Cherimie Crane, www.Beauforttime.com 843-812-2090

I woke this morning to another beautiful Lowcountry day. Excited about celebrating the 4th on the rivers of Beaufort, I reached for my favorite beach bag. A small blue box fell from the shelf as if a small reminder...

Inside this box is a letter from a dear friend who on May 7, was serving in Iraq. We had been writing back and forth throughout his tour. We chose handwritten letters simply because he couldn't "hold" an email.

I set aside my multi-colored beach bag and sat on the floor of my closet. I opened the letter even though I have it memorized word for word. Just as it did one year ago, it stalled my breathe and pained my heart.

He wrote:

......."You never expect it to happen. Not to you. Not to any one of your friends. You are young and strong. Invincible. But when it finally comes, there is no way to stop it. Nothing you can do or say can make it go away. Your friend is hurt. Bad. The reaction is always different. Sometimes he's laughing. "Holy shit hahaha. Cant believe they @#$%#$ got me." Sometimes he apologizes, as if it were his fault. As if there was something he could have done. Sometimes he cries, calling out for someone to help. Sometimes hes quiet. Not moving. When its happening the training kicks in. You tell him hes going to be fine, regardless of the injury. The corpsman provide aid and he is taken off in a helicopter to a place where he will be taken care of. Healed. Fixed. Your buddies going to make it. There isnt a doubt in your mind. Once hes gone, the questions start to arise. Why? Why him? What did he do to deserve that? Why now? Later on you get the news. He's gonna make it. Thank god. He's gonna be @#!$%# up but hes still alive. Still here. But sometimes... that good news never comes. Sometimes you get the word that he didnt make it. That your friend is gone. You dont believe it at first. He was just there. I just saw him. He spoke to me earlier today.... but the realization soon creeps in. The hurt is so big. So painful. Some take it better then others. Some cry. Some shake with anger. But each and every one of you feels empty. Sick. Sad. ...'

This was one of his longest letters, words pouring over five pages. He wrote of what he had seen, what he had done, and how he wished none of it had ever happened.

His request of me...

......." Laugh, smile, please don't cry Cherimie. What ever small worry that seems so big in your life, trust me, it isn't. I keep a picture of you and Jackson as a reminder that normalcy still lives somewhere in the world. You are my dearest friend. It is for you, for my family, for my country that I wear these boots that seem to have molded to my feet. Run around barefoot, Cherimie. Don't worry about your hair or your clothes...smile at everyone...and don't let one tear fall. Eventually I will come home, God and Corps willing. Pretend you don't see the change and I will pretend it never happened....."


He is home now, safe. Please take a moment and thank those who wear the boots that seem molded to their feet, so that we can eat hot dogs, watch fireworks, and enjoy lazy days on the river......

God Bless America.

I am beginning to wonder how I ever made it without texting. I am certainly saving my vocal chords more these days, using acronyms as if they were going out of style, and "lol" and ":)" are my new best friends.

My clients text me...ALOT, and that is ok with me. I am able to answer their questions quickly and effectively even while they are at work. My clients can also go back and review our conversations when needed.

It is also a great way for me to keep records of the numerous issues that arise during the day. I agree that this texting thing is new ground but so far..so good.

I couldn't resist this picture of one of my favorite clients texting away....

Recently Marine 1 Realty listed 31 Chesterfield Drive. More importantly, Marine 1 Realty also put it under contract in less than a week. Now, that isn't a guarantee that your home will sell so quickly; however, it is a testament to our ability to asses a property and find a buyer.

Marketing, strategic advertising and staging are all crucial factors in selling a home in today's challenging market.

Employing a real estate company that knows the needs of buyers is also incredibly important. Each day Marine 1 Realtors are briefed on active buyers. We brainstorm properties, prices, and communities that may match. This process has been extremely successful.

Our most recent success story is this beautiful home on Chesterfield Lake. During the sellers interviewing process we emphasized our methods of attracting buyers for active listings. We explained our pricing strategy and the necessary steps to reach her (seller) goals.

After interviewing several other companies, she called Marine 1 Realty. The next day we showed it to one of our potential buyers and...

Our seller client is so excited. Our buyer client is overjoyed. Marine 1 Realty was able to put these clients together to reach each of their goals.

If you are considering selling your home, make sure you interview a Marine 1 Realtor. Our market knowledge, experience, and active buyer clients gives us the ability to get the job done!

They have done it AGAIN. The dedicated Drill Instructors of 3rd Battalion, India Company are preparing for this Friday's graduation.

Their long hours and selfless dedication to MAKE MARINES has made our wonderful country even stronger.

Thank you and congratulations!

It has been a VERY difficult few months for me. I am not one to go in to details, and it is the details in which the difficulty has found a home. But...I am ok, my company is booming, my tomato plants are taking over the world, my tan is in place, and my coffee pot works just fine.

I have found friends in people I hadn't previously suspected to be kindred spirits.

But...there has been a mystery about my inability to sleep soundly at night. I believe in forgiveness, I try desperately to live my life being kind to all of God's creatures (even those that may be better stuffed), and yoga is my friend.

So why do I wake up so tired???

My friends, the answer is below. Have a Happy Friday, and may Your Sleep Be Sound!