Women Helping Women Reach for the Stars
2023 Highlights
I mentioned earlier that the Presidents letters really inspired the Board. Well, I must say thank you one last time to presidents and their chapters who this past year has taught me so much about the true spirit of PEO. Thank you to the presidents who, repeatedly mentioned in their letters that their chapter sisters rewarded them more than they could ever have imagined. One president said, “The benefits you receive will be the measure of your reward….and that the benefits she received far outweighed what she had given”. The words love and support, privileged, honored, used repeatedly by our chapter presidents across this state. Phrases like “I could have never imagined…” and one even said “honestly, I was reluctant to accept the position of president, but I not only survived, but I have also come away with a much more enlightened appreciation for the true meaning of P.E.O.”. One chapter quoted their first chapter president’s letter who 60 years earlier had written” our chapter’s year has been a meaningful one – a period of growth of the P.E.O. spirit in our chapter, growth in knowledge, understanding and love for each other”. Those words, she said, perfectly described her chapters year. And let me stress, not one president, not ONE, said “I’ll never do that again”! So, thank you to all of the presidents for saying YES and for leading our chapters. Your work this year encouraged your EB and sisters, let their words also encourage you to never be intimidated by any position in P.E.O.
My year as president was no exception. This past year this executive board has also taught me the true meaning of P.E.O. I have had my share of interesting life events these last 12 months and these sisters, your EB, never missed a beat. When I needed them, they were there for me. When my talents fell short, they were there to pick up the slack. No judging. Just support, wrapped up in love. I am convinced that there is nothing that they would not have done for me. And I can assure you there is NOTHING that these sisters would not do for YOU and our sisterhood either. Our saying is “Women helping Women” well my saying this past year has been “these women helping this woman”! These are the finest sisters you could ever ask for, especially to lead the great state of Alabama. Have you ever noticed that their heads are always held high? That’s because THEY are constantly looking up and reaching for those stars.
And let me tell you about your next president. When Cindy first joined us on the board, one of our first meals together, we asked Cindy to say the blessing. That day, that beautiful, extemporaneous prayer gave our Cindy the title of “Pastor Cindy” and that day forward the task of giving ALL of our meal blessings. Have you ever known someone that when they pray, you can feel HIS grace? That’s our Cindy. Cindy’s unconditional love for her sisters, her sweet spirit and her enthusiasm for all things P.E.O. will make her a wonderful leader. I can only imagine what she will accomplish by this time next year.
Elaine, Paige and Cel are truly, exceptional women that I will dearly miss. I hope they know how much I love and appreciate the time that I have had with them. Please give them the P.E.O. support and love that they deserve. And remember, Cindy, Elaine, Cel and Paige, you are extraordinary! Don’t ever forget that!
PSPs, thank you for always picking up the phone and being there when I needed advice.
To my Board Buddies, I will miss you, but you are going to be in really good hands with Nancy! Please take good care of her.
Chapter C, there are no words to express my gratitude for your love and support over the years. I thank GOD every day for sending me to Chapter C. I could never have imagined 13 years ago the love, personal growth and enjoyment that was ahead of me. MWUH!
And to my BIL, Bill. I will now resume sharing grocery shopping and making dinner. Thank you for your love and support.
Would the sisters from our hostess chapters, the convention committees, convention steering committee, our pages, our guards, our tellers, please stand. This convention is a huge undertaking that has been years in the making, the thoughtful details, large and small, the countless hours spent on ensuring that our convention would be enjoyable, memorable is so very much appreciated. Because of each of you and your hard work and dedication to our sisterhood, we all say, “THANK YOU”!
One last special thanks, to my chapter sister, Susan Richardson, for her leadership as Convention Chair! YOU have exceeded my expectations and this convention was all that I imagined it to be.
If you look in your bags you will find a single domino. I bet you were wondering what the heck is a single domino for?! I wanted you to take just one little reminder home with you. Keep it handy. I have one on my desk next to my computer monitor. It was given to me by a dear friend and mentor many years ago. I want each of you to remember that just like a single domino, we as individuals can function as simple, positive energy. But like many dominos stacked together, we can become a force that is so much more powerful. Together with a little work and organization, OK and a few standing rules and bylaws thrown in, when we stand next to each other, we are unstoppable! Our purpose, our results, are magnified when we stand together. And oh, how much more fun it is when we are standing together. (Pointing at the crowd).
Sisters, thank you for the honor and privilege that it has been to serve you on the executive board of the PEO Alabama state chapter. Please continue to let your light shine, live in a PEO World, and continue to imagine.