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Writer's pictureYolanda K. Churchwell

Thankful for the Lessons in Love, Support, and Entrepreneurship from My Parents

Updated: Nov 23

I thank my God for you every time I think of you ~ Phil. 1:3 🙏🏽💖

 

Today, I am THANKFUL for my parents, my mother and my father, and the way they have parented my sister and me, in and out of marriage. We were never short of LOVE, SUPPORT, & GUIDANCE. 💕


thankful for my parents collage

Today, I am THANKFUL for the business savvy and professionalism they nurtured in us. Like their fathers (catch last week’s THANKFUL Thursday), they set a living example of doing what they love and running successful business endeavors. 💼✨

 

Fun Fact: My parents were the FIRST African-American couple in Erie County to sell real estate together. It wasn’t the plan for either of them, but it was born out of necessity and led to a very successful PARTNERSHIP. 🏡💑

 

My father, like many assembly workers, was displaced by the unplanned repeat layoffs of the industry. So, he became a realtor out of need to be a provider when his full-time career with Ford Motor Company wasn’t consistent. When he would return to the plant, clients would call our home, but he was at work, so my mom had to answer the phone. Real estate laws said my mother couldn’t even tell people how many bedrooms a house had because she was not a licensed realtor. 📞🏠

 

Well, if you know anything about my mom, you know telling her she cannot do something is the same as daring her to do it. And FEARLESSNESS runs in her veins. 💪🏽 So my mom obtained her real estate license so she could, in her own words, answer her da*n phone…lol. A new power couple was born. 🏡🔑

 

Based on their individual strengths and likes, my mom handled the relational tasks – chatting with clients and showing houses – and my dad oversaw the business tasks – financing and negotiating offers – while they both worked on the administrative tasks. Early on, they provided an example of how to operate in your ZONE OF GENIUS and work with others who have strengths in areas you don’t. This is the foundation for a successful business, and I am THANKFUL for the example they showed me. 🙌🏽💡

 

After real estate, my dad went on to preach, pastor, and help churches meet their financial and real estate goals. He used that same skillset to move a church he pastored from having service in a funeral home for years to purchasing a building, holding service, and allowing another church without a building to congregate as well. And guess what…that building was a bar he converted into a church. 🍻➡️⛪ I am THANKFUL for the gift of vision that my father showed me.

 

My mom, an educator by day, but a true advocate for children and families, served on mental health boards and community foundations. She also taught parenting classes and led teen pregnancy camps for the county. I am THANKFUL for the example she set – how she demonstrated that I can use my gift to help others carry out their mission. There is always room to shine when you don’t limit the streets you walk on. 🌟 I am THANKFUL she taught me COLLABORATION and SERVICE are keys to success. 🤝

 

Today, as my parents are divorced and retired, they spend their time doing what brings them joy. I am THANKFUL for the example they set, even more so for the emotional support, the motivational speeches, the cheerleading, and the belief they have in me to go, do, and be all I can. 🙏🏽💪🏽

 

What are you THANKFUL for this Thursday? 🍂💛


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