I look back on 2008 with very mixed emotions. From a business standpoint, it was great, my best year ever. It was my best year financially and I got to work with a lot of terrific clients. Personally, I’ve never felt so much sorrow. My dad, Charles E. Bailey, passed on.
Dad was always there for me. One year when I was growing up just outside of Des Moines there was a terrible snow storm. My dad’s car got stuck as he tried to drive home from work. He was only a few blocks from relatives, but instead walked the remaining miles home in the storm to make sure mom and I were ok.
He was the most honest person I ever knew. Years ago he sold one of his cars to a college friend of mine. She remarked that she couldn’t believe how honest he was about the condition of the car.
Dad also gave me my sense of humor. On a family vacation he set all the clocks ahead one hour without telling anyone. We rose the next morning and got ready to get back on the road. The look on my mother’s face was priceless when she opened the motel room door to find that it was still pitch black outside! 
Borrowing the opening line from Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” to sum up my 2008, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fran Bailey shows, previews and tracks downtown Chicago homes for sale giving her the insights needed to help her clients negotiate the best price and terms. Fran has been quoted in numerous Chicago and national publications. To schedule showings of listings regardless of broker or to contact Fran email her at fran.bailey@bairdwarner.com or call 773.793.4516. Learn More
Fran Bailey, Realtor
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Your dad was a character. And a good one.
I heard a lot of good stories about him while we were in TX. Janice misses him and I know you do, too. He would be very proud of you.
Fran -
Your dad’s picture is so sweet! You have spoken so fondly of him and his goodness comes through in what you write. I read once that one thing all successful women have in common is a strongly supportive father – I think your two comments above (your best year ever and your dad’s passing) are not unrelated. May you feel your dad’s love always and may your prosperity continue to grow. And on to 2009!
Diane