A Mother's Love

When I think about what shaped me into the real estate professional I am today, my mind always wanders back to my mother, Mary Ann. She was the heart of our family, the one who could turn any house into a home, no matter how temporary our stay. This is her story, and in many ways, it's the beginning of mine.

I'm Debby Winall, and my journey began in a whirlwind of constant movement. Born in Michigan, I lived there for a mere three weeks before our family was off to the next destination. As a military family, we moved every one to three years, bouncing between Illinois, Virginia, and California, and even spending time in Belgium. Through it all, my mother was our anchor, our source of stability in an ever-changing world.

The Art of Making a Home

Mom had this incredible gift — the ability to transform any space into a warm, welcoming haven. We didn't have much in terms of material possessions, but that never stopped her. I remember watching in awe as she worked her magic in each new house. She'd sew curtains from whatever fabric she could find, rearrange furniture to make the most of small spaces, and add little touches that made each place uniquely ours.

"A house is just a building, but a home is where love lives."

Those words stuck with me, shaping my understanding of what truly matters in a living space. It wasn't about the size of the rooms or the fancy appliances. It was about the feeling you got when you walked through the door.

Kindness as a Way of Life

One of Mom's most defining qualities was her kindness. Despite our own limited resources, she always found ways to help others who had even less. I can still picture her in the kitchen, preparing extra food for the sailors my dad would bring home from his ship during the holidays. These were men with nowhere else to go, and Mom welcomed them as if they were family.

"There's always room for one more at our table," she'd say, and she meant it. It didn't matter if we were stretched thin — in Mom's world, there was always enough to share if you approached life with an open heart.

This lesson in generosity has stayed with me throughout my life and career. When I work with clients today, I often find myself channeling my mother's spirit. Whether it's going the extra mile to help a young couple achieve their dream of homeownership or ensuring a senior feels supported during a difficult downsizing process, I try to approach each interaction with the same kindness and giving nature that Mom exemplified.

The Power of Patience and Understanding

Mom was a master of patience, especially considering she was raising five children while dealing with the challenges of military life. She had this remarkable ability to remain calm in the face of chaos, a trait I've come to appreciate more and more as I've grown older.

I remember one particular incident when I was about 12. Mom had been sewing clothes for us, as she often did to save money. I wanted my skirts hemmed shorter, inspired by the fashion icon Twiggy. When Mom refused, insisting on a more modest length, I declared that I'd make my own clothes. Instead of getting upset or shutting down my ambition, she patiently taught me how to sew.

That patience extended to how she disciplined us, too. She had a way of making us understand the consequences of our actions without resorting to harsh punishments. We would hear it in her voice and know she had reached the end of her patience. That tone was enough to make us straighten up and fly right.

A Legacy of Love and Respect

Perhaps the most important lesson Mom imparted was the value of treating everyone with equal respect and kindness. Despite coming from challenging circumstances herself — she was raised by her grandmother after her parents divorced — Mom never let her past hardships harden her heart.

I witnessed how she treated her own mother, stepfather, and step-siblings with such loving kindness. There was a significant age gap, but Mom approached these relationships as if she were a caring older sister. Years later, my aunt told me, "Your mom and dad were like second parents to me." It was a testament to the impact of Mom's loving approach to family, regardless of blood ties.

This inclusive, respectful attitude has profoundly influenced how I interact with my clients. In the real estate world, I meet people from all walks of life with diverse backgrounds and needs. Mom taught me to see beyond surface differences and treat everyone with the same level of care and consideration.

The Lasting Impact

As I reflect on my mother's influence, I realize how deeply it has shaped my approach to real estate. When I help a family find their new home, I'm not just thinking about square footage and school districts. I'm channeling my mother's ability to see the potential for love and life in every space.

When I advise clients on how to prepare their home for sale, I often find myself sharing tips that Mom used to make our temporary houses feel like home. It's not just about staging — it's about helping potential buyers envision the life they could build in that space.

And when deals get tough or emotions run high, as they often do in real estate transactions, I draw on the well of patience and understanding that Mom cultivated in me. I strive to be that calm presence that can guide clients through the storms of one of life's most significant decisions.

Mom passed away on December 29, 2004, but her legacy lives on in every interaction I have and every home I help create. She taught me that a home is more than just a physical space — it's a feeling, a sanctuary, a place where memories are made, and love grows.

As I approach my 40th year in real estate, I'm profoundly grateful for the foundation my mother laid. Her lessons in kindness, patience, creativity, and love have been the cornerstone of my success. But more importantly, they've allowed me to make a real difference in people's lives, one home at a time.

So when you work with me, know that you're not just getting a real estate agent. You're getting someone who learned from the best — a woman who knew how to make a home anywhere and make anyone feel like family. Because, in the end, isn't that what finding the perfect home is all about?