A Renaissance of the Heart: A Book of Poetry is a book of poetry recalling memories of a lifetime of growing up in small towns in Texas and Kansas. It was started after Debra's five-month-old son (Jeremy Scott Bateman) had a heart attack and died in 1989 due to heart defects that he was born with. Writing poetry is Debra's way of healing after the loss and sharing thoughts and feelings. Debra's maternal grandmother, the late Rena (Reed)Young, a longtime Ellis resident, also wrote poetry that she shared, having it published in The Kansas Authors Club in the 1970s. She was an important person in Debra's life and an inspiration, sharing her love of horses and flowers. The poems range from events starting in 1959 through the present, covering topics such as love, the sheer joy of living, favorite things, small town charm, heroes, tragedy, and death. The poems reflect an innocent and joyful outlook on life. Friends reviewing the book have described her poetry as relaxing and enjoyable.