Today my mother turns 80, and I find myself reflecting on a moment from twenty-five years ago that shaped not only her life, but mine as well. After becoming a widow, my mom believed she would never be able to buy a home on her own. She worked at Emco for many years and took great pride in her job, but she still doubted whether home ownership was possible for her. Together, we went through the process step by step. Because of her hard work and determination, she qualified for a mortgage and purchased her very first home on her own merits. I will never forget watching her confidence grow throughout that journey. That experience changed something in both of us. She discovered independence and belief in herself, and I discovered what real estate is truly about. It is not about properties.
It is about people.
It is about security, dignity, and finding a place to belong.
She encouraged me to pursue real estate all those years ago, and without realizing it, she became the reason I care so deeply about the people I serve today. Helping seniors, widows, families, and first-time buyers in St. Thomas and London is personal to me because I saw firsthand what home ownership meant to someone I love.
Happy 80th Birthday, Mom. Thank you for teaching me how to love, give, and trust.
Charlene Bertin, REALTOR®
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
St. Thomas & London, Ontario