Kendra’s New Flip House & The Letter
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My daughter Kendra just closed on her newest flip house this week, and the former owner wrote her a letter. This house is in the same general area as the other one. She bought it from the nicest older man, who seems to have grown quite fond of her in a paternal way.
He wrote her a sweet letter and gave it to her at the house’s closing.
What She Wrote On Her Facebook Page:
Closed on this cute little Brookside gem this morning. Bought the house from the cutest old man, and he has been the best seller. I buy my flips as is since I gut them anyway, but he asked for a copy of the inspection and fixed everything. I told him it wasn’t necessary, but he said he wanted me to have a good house.
He said he liked me, and he was proud and impressed by me as a woman and by what I was doing with my life. He gave me a letter at the end of the closing today, and I just read it.
A short life story of how he grew up on an Indian reservation with no water, and his mom was an alcoholic. He was separated from his seven siblings at 10 and sent to live in a home.
Worked All His Life:
Said he worked all his life and saved every penny he could. When he graduated, he bought a car and lived in it for a year while he attended college. Got caught stealing food and kicked out of school. Worked a few more years and tried college again. Flunked out.
Joined the Air Force in 1966 and finally graduated from college in 1977 with a business degree. Married twice, no kids. He moved to Tulsa with $75 in his pocket.
Bought this house and lived in it until he paid it off. Retired several years ago. He listed many surgeries and diseases that he had that should have killed him. He has been in 2 car wrecks and a motorcycle wreck that he shouldn’t have survived.
He said that my buying this house was life-changing for him. That he has never had this amount of money, and he was going to pay off his sister’s house for her, buy some toys, and travel. First stop, Belize.
What He Wrote At The End Of His Letter To Her:
“An old Indian told me once while hunting mushrooms: see the eagle in the tree, it looks, it sees, it waits patiently. It has learned to calculate and judge, when it takes flight and soars, that prey is no more. Aim high, young lady, and I will live for another day, so I pray.”
Then he told me he had made a new friend.
And that friend, of course, was my daughter. I’m sure she felt quite honored. Oh, that was so sweet of him! And memorable.
Of course, I’ll keep you updated on Kendra’s new flip house, and I’ll show you the end product when it’s finished.
Brenda, That was such a nice story and experience. It actually made me cry. Perhaps because of what is going on in my own life right now. What you give out comes back to you and this man will see sweet rewards as will you and your daughters and grandchildren and other family members. Thank you so much for sharing this. Wish that little house was in Oak Grove, Oregon. 🙂 Sandra
What a nice story..wow…love it..so uplifting. I hope this nice man finds happiness on his new adventure. Can’t wait to see another flip..your daughter is a real go getter it seems. Good roots. :0)
Lovely. Very smart daughter.
We give what we get and a legacy lives on with his generous attitude by fixing it before selling it. What a true inspiration and honest man to know. Such kindness and decency in this man and for your daughter to share his story. He has come into Kendra’s life for a reason and I am sure she will see more of him as he pops in to see her worthy efforts and encourage her on.
That is such a beautiful letter the man wrote to Kendra. You don’t come across many people in your life as sweet and kind as this man! He had pride in his home that he worked so hard to get and it showed when he wanted to fix everything before he sold it to Kendra! God Bless that man!
Nice to hear that some nice folks are still in the world!! May their tribe increase!!
What a sweet, sweet story. Sounds like she made quite an impression on him. It is a lovely little hose.
How charming. Love the mans story too. Happy Friday.
What a charming little house! Loved this story – what the man had to say. Thanks for sharing.
What a great uplifting story. Thank you for sharing the story. It’s nice to hear during these unsettled times
What an incredible story! I truly believe that people are placed in your path for a reason…maybe a lesson to be learn or a moment of encouragement. I look forward to reading your blog every day and have never been disappointed!
This post was exactly what I needed at this time and I am grateful for it! Thank you Brenda, Kendra and that sweet elderly gentleman. May the good LORD continue to bless and guide you.
Loved this! How very interesting and what a gentleman…can’t wait to see what she does with it
This is a really inspiring story. Your relationship with Kendra is bringing all sorts of interesting people and experiences into your life, from getting to spend time with your grandchildren to getting food from the caterer to learning about this interesting man. And Charlie has had a good time in her back yard! And you and Kendra worked on your kitchen update. And I’m sure there are many more good moments you’ve had together.
I like the photo of the zinnias. Only last week I found a bag of zinnia seeds at the back of a cabinet that had gotten separated from my other packs of flower seeds so they didn’t get planted a few weeks earlier. So now they are popping up and doing much better than some of the other flower seeds I planted such as the marigolds.
Was he Native American? She should put that quote somewhere in the house to leave a part of him in his home.
It’s a cute house.
That’s a great idea!
Lovely story. That would be a perfect size house for you.
Brenda,
what a poignant and sweet story. It gives one hope and optimism for Humanity. I know you are incredibly proud on Kendra. Blessings to you and your girls.
Susan
It looks like a darling house, I can’t wait to see what she does with it.
Wow, that is an incredibly sweet man!! And that house is ADORABLE!
It’s lovely to hear of such a kind man. In spite of a hard life, he is still optimistic about living the rest of his life with joy. Brenda, you also, in spite of everything that’s happened in your life, have a wonderful legacy in your two girls and grandchildren! Looking forward to seeing the house come alive.
hi Brenda, Love this! I hope your daughter adds some tribute to him. I love reminders of how it does not take much to change the direction of one’s life. She gave him a new direction too! xo laura in Colorado