The Woman Who Shaped My Life—My Tiny But Mighty MawMaw ❤️
The summers I spent with my grandmother are among my most treasured memories. Though she stood only 4’10”, she had an outsized presence—speaking five languages, possessing a razor-sharp mind and carrying a wealth of wisdom gathered over a lifetime. At my towering height of 5’13” (and yes, that’s intentional!), we made quite the pair. Our difference in size was impossible to miss, but our connection and shared outlook on life made us a perfect match.
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 and 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.
But perhaps one of the most important roles MawMaw played in my life was helping me navigate my relationship with my mother—her daughter. Like many mothers and daughters, we had our share of disagreements during my teenage and young adult years. MawMaw often found herself serving as the go-between, listening to both sides, offering perspective and, if I’m being completely honest, usually taking my side.
She had a gift for helping me see beyond the emotion of the moment. When tensions ran high, she’d gently remind me, “Understanding is a two-way street,” one of her favorite Eleanor Roosevelt quotes. She taught me that relationships require listening as much as speaking, patience as much as passion and grace as much as conviction. Looking back, I realize she wasn’t just helping us settle disagreements—she was teaching me how to communicate, how to compromise and how to preserve relationships that matter.
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? She fights for every cent!” And you better believe that lesson stuck with me!
MawMaw’s wisdom came from an era when every penny counted and self-reliance was key. She 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. She encouraged me to speak my mind, embrace my individuality and never be afraid to be exactly who I was. At the same time, she had a remarkable ability to make everyone around her feel important and valued.
For years, I’ve called it my “Southern style” and embraced it in every aspect of my life. In real estate negotiations, people never see it coming. My mission is always to advocate fiercely for my clients while making the other side feel respected and heard. Looking back, I realize that approach didn’t originate in a real estate classroom—it originated at my MawMaw’s kitchen table.
Her lessons shaped not only the person I became but also the way I build relationships, solve problems and navigate life’s challenges. She may have been tiny, but her presence was mighty, and her impact on my life, immeasurable.
She was my teacher, my confidante, my peacemaker and my cheerleader. She was amazing. She was unforgettable. And I was so lucky to call her my MawMaw.
The woman who shaped my life is gone, but her wisdom still guides me every single day of my life.
***Many thanks to Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Real Estate Svcs. & Carol Williams for hosting this month's wonderful challenge. If you haven't written one for this month, you still have another day to get it done!!
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