"Do You Jump?"

"Do You Jump?" Thom Abbott Does! Yeah, right, follow all the rules for getting your post on Google! Who will EVER search the term, Do You Jump?

Some history, and not for sympathy, as to what inspired me to go out on a limb. I'm currently in Miami and have spent the last 3 days in a hospital where my partner Ray's father is. He was here for a week and suddenly went into cardiac arrest on Saturday. He was revived and moved to ICU. We quickly scrambled, including me taking a Buyer back to my office and saying "we'll do this later" and headed to Miami. We left at 7:40pm on Saturday, drove straight through, and made it here Sunday at 5am. Thankfully, his father is greatly improved, and things are looking up. At least as much as they can for a man who's had a stroke and has Alheizemer's. But, having been in a hospital for the past 3 days, it's provided for some interesting insights into life, and business.

Do You Jump? Yesterday, I was in the cafeteria using my laptop when something (it could of been someone) dropped in the hallway just outside of the cafeteria. I kid you not, at least 20 people leaped from their seats, some dropping forks, and a couple drinks knocked over, to see if someone needed help. It was an amazing moment for me.....to see that many people respond to something they knew nothing about, but ready to help. I made the comment to the table next to me...it gave me chills then...it still does now.

It made me jump, but probably more out of fright. But it made me think of the other times that I DO jump.

I jumped on Saturday, packed for two people, made hotel arrangements, packed food in a cooler for an all-night drive, and drove most of the night. I Jumped. This was my first ever experience to be in an ICU at a hospital. (Ok, let me tell you, they don't look like Seattle General on Grey's Anatomy!) Thankfully, while I was there, nobody had to jump. But I can tell you, they were ready at a moment's notice.

I jump in real estate. When my phone rings, I answer it. Especially if it's one of my clients. But, that is my choice, and how I choose to manage my business. But, my clients appreciate it. When agents call on my listings, I call them back, as soon as I can.

I'm 800 miles away from my office right now. Do you, or anyone calling or e-mailing me know that? Nope. But technology allows me to jump...so to speak...and handle things remotely.

But, in life, do we jump? Do we take chances, or be cautious and careful in what we do? Sometimes we do...sometime we don't. I know I probably don't jump enough in life. Jump and take a day off and do nothing. Jump, turn off the phone and read a book that's NOT real estate related. Jump and take a drive in the country or the mountains.

Seeing Ray's father, and how quickly life can change, I'm going to jump. Or at least I'm going to try to. What will happen if I don't and then I can't?

Do you jump?