THE REWARDS OF “DOING YOU”
Posted by Ana Gramling | Visited 2055 times, 6 so far today | Currently 4 Comments »
I have always called myself “the lucky girl”…
I was born on 8-28-58 (yes, I’m getting OLD) and, in most Asian countries, the number 8 is considered lucky…I believe this is true!!!
From a very early age, I learned that my purpose in life was to help others. So, it’s not unusual that today I am a Realtor® helping my clients to buy and sell real estate.
But, what TRULY brings me the most joy is my personal commitment to giving back to our community and to serve others during their time of need. If you hear me say “I’ve got your back” know that I MEAN IT!!! Loretta Lynn once said about her life, “I just want to matter”. This statement has become my personal mantra.
Two weeks ago, I was interviewed as a candidate for San Diego Magazine’s Woman Of The Year for their publication on women who change the city. I am humbled, and extremely excited to share with you that I am a finalist for this prestigious award!!! This award recognizes “dynamic women who work to create positive change and contributions to the San Diego community”. What I can tell you, is that the list of women who are likewise being considered have contributed to our city in ways that will make you SMILE…CRY…AND STAND UP AND APPLAUD THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS!!!
So…you’re probably asking yourself…”What has Ana done to garnish such accolades???”
Anyone who knows me will tell you that every Monday morning I am one of thousands of volunteers who deliver meals to homebound Seniors on behalf of Meals On Wheels. I can’t think of a better way to start my week!!! I LOVE MY SENIORS and I can honestly say they are all my friends! One of my Seniors, Josie who is 83 years “young”, is a founding member of the “Madres” organization. The Madres are affiliated with the San Diego Padres, whose mission is to sponsor underprivileged youth to play baseball and softball in San Diego County. Through Josie’s sponsorship, I too am now a proud member of the Madres.
I am also the President of the homeowner’s association for the downtown condo community that my husband and I live in. I spend approximately 20+ volunteer hours per week on behalf of our homeowners association and can proudly say I have made a positive difference to our community. If you are ever in downtown San Diego, I welcome you to call me as I would love to take you on a tour of our building!!! Who knows, you just might like it enough to have me represent you in a purchase of a downtown condo!!!
In addition, I mentor several real estate agents as I am pleased to have the good fortune to have had some success in my real estate career as a resale agent…especially in short sale listings. I can boast that I have a 100% success rate in all my short sale listings…something I am EXTREMELY PROUD OF!!!
My husband and I also own a general contracting business and we work extremely closely in the rehabilitation of homes, including fire restoration, flippers/investment properties and we have built several small subdivisions primarily for first-time homebuyers. There is something TRULY SPECIAL about handing over the keys to the family who NEVER thought the possibility of being a homeowner could become a reality. This is an emotional moment that you have to participate in to really appreciate!!! Ask any of our first-time homeowners about this moment. Behind their tears, they will share with you how truly special it is!!
I have also had the good fortune in working primarily with women in establishing their start-up businesses. This endeavor has taken me to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Phuket, and New Delhi, India. My clients range from holistic/aromatherapy products; CPA/accounting services; fine art photography; manufacturing custom denim jeans; and largely, a diverse range of real estate industry businesses.
THE SECRET OF “DOING YOU”
During my interview for San Diego Magazine’s Woman Of The Year, the final question was: “Within the past year, what has inspired you? “ My immediate response was to ask, “What inspires me personally or in business?”…and I was told I could answer either way. I kept repeating to myself…what TRULY HAS INSPIRED ME? If I’m honest…I love..love…LOVE being a Realtor®, and I REALLY LOVE my community service!!! But what has truly inspired me the most, is the inner strength, the fight and dignity that a personal friend (Darrell, who is 29 years old) has had to endure due to his unfortunate battle with Sarcoma Cancer. For those of you who are not familiar, Sarcoma is one of the rarest of all cancers. Statistics are, it is less than 5% of all cancers and the unfortunate truth is that medical history is continuing to learn of its symptoms and treatments from actual patients which makes it difficult to treat. What I know, is that Darrell is making medical history!
Darrell has taught me the strength, mental power and determination during adversity, beyond anything I have personally experienced!!! When we first learned that he would have his right leg amputated, and several tumors removed from his lungs, I told him “I’VE GOT YOUR BACK”…I NEVER REALIZED HOW MUCH THIS STATEMENT WOULD PROVE IT’S WORTH!!! I will NEVER forget Darrell telling us the night after his surgery that “I will be leaving the hospital in 3 days. I have a final at school and must be there”. His doctors said, given the extent of his surgery, that they anticipated he would be in the hospital for at least a week and he would have to walk on his newly fitted prosthetic before they would even consider releasing him. Darrell did in fact walk out of the hospital on the third day after his surgery and he did not miss his final! I made a personal commitment to drive him to law school every day, and, to take him to all of his doctor’s appointments and radiation treatments, and I can proudly tell you that his doctors and nurses believed I was his Mother as I made it my personal mission to support him any way I could. What you don’t know is that Darrell was in his final semester of law school at Thomas Jefferson School of Law and he finished his final semester with honors and is now a PROUD law school graduate…yes, he has his JD!!! After Darrel’s surgery, I was never more PROUD of Darrell than the moment when he “walked” the procession at his graduation from Thomas Jefferson School of Law!!!
The other thing you should know about Darrell is that he has written two books and a manuscript that has been adapted into a screen play (all during his cancer surgery and treatments). Darrell’s screen play is now in the stages of graphic design and it is his hope to promote it at Comic Con. Darrell has a real love for comics and X-Box online video games…his favorite is Gears Of War. I often end my text to him by telling him that he is a “Super Hero”!!! I invite you to checkout one of his books which was picked up by Barnes and Nobel. It is called The Relationship Guide to Guides. It will cost you $1.99 (it is a NookBook) and, I invite you to download it here. I know he will appreciate your support!
What I know is, I am SO PROUD OF DARRELL!!! He has, obviously, touched my heart and I am humbled and honored to be a part of his life. I hope that you will join me in a prayer that Darrell continues to “LIVE STRONG”.
I hope that in reading this blog article you will take a moment to be grateful for your own health and well being…PLEASE DO NOT TAKE IT FOR GRANTED!!!
So, what is my SECRET TO “DOING YOU???” The phrase “Doing You” means to create a vision for your life and don’t just pursue your vision…TRULY LIVE BY IT!!! Without sounding like a fortune cookie…my personal vision is to have compassion for promoting happiness and sharing my personal joy for life with others. In doing so, I am truly the one who feels rewarded!!! I have learned that giving something of lasting value to the world and surrounding yourself with the right people will help to direct you
to a place where you will be blessed with the power of good Karma.
BTW, an amusing thing to know about me is that my favorite word is “FABULOUS!!!” That is how I live my life!!!
Ana, What a truly beautiful blog and touching tribute to Darrell. YOU are truly his Super Hero. As always, your family has my prayers. ~Leslie
Ana,
I am so sorry for your loss of Darryl, but so pleased at what he left you with – a greater appreciation for life and the power of one to touch and inspire another. You were truly inspired to have written this about Darryl and I know he will be your angel now … forever.
My condolences to Erika and Darryl’s family.
Love,
Charlotte
Ana,
Wow Wow! Congrats and such a deserving honor! You and your family are amazing and truly the essence of the phrase “Doing well by doing good!” Thanks for all you do and contribute to our communuity and world!
All my very best!!
Steve
Ana, You are not only fabulous you are the meaning of Elegance My friend!