I went to a home inspection last week, as I usually do when I am representing buyers in a sale. I had only met the seller once before when I showed his home to my clients; the ones that bought his lovely cabin in the mountains.
During this home inspection, after I did my agent's visual and as I waited for the inspector to finish, I ended up learning so much about this kind, slim, elderly gentleman, as I strolled through his rooms viewing his walls and reading about his accomplishments. About his younger years. Of his life with his bride. And his life as a father. It was a beautiful story. You see, he was an artist, and quite an accomplished artist. Many of his pieces were behind glass frames, as were many awards for his advertising skills; For instance, he created ads for the Volkswagon (in the 60's, I guess) and for designing ads for Hunts/Wesson. Ah, the list went on and on along his walls. Then, in front of the fireplace was a giant frame with tons of pictures delicately placed throughout.
"There are 60 pictures there." He smiled. I watched his gentle, blue eyes search for more thoughts, then... "My wife died last year. We were married 60 years and there are 60 pictures." He was especially proud of the "old" black and white photo taken in '47 that stared back at us from the middle of the frame. "That was when we were..." and he stopped, again, to try and grab part of his past... "Oh, yes," he added, "That was when we went to Vegas to get married." The photo was of his bride leaning against a 1936 Plymouth, I believe he said.
It is so amazing what we learn about people just from being in their homes for a few moments, or hours. I learned so much about this charming man, and I wanted so badly to know more. Much more. I knew he had so much to tell...if only he could. As we sat and chatted a little while longer, he was able to recall his days in Germany during WWII. I know enough about this horrific disease, Alzheimer's, to know it actually rips away your current memory first and fastest, and the days of yesteryear are easier to remember...for a little while.
When I left his home, I was so sad. I knew that would be the last time I would see this wonderful man and his big, broad smile. I knew as quickly as he shut the door behind me, he would not remember me in five minutes. However, I WILL remember him.
I got into my car and couldn't stop myself from crying. Life is just not always fair, I reminded myself. That sweet man was losing his home, and his mind, to ALZHEIMER'S . To this stinking disease that ends up shrouding your mind with a cobweb-type cover like a spider does to his victim.
...it just isn't fair.
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....life can be so sad at times.
Kat
Life can be so darn unfair at times; it's fragility becomes unmeasurable at times. I would think it was very hard with that nice man, and then leaving.
Sincerely
Tom Braatz
Tom: I don't even know this kind man...except for a short time in his home, but I was touched by him and so sad when I left. I have been through this disase with a few family members and it never gets easier; only sadder.