Women Helping Women Reach for the Stars
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2024 Highlights
P.E.O. has played a very important role in my life. I had never heard of the organization prior to moving to Alabama. I married into the military and moved all over the world, yet had not heard of this sisterhood which carried with it the ideals of servanthood, love, mentoring, and grace; a place to grow in leadership and confidence; a place to find women who accept you for who you are and want only the best things for you; offering encouragement when it is needed and support when times are tough. Friendship and love are the foundation of our group.
Some of you are brand new P.E.O.’s. Some of you have been a sister for some time but this is your first convention. Some of you have been a P.E.O. since you were 18 and have been to more conventions than you wish to share. How do you find yourself, at this point in time? For me, I find myself smiling, my heart filled with love and gratitude for all of you who came this weekend to celebrate each other. As I said yesterday, conventions are required to perform the business of our state but they are more importantly, in my mind, the time to celebrate each of you. It is not about myself or this board, for we only preside over the time we have together. It is about connecting with each other, making new friends, laughing, sharing a glass of wine, being proud at how Alabama grew in chapters and membership, and celebrating chapters who struggle and yet persevere because they love this sisterhood.
I believe in and love this sisterhood. I pray that you have seen that in me over the past 5 years. As I look at you today, I see a determination to continue growing Alabama’s membership. I see your minds at work with grasping the joy of P.E.O. that you are feeling and maybe don’t yet truly understand. I also see those who have come to realize that they can make a difference in P.E.O. and want to share that.
Adventures await each of you. Embrace them. My P.E.O. adventures include you giving me unconditional love, understanding, and forgiveness. You have shared your joys and your sorrows with me. You have prayed with me. You have made my life busier, just ask my husband, but you have also filled me with encouragement and the deepest bonds of friendship that anyone could receive. I was so proud of our state as Elaine and I represented you at the Convention of International Chapter this past September and I stand proud today as I see and feel the love and joy that is P.E.O. I am so grateful that I said yes to this adventure!
I applaud you for joining me in this. In reading your president letters, I found the spirit of P.E.O. alive and well. You took to heart the caring for our Southeastern Suite at Cottey by supporting the special campaign to replace their asbestos flooring. You grew the membership in Alabama because of the love you have for our sisterhood and the belief in our mission. And, when the times got tough in your chapter, you didn’t decide to give up. No, you asked for help from your board buddy, the board and/or from each other. Life is not always easy and P.E.O. is no different. We need each other for encouragement, strength and prayers. The loving spirit that we feel and share is just as real today as it was for our Founders so may years ago.
Your delegate packets include a copy of the P.E.O. Creed. I wanted each of you to have this handy so that you can see the beliefs and ideals we strive for on a daily basis. I encourage you to place it somewhere that you will see it often. These make us better women and better sisters.
I leave the board in good hands. The women you see here work very hard, and tirelessly, for you. They love our sisterhood and have you in their hearts as they decide what is best for Alabama P.E.O. I know that you will continue to support them with growth in your chapters. I cannot be prouder, to leave this office, knowing that you grew Alabama by 69 initiates and 11 reinstatements as well as inviting 34 P.E.O. sisters who moved into Alabama.
I would be remiss if I did not thank my husband, Chris. Thank you for standing with me as I joined P.E.O. in 2006 and brought you into this world that helps women reach their educational goals. Thank you for telling me, in 2014, that you didn’t think I would be complete until I reached out and charted Chapter AL in Madison. Thank you, in 2019, for agreeing to support me as I shared PEO with others, and changed into a more independent woman through accepting a position on the state board. Thank you for being my rock this weekend, sharing your wit and love of me with all of my sisters. But mostly, thank you for sharing your heart with mine through P.E.O.
I am very proud to have been asked to serve as a state officer. I knew it would be an adventure which would pull me in every direction but all for good. I have grown through the support and prayers of these ladies on the dais, the wisdom of our past state presidents, as well as all of you. I thank you for this exceptional adventure.
I leave you with a quote from Elise Hicks. “The journey matters more than the destination.” I encourage you to always look to Embrace the Adventure before you, for the journey IS worthwhile.
Lovingly,
Cindy Fry
Immediate Past State President
Alabama State Chapter
We really enjoyed hearing the Celebration of Life poem that was a tribute to our departed sisters...
Someone is Missing
Let this be a loving reminder,
That someone is missing today.
Someone our hearts still holds onto,
As we travel along life's way.
Someone who made life so special.
For all those who gather here,
Someone who won't be forgotten,
But cherished from year to year.
And now as we pause to remember,
Let us all fondly recall
How dearly each of us loved her,
And, oh, how she loved us all!
Another Enjoyable report was given by the Historian, Lori Rogers, who mixed lessons she learned from our president's letters with Dr. Seuss rhymes, Very cleverly done, Lori!
