If you were in Grand Rapids, Michigan today, you know that it was one of those days in which only those forced to work or those obsessively dedicated to work are doing so. A brilliant blue sky framed picture perfect clouds. It's the sort of day that makes one think of picking up an ice-cream cone along the boardwalk in Grand Haven. But, alas, I was one of those working.
After my listing appointment, Renee, a Client Specialist with our office, and I headed out to catch a bite to eat at the Schuller's Bookstore cafe. As I settled down to eat, I glanced a couple of tables over and observed a man with a shock of white hair engaged in an animated conversation with a young lady. I wouldn't have paid much more attention except for the fact that I caught a drift of his voice.
Could it be him? I couldn't remember the last time I had seen him...but the gravelly voice was as unmistakable as the telltale mop of white hair. They seemed to be preparing to leave, and then he turned towards me and caught my gaze. Across the divide of a couple of tables, I asked, "Are you Professor Wilson?" It had been 24 years since I was in his classroom at Calvin College. I didn't expect him to remember. But he did!. He remembered my name, he instantly recalled my native country and asked me if I was still working as a real estate agent. I was astounded.
Although he was on his way out, he asked to join us for a few moments. What a delightful time it was. Professor Wilson is a person who cares about people. A curious soul whose inscrutable gaze always affirmed that fact that he truly saw you and sought to understand who you were. And he never forgot....a name or a birthday. For many years after I left college, Professor Wilson's birthday cards would arrive to wish me well on my special day. Given the number of times I changed addresses, I couldn't figure out how he found me! I asked him that today. He just smiled and said, "I have my ways." The professor's birthday card list is rumored to be in the thousands!
Meeting the Professor today reminded me about what is important. People are important. Caring about someones life is important. Taking the time to talk and listen is important. Taking the time to meet people in person; not just communicating through e-mails, or phone calls is important.
Although he is officially retired, Professor Wilson still makes time for people; taking a student from the college out to lunch almost every day just as he has for most of the past 50 years. It was a kind invitation to a young college student, thousands of miles away from home and the gentle words of encouragement that still resonate in my heart decades later. The Professor asked if I'd have time for lunch. "I'll make time, " I said. In fact, I hope that we will be able to have he and his wife to our house. A small repayment for the debt of gratitude to a soul who understood that the sincere recognition of another human beings intrinsic value is the greatest gift of all.
*the picture of the man above is not Professor Wilson.
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Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate. Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area. We've had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients succeed in their goals of purchasing and selling property including demonstrated success in the negotiation of Short Sale Transactions. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511.
Now that is a great teacher. The kind of mentor people never forget.
Lola, every time I visit your blog I am amazed. Thiis time it is on two counts. First your story of your professor. That had to be a real treat.
But secondly, on your comment about being from somewhere else. You speak and write so well I would have sworn you were a native talker.
And if you are from elsewhere why did you settle in Grand Rapids?
Bill Roberts
You know Lola, i was just stopping by for a moment to catch up on reciprocation from yesterday, cam e across your blog and now I have to subscribe and leave or I will never get my work done.
what a great story about your Professor. You are truly blessed when you have an educator who shapes, changes and/or affects your life in a great way. I remember my Elementary School Principal, who now teaches teachers to teach at his 80+ years. We've kept in touch all of these years and I had an engineering professor who is just the best. Prof. Shahidi and Prof. Finkle you need to hang out with Lola's Prof Wilson.
Lola - Thanks for sharing such a heartwarming story. Today people think they are connect because of email, cell phones etc. put the world is a lonelier place. Gone are the days when neighbors would get to know each other. I am the type of person who love talking to a fellow shopper in the supermarket, now everyone is connected to their cell phone while shopping.
Glad you reconnected with your professor, he sounds like a really caring person.
Hi Lola,
Thank you for sharing such a heart warming story. It was a pleasure to read. You must have been a very special person for him to remember you after all these years. I'm happy for you.
Wow Lola,
What a great person to have in your life. He's obviously touched thousands. If we can touch even a hundred people in a great way the way the professor has, then we can consider ourselves to be blessed.
I share your feeling about reaching out and really touching people. I have been 'touched' in this way by many wonderful people - former professors included - and it is a reminder to me that we each hold tremendous power to make a deeply positive difference in the lives of others. It is as simple as paying attention to another.
Today, I will find a long lost someone who has made a difference to me and reconnect. I can't wait! Thank you Lola.