Fellow agents & AR Members - I am truly humbled by my experience today at the Fonville Morisey Awards 
Banquet this morning. I am honored that I grew my business substantially over last year, but I couldn't help but thinking that I haven't done enough. The entire reason I got into this business is to help others and to give back to the community. Other than my sales results, what have I done to give back to the community?
On the other hand, for selfish reasons, I was disappointed that I didn't reach my target. When I set goals I achieve them. This year the market wavered and I didn't quite reach my stretch goal. Yes, I'm doing well by others standards, but not by mine. Maybe I didn't work hard enough, accomplish enough. I've certainly had my ups and downs in this business. I'm no different than anyone else.
Today, there is someone that stood out beyond all others and touched my heart in a very strong way-Phil Ficks. I've worked a couple of deals with this gentleman and we connected instantly - I've been an avid bike rider and runner for many years. However, the past couple of years have been challenging me with business, a teenage daughter, and other things going on in my life. Phil has been such an inspiration - full of life, love, laughter, and dedication to the sport!! A pleasure to do business with. However, as I understand it, Phil was in a terrible bicycle accident on 12/10/2007 and is now confined to a wheel chair. A man, dedicated to sport and exercise, is now unable to be the kind of person he would want to be - who this person is - the person we all know and love.
And yet, Phil came to the FM Awards ceremony in dignity and accepted the many awards he deserved for his success and love from the community. I've had a terrific 2008 YTD and I dedicate my year to someone I admire and respect - That person is Phil Ficks of Fonville Morrisey, a tremendous athlete and example for others.
Beyond his great example, I pledge to lead by my example in my journey back to great levels of fitness and happiness with my love for running and cycling.
Tracy, What a nice tribute to Bill. How sad about his condition. Is there any hope for a recovery?
Ginger
Originally they thought he would not live. However, Phil is alive and doing the best he can. He's in a wheel chair and really can't move at all - What an incredible challenge for someone that has been active his whole life.
Tracy... That is certainly a sad run of luck for Bill. Depending on his injuries there may be hope for him as a wheel chair participant... I can tell you from the races I've been in no runner can keep up with a well conditioned racer in a wheel chair.
As far as your return to running maybe we can do an event together someday.... I won't qualify for Boston but Washington DC must be about the halfway point and they gotta have some decent marathons...
Tracy - I saw the announcement in the News & Observer today recognizing your achievement of obtaining Fonville Morisey's Director's club. Congratulations on your accomplishment and best wishes on attaining your goals in 2008.
Sincerely,
Kelsie
Tracy...Phil is still the man you all love and admire. That is what is important.
Please consider entering this in the ThemThems Group. It is a great tribute to your friend.
Kathleen
Tracy.... as mentioned, this is a great tribute. I am not as active as I once was, but I could not imagine. He sounds like a great guy in regards to all aspects of life. Sounds like you both are determined people for 2008 and I hope for a good recovery for Phil.
Tracy, excellent ThemThem and tribute to Phil. My hopes and prayers are with Phil, he sounds like an extraordinarily strong individual. Thanks for sharing your admiration for Phil.
I added your post to the Features Post in the ThemThem Group.
Duane
kudos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thanks for sharing
Our awards are scheduled for tomorrow. Business has been good for me. However, there are so many great agents out there that have really struggled this year. My heart and soul still go out to Phil. However, I need to determine who is the worthiest for dedication this year in a year of great change!