The first entry can be challenging. Not so much a blank paper intimidation issue or writer’s block, but where to start when you have so much to say. Then life sends you a curveball. More than that: a message of sorts, a direction, a reminder of what really matters. As I’m trying to figure out how to best convey a message of who I am and what this blog is all about I wake up on July 8th with the news that my 88-year-old father took his last breath just before 8 am at his residence in my city of birth, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With no possibility of traveling anytime soon, my two sisters, mom and I gather virtually from three different continents to pray together and try to embrace each other’s heavy, grieving hearts.
My father continues to be an inspiration for me. He raised me to be independent by taking responsibility for my actions and to always present a solution when I see a problem. To be a helper and have a big, open heart but always be careful on who I chose to trust. To always tell the truth so I don’t have to make up stories and try to remember them. To have the ability to laugh at myself, to be kind and forgive myself so I can forgive others and to stand on my ground when needed. He taught me that doing the right thing was not easy but there would be no regrets. He never stop dreaming and he showed his love to each one of us until his very last breath.
My first paying job was for him back in 1981 as a 14-year-old. He purchased and brought home a personal computer as the PC revolution was just starting. I would start the machine myself and insert entire ledgers into something that looked like a spreadsheet type file, all on DOS language on a black screen with bright orange letters, to then print them out on matrix dot printers for extra summer cash. He was amazed by my speed and accuracy and taught me how to spot errors at the end of large sums. This was well before excell. You needed to figure out you typed “825” instead of “852” and place the sum yourself and the end of a column with 150 rows. ” Did you do all that today? It takes the whole week for someone in my office to do that!” I’m not sure how he taught me how to be skeptical when it comes to trusting people but not become too cynical.
I carry his strong sense of ethics and humor, his love and appreciation for simple things like being at awe at a beautiful sky, acknowledging a small gentle gesture and always making sure my family is well taken care of. He never stopped showing his care for me and would always asked me if I was happy. “You work too much, slow down and smell the roses. ” And he was right. I’m taking my time to care for my for myself and for my family, like he said no one looks back at time they spent with loved ones with regret.
A couple of weeks ago I took my heavy and grieving heart to the beach. The ocean didn’t mind my salty tears. It welcomed me as I sat on a log and closed my eyes and let the loud roaring sound of the waves embrace me and muffle my thoughts. The stars above me continue to shine and the hatching birds in the backyard remain oblivious to my pain. So I dust myself off, pick myself up and carry on.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my personal journey. The Vacation Rental Insider will add a lot more business-related entries. I am happy and have no regrets as I chose to do the right thing, thankful for meeting extraordinary people, for being helped, and for helping others. And yes, is business but is also very, very personal.
Elizabeth Coverdale