Sunday, October 9, 2011

A Message


It is one week before closing and Slow Bob hasn’t gotten the mortgage commitment yet. Now it turns out he needs a letter of reference from a prior job before the new job will commit to hiring him and he won’t get the mortgage until the new job commits to hiring him. Which I thought was already done, since we were told he got the transfer and were even told the start date, but turns out is not completely done, like how a cake is not done when you stick a toothpick in and it comes out gooey. It’s almost done. It smells good. But you can’t eat it yet. And, in fact, it might burn. Like say if someone is honking outside and when you go to the door, they yell, “Do you have horses?!”

Also, the title work has not been started yet and though there won’t be any problems because my title is clean, it won’t be finished until Wednesday. Monday’s a holiday. Columbus Day or something. Everybody’s out of work; everyone’s clamoring for work; but people will conjure up any excuse they can to not actually go to work. Like last week the helper couldn’t work because it was opening day of hunting season. Hunting season! Here we’ve been scrambling for work and we don’t know where the next job is coming from (and this is one reason we want to go back to New Jersey—it’s not just because I’m homesick—we think we’ll have a better chance finding work up there, not unlike the husbands did during the Depression when they all went up north to work and sent money home to the wives who rented out rooms and sold eggs while waiting for them—I saw that in a movie one time) and the helper takes off for the opening day of hunting season!

So the lawyers informed me not to expect anything on Monday because it’s Columbus Day. Why didn’t they start the title work sooner? They had the order from Slow Bob’s bank since last week. I know because I called them to find out how things were progressing. I started my title work on the house up north last week and that house is supposed to close after this one. Nothing gets done until I get on the phone and ask if they did the thing yet. What am I going to have to do—wipe everyone’s rear ends next?!

Best case scenario, maybe the title work will be finished Tuesday afternoon, but most likely Wednesday. That really means Thursday. Therefore, what it boils down to is this: I’m not going to know if this deal is really going to happen until Thursday. And we’re supposed to close on Friday!

In the meantime, I couldn’t postpone any longer doing things I’d rather do if I was sure we were closing—things that cost me money and money I won’t get back if this deal doesn’t go through, things that disrupt business and will hurt my business if it turns out we are staying, things that hold people up, lead people on, or could be unavailable to me if I wait till the last minute. Like the horse hauler. If I don’t schedule him now, he might not be able to do it on the day that I need him. It’s a two day job and the guy’s got to stay in Virginia overnight. And the flatbed trailer. If we don’t buy one now, we might not find one at the price we can afford when we’re ready to go and we need one to transport the tractor. And the well, septic, and termite inspection on the house down here. If I wait too long, the results won’t come back in time. But if we do it too soon and Slow Bob doesn’t get the mortgage, we still have to pay for tests we didn’t need and are unable to use for the next buyer because the results are only good for thirty days. The termite inspection and the title work up north too. I had to get that going. I had to order boxes, bubble wrap, a moving truck, homeowner’s insurance, electrical service… I had to talk to the schools. We couldn’t wait any longer. In one week we’re supposed to be ready to hitch up the wagons, literally, on Bob’s bank’s word that everything looks good. What if they’ve got their hands behind their backs and their fingers are crossed?!

I’m freaking out. Today is my mother’s birthday and I was hoping I’d get a message from her. Some words of wisdom. Something to calm me down. I listened for her words when I was picking up manure, but nothing. I was hoping I’d see a butterfly but I didn’t. My only consolation is knowing that I will finally know the answer, one way or another, in one week. If they don’t show up in the lawyer’s office on Friday, then I think it’s safe to assume it’s not going to happen. And if they do… well, I can’t even imagine the relief I’ll feel.

Then I got a text. It was from my daughter Jamie who lives in North Carolina (temporarily) and who I visited yesterday to bring some stuff that wouldn’t fit in my new house but Jamie could use. Plus all her boxes that I’ve been carting around for the last ten years—toys, cards, books with flowers pressed between the pages, old clothes, even a set of rubber car mats with red and black zebra stripes. When she was going through her stuff, she came across this:
I don’t know how it got in there! The date on the back says “1996.” And what were the chances of Jamie finding it today? Tell me that’s not a direct message from my mother! I couldn’t have gotten a better message unless she hand-delivered it herself.

18 comments:

Gilly said...

What a wonderful message and the timing - well, what can I say except Wow!

I hope all your problems with all the things that are bugging you, Slow Bob and the rest, will smooth themselves out and get finished in time!

Why you aren't flat on your back with exhaustion, I just don't know!

sissy said...

wow that gave me goose bumps awesome story

Leslie said...

Debi-you write wonderfully....and this blog is very inspiring. also, do you know why nothing is going as you wanted and people in Va are dragging their feet...? Because its Virginia and that's what they do there!!

CountryDew said...

Yes, I would consider that a message from your mother. Your daughter didn't have to mention she found it, you know. I do hope your closing goes through this time. I can only imagine the aggravation you've experienced through all of this.

Good luck!

magicbeanbuyer said...

It's so eerie, I love it. There were mountains of greeting cards and loose pieces of papers, and I'm just flipping through them quickly, scanning to make sure there was nothing too important to miss and that little card slips out the side of the pile.
I love how comforting it is too. She wrote that in 96, and look, we're alive. Everything really was fine. Situations might not always be ideal, but it all works out in the end.

Chris said...

A message indeed! Good luck!

Grey Horse Matters said...

Listen to your mom, mother's always know what's best. I'm thinking that this time is the charm and you will finally sell the house. My fingers are crossed for you...in front not behind my back!

Ms. Shypoke said...

Debbie,

You are pretty lucky you only have to deal with one helper! My husband keeps a crew of about 12-14 men.. and has had 15-20 either quit.. or have to be let go in the last 6 months.. and that isn't counting the ones who need days off for 1. parole officer appointments 2. Court appearances for crimes and child custody hearings. 3. "deaths in the family"..( so far there have been 6 of those this year). 4. Sick Relatives. 5. So and So couldn't give me a ride.. so I just didn't show up. 6. Overslept .

I am convinced this country is doomed.. it's not that these guys don't want a pay check.. they don't want to WORK. The younger generation has been told how "special" they are one too many times.. now they are spoiled and lazy for the most part and expect everything handed to them!

Cynda said...

Jamie was supposed to find that card so you could get the meesage. Your mother wants you to stop worrying because Slow Bill will get the mortgage. Now listen to her because she is always right.

Tammy Vasa said...

Wow. What timing. And what a perfect message. You are blessed.

I can't wait to see if you close on the house. I hope hope hope you do and keeping my fingers crossed for you and slow Bob and everyone!

Unknown said...

Ugh, closing! I just went through my own closing a bit more than a week ago - everything in the universe seems to come to a halt just before closing and then you've got too much time to worry. Good luck!
http://our-big-house.blogspot.com

Greener Pastures--A City Girl Goes Country said...

Jim, I've been reading your blog but unable to make any comments.

Leslie, funny what you said about Virginia. And true! It's slow down here!

Qhgirl, this helper is our age! Fifty or so! It's all ages. But I can imagine the trouble with a bunch of helpers! Why can't I figure out a business where I only have to rely on myself? Whenever there's trouble, 9 times out of 10 it's because someone else didn't do his job, whether it's business or house selling.

Beth said...

Wow, that's amazing, Debi...you are so blessed to have gotten that message. And, of course, she's right. Everything will be fine...but it sure is hard to wait, isn't it?

Thinking of you this week...

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Stranger things have happened and we know God works in mysterious ways.

"Ask and you shall receive." You did ask for a sign didn't ya???

Well, there ya go! I don't believe that was just 'chance'.

I pray that your get an answer soon and peace in your heart now sweetie.

May God bless your day! :o)

Motley said...

Debi, listen to your mother! She is always right! I love you!

Christina said...

Timely message. Listen to your mother.

Tanya Breese said...

oh my gosh debbie...i'm sitting here with goosebumps all over my body.....your mom is always right and she's looking out for you....this is an amazing story!

Horses Are Our Lives said...

yes, there is a time for everything! Wow, what are the chances that your daughter would send you that message on the day that you were questioning everything? I know my hubby would have said that we won't do anything until we know for sure, but then.... nothing is ready when you need it! So did you listen to Mom?