blind adventurer. Lonnie lost his sight as an adult but has since kayaked alone down the Colorado river and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.
After the meetings we had several receptions and met realtors from around the US and Internationally. This was quite a different experience for me as I am usually the one dragging Sabrina to various conventions and forcing her to listen to leaders in the HVAC speak followed by receptions where I network with people from my industry. Today, I was blessed to watch as her peers approached her with accolades, envy, and admiration for her accomplishments. People she never met, from all over the US telling her how amazing she was and asking how she was able to do it.
Its been an hour or more and our meal hasn’t came however I appreciate the opportunity to just sit and reflect. I am sitting next to the most amazing woman and as I brush her hair with my fingers, I find myself realizing that Lonnie isn’t the only blind man I have met today. I realize that I have been blind to the amazing career my wife has created over the past few years. Without any significant education, while raising two daughters and taking care of a often times selfish husband, she taught herself how to be an amazing realtor. The award she will receive tomorrow is not an easy one. In fact out of the thousands of realtors here at this international convention, a very small percentage will receive it. I knew she was amazing but today I see her through a very new set of eyes and am even more proud of her.
After over 90 minutes, our steaks never came so we left without eating however, I left full of something better than food. I have a fuller understanding of how blessed I am to have spent some of the past 22 years “driving mrs realtor.”
Be awesome.