Last week, I received an order to take auto lease package to client for signing. When I arrived, I immediately recognized the home. I had signed these people's refinance of an investment property last year. Nice little family, two daughters played their favorite, mostly recently learned piano piece for me before I left.
The wife greeted me at the door, yes, you were here last year. Things have changed, I'm a widow now. My heart sank, I teared up. I wanted to hug her, I could see how stressed she was. June 29, while they were motoring on vacation to WA state, her husband lost control of their compact car just north of Redding, and he died the next day of massive head injuries after the car rolled three times and came to rest in the greenbelt along the 5 freeway. She and their two young daughters were not hurt, only traumatized. I spent more time with this lady, holding her hand, we talked about all the changes, her co-workers donated PTO to her so that she would have more time to collect herself and get matters handled at home. She is fortunate to have such a supportive and compassionate community, church and workplace. Thankfully, her uncle is shepherding many of her financial decisions. Her husband was a college professor of environmental science, raised a lot of research money for the program, and procured many new scientific tools for the lab over the years. He was extremely well respected and admired for his contributions and knowledge. Only 50 years old. A terrible travesty. So I prayed with her, then I left her after giving her a huge hug.
Humbling. You never know when change will occur in a nanosecond. I'm so thankful for my own family, knowing things can change instantly. Will call them soon to wish them a great day and to be safe. |