Dread Disease Dragged Out My Best

In denial, I was slow to accept Multiple Sclerosis. Who, after all, would embrace a diagnosis of the dread disease of no known cause, and for which there was no cure?

"The mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society® is to end the devastating effects of MS. Approximately 400,000 Americans acknowledge having MS, and every week about 200 people are diagnosed. Worldwide, MS may affect 2.5 million individuals."

I continued to operate my own real estate company, increasing the number of experienced agents who required less hands-on supervision.

Putting renters in my house, I moved closer to my office using a handicapped scooter to get back and forth on those days when I didn't have appointments set up to "List" or "Show" homes. I refused to give up driving because one leg still worked, most of the time.

In hidden panic, I began making hasty decisions. On a week requiring my personal intervention on behalf of two of my agent's real estate transactions, I decided to sell my company. For a coffee cup, I traded my principle share of the real estate corporation to my new partner (another such decision), just to get out. Having no problem, I obtained an Associate Broker position with one of the major corporations.

When it became apparent?even to me?that I could no longer provide the level of service I expected my clients to have, I took the Social Security Disability option. Gritting my teeth, as the mandatory waiting period ticked away, I tried to decide what to do with the remaining years of my life. Although I had once owned art stores, even taught oil painting--always the optimist--ever I could not paint a portrait of future prosperity.

A good friend suggested that I write a book. As I had published two poetry books twenty-five years before, I considered the possibility. In an attempt to overcome personal depression, I decided to write about making better choices. I chose a novel format because it allowed the freedom to develop hypothetical scenarios, involving fictional characters, while forcing awareness of real dangers. I wanted to make a compelling case for right choices, not just in marketing ones home, but in all aspects of life.

I've made a lot of mistakes. Most of us do. We live in troubled, unpredictable times. People must contend with changing economic issues, employment disruptions, family problems, health upsets, crime, and consequences. With enhanced awareness, we can perhaps gain clarity when, standing flat-footed over home plate, the curve ball comes. Okay, so we were expecting a fast?pitch.

For Sale By Owners: FSBO is my novel about people. Not perfect people. It begs the question, "What would For Sale By Owners do if they knew they were really buying trouble?" As former real estate broker, I am qualified to shed some light on this often un-addressed area of concern.

Many agents are reluctant to tell people just how dangerous it is to open their doors to strangers. Understandably, people who must sell homes do not want to pay brokerage fees, if they can avoid it. It is, absolutely their right to sell their homes themselves.

But all too often, the man saying, "We can sell it ourselves, Honey," pops a FOR SALE BY OWNER sign in the yard, and goes off to his work. His compliant companion places an ad in the local newspaper, answers the phone, and sets appointments for the supposedly interested buyers to come see their home for sale. Danger comes cloaked by delusion.

I've had women clients tell me they had prayed that no one would call. Peeking out the curtains, some deciding astutely, did not answer the door.

As my father once told me, "Son, all crooks have honest faces. Malice masquerades well in a mask of deceit."

In their efforts to be professional, often agents do not wish to alarm or alienate sellers who might list with them, later. I have no such vested interest.

Even real estate agents recognize they are placing themselves at risk when showing houses. Every year, many are abducted, robbed, murdered, and raped in this country. NAR®, the National Association of Realtors, constantly warns agents to vigilant, careful whom they work with. Many Realtors® will no longer do "Open Houses" because it is simply too dangerous. The commission reward of marketing a home in this manner, disproportionate to the risk.

Yes, I am passionate about the problem. My book doesn't mince words. The serial rapist adds an eerie element, providing a fractured face to one possible perpetrator.

Multiple Sclerosis lost by forcing a mid-life course correction. Rather, this dread disease has dragged out my best.

The MS Society® and its network of chapters nationwide promote research, educate, advocate on critical issues, and organize a wide range of programs including support for the newly diagnosed and those living with MS over time.

Russ Miles is the author of the novel, For Sale By Owners:FSBO. Seasoned Real Estate NAR® Broker Disabled by Multiple Sclerosis, FOR SALE BY OWNERS:FSBO ISBN 0-595-28703-4,in trade paperback, is available by phone or Internet:1-800-Authors to order direct! Very HOT?LINK Adobe e-book & hard cover editions also available FSBO at Amazon.com at Barnes and Noble and other fine booksellers.

Comments: MilesRuss@Gmail.com.

Personal referrals to his publisher

---

The Minds Fancy Dress Party -Or- A Brainstorming Session

In Berlin a restaurant opens for anorexics and in Buffalo... Read More

Create Your Own Self Esteem - Part 1

Self-esteem is something that we all wish we had more... Read More

A Word Fitly Spoken ~ Acceptance

A WORD FITLY SPOKENA word fitly spoken is like apples... Read More

Built in Judge

In this world we don't have to afraid to anybody... Read More

Beautiful Day Blues

The massive orb dominates the aqua crystalline backdrop of its... Read More

Anam Chara - Wishing Versus Wanting

There is an old saying, which warns, "be careful for... Read More

The Emmaus Journal ~ Quietness

The Emmaus Journal QuietnessAs a state of being, quietness is... Read More

Passion: What It Means To Live With It

Passion can guide you, not just to live, but to... Read More

Work In Progress: 10 Benefits of Not Knowing It All

1. You can relax and enjoy your life more if... Read More

The Miracle of Personal Development

One day Mr. Shoaff said, "Jim, if you want to... Read More

What is My Life Purpose?

Why am I here?If you haven't already asked this question,... Read More

Anamcara - The Blessing of Peace

"Come out of the circle of time and into... Read More

Worship and Football: Lets Take Another Look

At a recent seminar we were asked to imagine if... Read More

Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Raise Your Frequency with These Divine Gifts

The volatile essences of aromatic plants contain potent, complex, natural... Read More

Silence Inside

Silence means no voice input of any sort. What happens... Read More

Exceptions To The Rule

Yesterday I turned 48, and she just turned 21. Uh-oh,... Read More

Changing Course

Direct Answers - Column for the week of March 17,... Read More

The Seasons Of Life, Part 3 of 5

This week is part three of our five part series... Read More

Nurture Your Heart

Pregnant with her first child, Jill could barely contain her... Read More

Your True Talent Will Set You Free

When you get home from work, do you feel enriched,... Read More

The Bouncer (Turning Defeat into Victory)

I'm a pretty competitive guy, though I try to keep... Read More

Turning Your Life Over To God and Trusting Him To Lead You Is Like . . . . .

. . . . . riding a roller coaster for... Read More

The Author Within You!

I always had an active imagination when I was young.... Read More

Who Are The Underminers?

How many of you had the experience growing up of... Read More

Flashh! I Thought I Saw A Puddy Cat!

Have you ever had one of those flashes of inspiration?... Read More

Mitigating Factors

Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 30,... Read More

The Power of the Tongue

There is an old proverb with a lot of wisdom.... Read More

Contemptable Temptation

Let's look at the lesson we should all pay attention... Read More

Just Say, I Love You to Those Who are...

Life is beautiful and lovable with the type of people... Read More

$12 And 90 Minutes To Change Your Life

Have you ever listened to self hypnosis tapes? Or listened... Read More

What We Believe We Create - Love is the Creation

I once was told by the Angels that our concept... Read More

Life is About Choosing

Back to our youth days, we were taught that by... Read More

Stay With It!

I walked out of his office inspired. All I could... Read More