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 year.  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 him 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.

Copyright 2007 Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

 Click Here to Read More about Grand Rapids, Michigan

I was on the phone talking to a mortgage lender and about to head out the door when the doorbell rang. Peering out the sidebar of my front door, I saw 2 individuals. A well dressed lady was on the stoop and an elderly gentleman leaned against the brick wall that framed my entryway. When I opened the door and the lady said, "We brought you your mail, it was delivered to my parents' mailbox...and my father would like to meet you."

I looked at the elderly gentleman, my neighbor... whom I was meeting for the first time. He smiled and tried to extend his hand from the wall; but he clearly needed it for support. I could see that bracing himself with the cane required considerable effort. I patted him on the arm and smiled; thanking him for delivering our mail. Then he repeated his statement again..."I wanted to Welcome you to the Neighborhood. You see, I don't get out much any more, but I wanted to make sure you got this piece of mail. I live down the street on the same side as you do."

It was an odd moment...gratitude and surprise mixed with more questions and a little hesitation. I was aware that there was a party on the phone listening to this exchange and knew I didn't have the time to invite him in, but in an odd way I felt the exchange though brief was significant. He had decided to make a personal delivery rather than simply giving the properly addressed letter back to the mailman.

You see, our family is the first of its kind in this neighborhood. We are African Americans in a Lily white community. It's an elegant setting with nicely coutoured homes, many of which were parade homes a decade ago. Our home was built on one of the last remaining lots. Over the past three years, we have met several of the neighbors around us and were invited to an evening dessert with one couple. The gentleman admitted that he wanted to "see what kind of people we were." It was very interesting evening to say the least. At the end he indicated that he just knew..."we were different." I didn't ask him to elaborate!

But the people further down the street have remained a shrouded mystery. I have come to understand that most individuals in my neighborhood are retired business owners. Their names sometimes mentioned from time to time within the context of small chit chat. But in this neighborhood, neighbors don't frequently walk up the street to simply say hello. Most of these grand homes harbor their inhabitants in quiet solitude...broken occasionally by the visit of an adult child or grand children. I know these are good hard working people, but sometimes it seems that our homes have become a shield instead of a welcoming shelter.

I am at once humbled that this gentlemen took the time to deliver the letter himself with great personal effort. But I also wonder what prompted the welcome after I had lived in the neighborhood for over three years! Did it take three years to carefully access how we would maintain our home? Then again, I must ask myself...why have I not walked down my street and knocked his door? What are we all waiting for?

Las month we crossed threshold of another remembrance of the day that changed America forever, September 11, 2001...the issues concerning what it means to be a good neighbor invariably become a focus on the screen of our national conscience during times like these. This 6 Year Remembrance is also framed within the context of the observation of the 2 year anniversary of the catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Two years later...abandoned homes, vacant lots and dashed hopes and dreams still litter the landscape of sections of the 9th Ward that was once a thriving community. Six years after September 11, 2001 Americans struggle with nagging fear and distrust; we're still wrestling with the implications of accepting individuals who subscribe to a different faith into our homes and communities.

In some ways, the veneer of prosperity has become a gilded cage which masks a disheartening deterioration in relations between human beings. We are slowly forgetting what it means to be good neighbors. Has the race to amass more and better obscured the value of ascribing proper value to what is real and enduring? Unfortunately, we seem determined to lurch from tragedy to tragedy without arriving at a clear consensus. This is not the most prudent way. Perhaps, this year, we can each determine to take one small courageous step. Perhaps, actions like those of the elderly gentleman who simply came to my door and extended a sincere, albeit delayed "Welcome," will do more to heal the hearts and souls of our nation and mend deep wounds of suspicion than any laws or alerts from the department of Homeland Security can ever hope to.

Copyright 2007 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved

Grand Rapids, Michigan is slated to join an exclusive club.  This month, Grand Rapids, Michigan will be the first city in the Midwest  and one of only 37 cities in the entire world to become home to a JW Marriott Luxury Hotel!

We've watched the structure rise up for a couple years.  Starting as a giant hole in the ground, the gleaming tower of the New JW Marriott has emerged as a shining reflection of the future envisioned for the city.  The Marriott flagship luxury brand hotel along the Grand River is scheduled to open in Grand Rapids, Michigan on the 19th of September, 2007. 

The impact of this hotel extends its reach far beyond the soaring towering 24 story edifice.  In fact, it is the culmination of a friendship between two of the city's best known citizens, Jay Van Andel and Richard M DeVos; a business partnership extraordinaire which created and energized the growth and dominance of the Amway/Alticor corporation.  Although Jay Van Andel did not live to see the final completion of this project, it was the last venture that he embarked on with his longtime childhood friend. 

My first experience with the Amway luxury 4 Star hotel, the first project coordinated by Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel, was in the early 1990's.  My husband and I were given the gift of a dinner at the exquisite 1913 Room and also had the opportunity to stay at the flagship Amway Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Everything about the experience was first class and it has remained one of my favorite hotels.  So when the founders decided to build another hotel, the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan was excited to have this excellent opportunity.  The New JW Marriott will provide much needed hotel accommodations (300 rooms)  to support the convention business anticipated from the 250,000 square feet, world class DeVos Convention Center.

The hotel's decor, accessories and dining experiences will be flavored with the unique accents that make the West Michigan community a memorable place to visit.  Some of this delicious fare can be experienced in the six. one.six...the hotel's signature restaurant named with a creative play on the telephone area code for Grand Rapids. Award winning chef, John State who is a native of Michigan from St. Joseph will be plating up local delicacies with a twist.  His extensive career includes an epicurean tour of Europe and a decade long stint where he opened and managed the Flying Fish Cafe at Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida.

JW Marriott will be the most expensive piece of real estate per night in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area!   Single room rates will start at $229 and suites will be available for $339.  To dwell in the lap of luxury in the Founder's Suite on the 23rd floor, you'll have to fork out a cool $2,500 for the night!   

The location of the hotel provides proximity to a number of excellent downtown attractions and restaurants including the nearby Amway hotel with several first class dining spots and boutique stores.  As Grand Rapids kicks up it's heels to showcase it's new stylish self...the JW Marriott is well suited for a city that sees its reflection in the mirror of the future and is starting to feel like it's looking good...real good!

Copyright 2007 Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

 Click Here to Read More about Grand Rapids, Michigan

photo courtesy of numstead on flickr.com

*Blog Correction/update: 9/7/07 - Jay Van Andel passed away on December 4, 2004.