Lessons from My Grandmother: Wisdom, Love, and the Power of a Dime
Spending summers with my grandmother was one of the greatest blessings of my life. At just 4’10”, she was a force to be reckoned with—fluent in five languages, sharp as a tack and filled with wisdom that had been passed down through more than one generations Standing at my tallest 5’13” (yes, you read that right!), we were like Mutt and Jeff - an amusing contrast in stature but, perfectly matched in spirit.
She had a saying for everything, many of which were popular in her younger years but, remained relevant when she passed them down to me decades later. One of her favorites was, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” She believed that challenges were meant to strengthen us, not break us - and she made sure I understood the value of perseverance & tenacity.
Her influence on me was profound. She taught me to stand up for myself while always being the first to lend a hand to those around me. “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are,” she’d remind me, echoing Theodore Roosevelt’s timeless advice. It was her way of saying that excuses never got anyone very far—resourcefulness and determination did.
Speaking of the Roosevelts, MawMaw had a way of helping me navigate disagreements with my mom. She’d often remind me, “Understanding is a two-way street”—one of her favorite quotes from Eleanor Roosevelt. This was her way of teaching me that listening and perspective go both ways! The whole “one-mouth-two-ears” philosophy comes to mind when working through conflict resolution!
And MawMaw did not take kindly to being taken advantage of, no matter how small the offense—she was indeed, tiny but, mighty! I’ll never forget the day she spent what seemed like forever on the phone with the power company, arguing over a 10¢ error on her bill. She would NOT let it go. As a child, I couldn’t understand why it mattered so much to her. Later, I asked my mom, “Why in the world did MawMaw make such a big deal over one thin dime?” My mom didn’t even hesitate—“How do you think she has managed to save her money all these years years? She fights for every cent!” And you better believe that lesson stuck with me!
Mawmaw’s wisdom was from an era when every penny counted and self-reliance was key. She herself would often say, “Take care of the pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves.” She believed in hard work and personal responsibility, reminding me, “If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain.” And if I ever complained about an unfair situation, she’d tilt her head, raise an eyebrow, and say, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”
Most of all, she was my biggest cheerleader when she was alive - in everything I did. She would flash me her knowing smile, encouraging me to speak my mind and embrace my individuality, all while making others feel special. For years, I have called it my ‘southern style’ and embraced it in every aspect of my life! When negotiating in real estate, others never see it coming! My mission is to always win for my clients, while making both sides feel like they won. That is an incredibly helpful talent inspired by my Mawmaw!
Her lessons have shaped who I am today. She may have been tiny, but her presence was mighty, and her impact on my life—immeasurable. I carry her wisdom with me every single day of my life, hoping to live up to the remarkable example she set.
She was amazing; she was unforgettable. And I was so lucky to call her my Mawmaw. I miss her so very much.
Once again, many thanks to Patricia Feager and Lew Corcoran for hosting this month's wonderful challenge.
© Debe Maxwell, CRS | The Maxwell House Group | Savvy + Company | SavvyBroker@me.com | Lessons from My Grandmother: Wisdom, Love, and the Power of a Dime
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