Leigh and DTThis is me with my dad, Darrell Thomas.  This photo was taken in October 2006 at the annual Mallard Creek Barbecue (more info to follow on this year's event on October 25!!).

If you've been reading my blog for long, you already know that my dad is my business partner.  We opened our RE/MAX franchise in December 2003 and are fortunate to have a relationship that allows us to work together and still remain close.

My dad is so highly respected in the community, it's really an honor to be associated with him.

On Tuesday morning of last week, he had a heart attack.  Could have been a massive one, but he was smart and called 911 in time to get to the hospital and stave off true danger.   He was fortunate.  And so were we. 

It's been stressful trying to handle his calendar of obligations plus mine.  But you know what?  It beats the hell out of planning a funeral.  We've been inundated with calls, emails, cards, visits-all folks who heard about his heart troubles and rushed to the scene to help out.  He's been truly humbled by the attention.

Sometimes, we are fortunate enough to find out what we've meant to the lives of others before it's too late.  I can only hope that I conduct myself in life in the same way that he has.  He's a man of honor and integrity.  And one of the most telling proofs of that fact is the calls and flowers that have come in from our competitors in the sometimes cutthroat real estate marketplace. 

Thank you to everyone who has checked up on him.  He's at home now, trying his hardest to rest for a couple of weeks as per doctor's orders. 

I love you, dad.