Tuesday, July 13, 2021
As my business landlord for 7 years, I've had the distinct opportunity to hear stories like mine from those on the receiving end of Calvin's kindnesses. He was a larger than life controversial personality. In Robin's office with her sitting in, I once told Calvin he was the most misunderstood person I had ever met. In almost the same breath, I told him his mouth had cost him the opportunity of renting a vacant space to us for five years after my initial meeting with him was so negative. It was my fault in not looking beyond our differences that we lost those five years before giving the relationship a try. Calvin was our fourth business landlord and how well do you get really get to know your landlord? Well with Calvin, it was enough we shared our feeling on a topic and ended up crying together--ON THE PHONE! I think some people, and my father and father-in-law were this way, and perhaps Calvin was as well, I learned more about them from listening to them talk with their friends, than with me directly.
So I will fondly remember Calvin from what he was comfortable in sharing about his story, will respect him for his ability to transform landscapes into residences, work places and recreational facilities, and will always appreciate his willingness to work with us as a tenant. See you, Calvin, on the other side.
