Whether I'm at a client's closing celebrating their new home, hosting a realtor lunch and learn, or attending a Florida mortgage conference, people will often find me wearing a Star Wars Rebel Alliance pin on my left shoulder (near my heart). I don't wear it because I'm a nerd (Okay, okay, I'm a nerd, and I'm not ashamed of that, lol. But that's not why I wear it). I wear it because of the story behind it.
The pin belonged to my mother. She was a Star Wars fan, too. And, in my opinion, probably more of a hard core fan than I, because she was a fan before it was "cool" to be a fan. She was a devoted Pastor's wife, mother of eight children, and a full-time teacher to seven of those little kids, including me. Don't ask me why she decided to take all that on. All I can say was, she was more than just a royal rebel with a cause. She was a rock star, and everyone who knew her was more than dazzled by her. She was the type of woman who could walk into a room and relate to just about anyone.
As her child, I was no less dazzled . . . imagine living with someone who you perceived was like Princess Leia (smart, beautiful, and sharp-witted), Yoda (powerful, yet short-- because yes, she was short), and Obi Wan (loyal and devoted to excellence in her craft) all rolled into one person. So, one night, I'm watching her get ready to go to a pastor's conference with my Dad. She's standing in front of her brightly lit mirror applying the finishing touches to her makeup, dressed in a very smart and well-tailored suit. Her navy A-line skirt goes down to her knees and her matching navy blazer is buttoned. She looks confident, calm, and her hand is steady as she finishes her lips in a beautiful mauve. She loved the soft pink color, not just on her lips but sprinkled around her house decor. I stood there, my head barely tall enough to see my own reflection over the bathroom countertop, and I studied her from head to toe, happy in our silent quality time (which was rare in a house with eight kids, I can tell you that!). Suddenly I had a question that I couldn't hold inside me: "Mama, why do you wear that pin?" I knew what the symbol meant, and at this young age, I thought it was odd that she would wear it to such a serious, adult event (surely, other adults might think it childish of her, right?).
She stopped staring at her own reflection to look down at me and smile (that knowing smile: all lips and no teeth with one eyebrow raised). "Because it helps me break the ice and start a friendly conversation with a new acquaintance, Cesse," (she called me that). "People are people, and no matter who you are or what walk of life you come from, you can find ways to connect with all kinds of people. Even if they don't like Star Wars, or don't know what it is, they ask, 'What does that pin mean?' And that's when I smile and say, 'Well, have you seen Star Wars? I'm a member of the rebel alliance!' It makes them laugh, and they relax so we can talk about other things."
It's a lesson that has stuck with me ever since. She loved people (her and my father both); all kinds of people, no matter their skin, age, gender, or race. She desired to connect with them, understand them, reach them on their level, and she would even use something as simple as a Star Wars pin to make that connection. In the Florida mortgage industry, I have the distinct honor and pleasure of connecting with people from all walks of life. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer who feels a little intimidated about the home buying process, an experienced investor looking to buy another Florida rental property, or a Florida homeowner in need of selling your current house and buying a new home again, it would be my honor to help you navigate the home lending process and find the best home loan solution for you and your family.
With the risk of being super cheesy, I'll leave you with this thought on Mother's Day (that's when I wrote this blog entry): To all the mothers out there, I hope you know that you are the best Mom in the galaxy to the little "padawans" you are raising. The lessons you leave with them--big and small-- will never be forgotten. Like little treasures, your kids will carry your words with them always. To my own Mama in heaven: I love you, and feel nearer to you every time I put on the pin and paint my lips.
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