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"The Heart Of An Auctioneer"

I remembered Ms. Johnson well. A beautiful older lady with a hospital bed placed comfortably in the middle of the front living room.
I could not help but to see the wonderful collection of antiques she aquired over the years. Long before the rush of antique stores
and e-bay sales. These were the true relics passed down from generation to generation.....each with their own story of
joy and pain that followed.

Ms. Johnson looked at me politely and introduced herself with a smile. I knew from speaking with the family she was spending the
last few days of her life in that beautiful living room. I introduced myself to her and we spoke for what seemed like hours about her life and successes. I listened intently like a child waiting for a piece of candy, taking in every word and reflecting on her life
experiences.

She was quickly dying of cancer. I could not help but see the fear in her expression as we spoke. Holding her hand tightly I told her
who I was and why I was there. The children saw the effects cancer had taken on their mother and the end that was coming near. They
were from out of town and could not spend weeks and weeks handling the disposition of moms remaining things. I understood and
explained what I could do for them.


The appraisal lasted two days because of working around Ms. Johnson. Although the children did not mind, I felt uncomfortable
appraising her belongings in front of her while she was lying there in pain. I allowed a week to pass and re-entered the house only
to find the living room quiet.......Ms. Johnson had quickly passed on.

I'll never forget those moments of talking with her. How she aquired her grandfather clock from her mother in Germany. The Sterling
locket that was mailed to her just before her late husband was killed in Normandy. All her things had a story behind them.

I reminded myself as an Auctioneer, it was my duty, job and responsibility to see that the handling of this beautiful womans estate was to be conducted in the utmost respect and professionalism.

I told this story to the crowd of hungry auction buyers, collectors, and dealers alike. Everyone who purchased one of her cherished
memories approached the children and said, "Your mother must have been a wonderful person....I"ll enjoy what I purchased here
this evening."

The children's perspective of an Auctioneer will never be the same. There is so much more expected from us today. We cry with the family, laugh, listen and most of all, conduct ourselves in a manner that is becoming of an Auctioneer. Not a dry eye was to be found in that Auction Gallery that evening. Not even mine.

There isn't an auction school on earth that can teach you how to listen to the human heart.
You taught this Auctioneer a valuable life lesson.
Thank You Ms. Johnson 1918-1998, Dundalk, Maryland.

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