en years ago, my life was a profound lesson in balancing love and care. My amazing Mom was living independently and fiercely protecting her dignity, even as she navigated the growing challenges of Alzheimer's. The daily struggle was real: how do you honor a person’s independence while ensuring their safety? It was a difficult, delicate balancing act.

Then came an unexpected blessing that reshaped my view of community and ultimately, my career.

The Guardian Angel in the Hallway

In my Mom’s building was a young woman named Erika. Out of pure, genuine kindness, Erika took it upon herself to be Mom's informal guardian angel.

She wasn't a professional caregiver; she was just a good neighbor. Erika would pop in to help Mom with simple tasks that had become monumental challenges: troubleshooting a confusing internet router, calling an Uber, or gently guiding her back to her apartment door when she felt disoriented.

The depth of my gratitude for Erika’s selflessness was immeasurable. Through her compassion, we kept Mom safe and happy in her own home for longer than we might have otherwise.

I lost my Mom in 2020, but the impact of Erika’s kindness endured.

The Full-Circle Moment in Long Beach Real Estate

Fast forward to 2024. Erika reached out. She and her husband, Mason, were ready to upgrade their home right here in Long Beach, CA. She allowed me to interview for the role as their real estate agent.

I wanted that job more than any commission. This was my chance to come full circle; a profound opportunity to serve someone who had shown such incredible grace and kindness to my family during our toughest time.

We ended up working together, and it was a joy. Our relationship, built on a decade of trust and gratitude, combined with Mason and Erika's faith in my strategy, allowed us to execute perfectly. We navigated a competitive market and won their dream home. More importantly, we solidified a great friendship.

The Power of a Referral: From Client to Community

The story didn't end with that closing.

In 2025, Erika and Mason honored me with the highest compliment: a referral to their close friends, Renee and Jess. We recently celebrated closing on Renee and Jess’s home, marking another successful chapter and, for me, another two genuine new friends.

This is why I love being a Long Beach Real Estate Agent. It's not the house tours, the open houses, or the thrill of a closed deal.

It is the deep human connection that underpins every transaction. It’s the opportunity to meet and connect with incredible people, to earn their trust, and to make a significant, positive contribution during a major, emotional life transition. The architecture is nice, but the lifelong friendships are everything.

If you are looking for a dedicated Long Beach Realtor who believes your story matters more than the sale, I would be honored to connect.