My Realtor and Friend

 When we lived in Grand Rapids - the first time - in the late 70's and early 80's - a family with four young children moved in across the street. Actually, they only had three doodle bugs at the time. Boys...all about the age of my brother and me. 

Which meant instant playmates and friends.

When we left in 84, we stayed in contact - coming back for 4th of July parades and time together.

I returned to GR to go to college in 92 - and I'd pop over occasionally to say hi, grab a snack or steal a hug.

And when I returned (for good?!) in 05, Mr. G was then a realtor who could help me navigate buying a home in town- Which wasn't an easy accomplishment with the disaster of selling my Chicago condo. But he helped me through the whole process from start to finish - offering fatherly love and advice, and certainly the protective eye that I needed.

And then I met Hubs - and we got married, so Mr. G sold his house. And then we moved to Cal...and he sold the GR house, helped us navigate purchasing a new one...all so we could do it again four years later and sell the Cal house for another GR house. 

In the meantime, my brother moved from GR to Cal...so Mr. G helped him sell and buy. 

And then my parents came back from Lansing to the lake...and yea, Mr. G helped them too.

Through all those years and real estate transactions, he, with his lovely wife and grown children, remained good friends. The kind that you know and long for - the ones that pick up and set down over decades and never lose that connection.

As I study connection in the last few years, I find just how important this is.

So when I heard that his health was failing, it was time to go say hi and get my hugs.

His health continued to rapidly decline last week - I spoke often to his daughter - and by the time the call came yesterday afternoon (Easter, of course - and the 2-year anniversary of my back yard neighbor's passing) - my heart was still not ready to say good bye.

There is this odd feeling that can coexist in your heart - you don't want your friend or loved one to be in pain (which he certainly was) so you want them to go. But, you want them here and don't want to say good bye.

Those feelings of "GO!" and "PLEASE STAY!" can exist in your heart and mind - for as long as they need to.

In any event...I saw his daughter's face on FaceTime - and I knew. And we didn't have words. We cried for a moment...and took a big breath.

He was gone. 

Hallelujah, it is finished...we had just recited on Friday...and as we do serve our risen Savior...I only say that "it is well with my soul." 

I will miss him terribly - and then next time I sell a home, it won't be the same.

Mr. G - you were a good, good man. Every hug, every nudge of confidence....I'll keep with me.

Our whole family is grateful for you - and we love you. 

https://obits.mlive.com/us/obituaries/grandrapids/name/william-graham-obituary?id=34324007