Some positive thought as we come into Monday. We are going to make it.

Friday night found me sitting on a lit patio, eating dinner with friends. It was a simple last minute get together.

One of my friends, an attorney was reflecting on how tough the year had been. His practice was off. And his real estate broker wife, was dealing with the worst market in recent history. And by recent, I am referring to the 1940's.

Hard to argue with these folks. We were not making the money that had been made in the past. Business was tougher. Things were harder. The Banks were at the root of the economic slow down. And although our administration had made a bold 770 billion dollar attempt at reviving the economy, Lending had tapered off to near nothing. A sad state of affairs.

As I listened to the discourse, I looked around at the candle lit , summer yard that surounded me. Wine Glasses, barbecue, that perfect summer night temperature. Just enough breeze to keep the mosquito's away.

And then it hit me in the side of the head like a sledge hammer.

Out of my mouth came the following profound words, as though I was channeling a complete stranger." You know, there are different levels of down and out" . There are different levels of hard and busted. My friend's wife gave me a glance, acknowledged my diatribe with a smile.

She knew several past , top producing real estate associates that were living out of their cars. Million dollar club members that had fallen by the road side.

Slipping in and out of motel lobbies, and gas station rest rooms, for a fast clean up. Sad commentary for a sad time.

Tomorrow morning, as I schlep off to work, I will be grateful.

I will be grateful that I have a home. That I still have some income and credit. That I have not missed many meals.

I will be grateful for what I have today. Because, it could be worse. I could be living out of my car. I could be out on the streets.

To my friends that are not doing very well, and I have a few, I wish you better days.

I hope that the economy will begin to turn for you soon. I wish a solid job comes your way. May your housing stabilize. May your Bank stay open. I wish you and your family the very best. We are in this together as a nation. Hang in there . We are going to make it America.

Back To Top