Through an enormous loss, I remembered a valuable lesson.
By the time I got off the phone, I felt totally numb. The moment I heard my mom had passed away; my whole world shifted. I was thousands of miles away from home and when I left her, I never imagined that it would be for the last time.
The next thirty-six hours were a marathon as a I tried to secure a flight back. It was in the month of the tragedy of September 11th, and getting a flight with such little notice was next to impossible. When I finally made my way back home and stepped off the plane, my friends were waiting for me and my husband. Everything that happened next was a blur.
I do not remember the funeral service or any of those first few days back home even though I know I was there. My mom was one of my closest friends and such a big part of my life that I could not imagine living without her.
When my dad left us, I was still a kid. Mom was there for me and showed me how to be a strong, independent woman. At the age of fifteen, I got my first job, frying French fries at McDonald’s. Money was tight in our house. My mom did the best she could, but she had been a stay-at-home-mom for years and did not have the experience to get a good-paying job when we were on our own. I used the money I earned while working through high school to buy clothes for myself and my brother. It was not easy, but we made do with what we had. Mom taught me to work for everything I needed in life and to step up when others needed my help.
Through living with her and seeing her compassionate way and how she could be a friend to anyone, I learned the importance of being there for other people. All through high school, I had the hangout house. Whenever my friends came over or there was a party, my mom would sit right alongside us on the couch and join in the conversation. She could connect with anyone anywhere and knew how to listen.
I have many friends who have been a big part of my life for decades. They were there for me when I lost my mom just like I was there for them when they went through rough times. When my mom passed away, I was blessed to be surrounded by an abundance of love and support from my friends and family.
Once the days stopped blurring together, time started picking up speed. I still had my boys to take care of, and work to do. Although it was tough, I kept on going and found a new normal. One of the greatest lessons she taught me was what has to be done has to be done no matter what. So, that is what I did. I got things done. I have been working to support myself since I was fifteen and never missed a beat. Whatever needs to be done to support myself, my family, or anyone else in my life, is nonnegotiable and I will always find a way.
I started my Real Estate career in 1985 and love what I do. When I am not working, I enjoy traveling, working out, and spending time with my friends and family. My favorite part of my job is finding out what my clients need to reach their goals and then making them happen.
Whether you are buying or selling a home, it is likely one of the biggest purchases in your life. It is a big deal and that is why I always treat my clients’ money the same way I would my own. I will protect it at all costs and fight like a bulldog to get you the best deal possible. I have lived in the area my whole life and that means that not only do I know the street names, but I also know the local communities here. There is a perfect place for you here and I know how to find it. I have extensive expertise in relocations, residential sales, and investments. With my decades of experience as a REALTOR® I have done it all and seen the market go through changes. That is why I make sure you have all the facts to make the best decision for your lifestyle that will benefit you in the long run. I am not in this for the commission at the end of the day, I am in it to help you find your place in the world one property at a time as your lifelong REALTOR®.
Sincerely,
Johnna Little,
REALTOR®
