“I don’t want my life to be defined by what is etched on a tombstone. I want it to be defined by what is etched in the lives and hearts of those I’ve touched.” by Steve Maraboli
As it has become our family’s tradition, we spent some time together yesterday honoring Mom’s memory. She passed away on the morning of August 27, 2013. We have our annual family seafood feast, eating lots of seafood including claims, mussels, shrimp, and crab plus more. We declare mission accomplished on the feast and the tradition lives on.
Mom and “Friends of Copey” are connected! Mom’s personal interest in the Learning Center during my earliest days of involvement subsequently inspired the establishment of the Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund (AGBSF) following her death. 
Setting up the scholarship fund then demanded a more efficient way to communicate with friends which brought about our name “Friends of Copey” and the birth of my Blog by the same name.
So, it is impossible to honor Mom’s memory each year without also observing the official and important start of “Friends of Copey”. As much as Mom was a blessing to us, we are very fortunate and blessed to have “Friends” to share this opportunity to keep her memory alive by serving others. Mom…you are missed!
Jane Update!
Well, this afternoon, Jane will head off to Costa Rica. With the help of Skype, I had the wonderful pleasure speaking with Jane yesterday and finally meeting her family after knowing Jane and her late husband Gail since 1968.
Jane’s sons and her daughter along with grand-kids gathered at Jane’s home yesterday in Matthews, NC to spend the day with her before her departure to Copey. They were also there for an early celebration of Jane’s birthday which will come around before she returns home in late November.
Jane is packed up with suitcases filled for her and for the students at the Copey Learning Center. She is excited and has that positive attitude many of the “Friends of Copey” seem to have.
By the way, her host family will be Ariana’s parents. Ariana was one of our two students who visited us this summer. There should be plenty there to talk about.
As I indicated last week, we will try to keep close contact with Jane and her work in Copey. I can not think of a better way to rush into the final three months of school at the Copey Learning Center. “Jane, may the force be with you!”
Happy Birthday!
Speaking of Special Dates, Aunt Katherine turned a young 99 years old this weekend. From all of us “Friends of Copey”, we celebrate you Aunt Katherine and wish you well. Y
ou have made such a difference in so many lives during the time we have been blessed to have you among us.
Your fame and recognition has brought much joy and praise to us and our family. We have experienced many acts and words of kindness from friends and strangers. All this because of what you have accomplished and for your life well lived. We keep you and Jim along with Joylette and Kathy and all the family in our thoughts and prayers. Happy Birthday!
Hurricane Harvey
Our thoughts and prayers also go out to all of those whose lives have been impacted by the recent and ongoing devastation Hurrican Harvey has caused. This event reminds us all just how temporary things can be as we watch homes and other property including some lives being taken away so quickly. Hope however prevails!
Art:
As always your writing is so special and makes reading special. It was wonderful to celebrate Mom passing 4 years ago yesterday – the fun of laughing, eating and sharing stories. I am still stuffed. Thanks for the posts celebrating Aunt Katherine’s birthday, Jane’s departure to Costa Rica – safe travels for her and let’s continue to pray for those involved in Hurricane Harvey.
Pat
A wonderful share, keep moving the boulder inch by inch and keep those memories alive for generations to come!
I enjoy reading your blog each week and feel as if I know your family. You honor your mom with all your comments and I wish I had known her. Mothers are special, all of them. Best of wishes for your Aunt Katherine too. She is a remarkable woman and continues to inspire young woman all over the world with her perseverance and example. I sincerely hope that Jane’s trip to Costa Rica will be all she hopes for and more. I know the children will be better for her dedication. All my best to you too. Til we see each other agai…all good things!!