MEMBERSHIP
by Laura Parris, P.E.O. International Membership Committee and Missy Gary, BN, Lafayette, Louisiana P.E.O. — A Family Heirloom An heirloom is something passed down in a family for generations. In my family, our unique heirloom is P.E.O. During Introduce Your Family to P.E.O. month in March we are encouraged to talk to our families about P.E.O.
Missy’s P.E.O. Story I have always been told that P.E.O. lasts a lifetime but in our family, it has lasted beyond a lifespan. From one generation to the next, the Sisterhood has always been a constant in our lives. My first memory of P.E.O. was holiday parties filled with love, laughter and holiday treats. Each Christmas, my mom’s chapter would gather with their families to celebrate the holidays, including an activity for the kids such as making ornaments. This was especially fun for me because I love to be creative. As a senior in high school, I was initiated into the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Once I completed my bachelor’s degree, I transferred to Chapter BD of Baton Rouge. This is where I learned the lesson taught by my grandmother—P.E.O. would become my second family, a home away from home. My chapter was filled with wonderful women with a collective purpose. Each sister embraced me. After marriage and moving back to my college town Lafayette, I joined Chapter L. It was because of their love and support that I chose to organize Chapter BN, the 50th chapter in Louisiana. My dream became a reality when I joined together with Heather Hennigan a member of Chapter Y, Lafayette, to build a new chapter. I always had the support of my sisters, but it was my mother-in-law and sister-in-law to whom I turned. It was important to me for them to be a part of the legacy my grandmother began so many years ago. So, on January 4, 2020, my family, along with new and old friends, formed Chapter BN. I invite you to speak to your family about our Sisterhood. In my family, it isn’t jewelry or a family album, it is the P.E.O. Sisterhood and our love for each other that connects generation to generation. P.E.O. is a priceless heirloom that I will one day pass on to my daughter.
My mother gave the gift of P.E.O. to me. My first memories of my mother going to P.E.O. meetings were once a month on a Sunday evening, holding her P.E.O. yearbook tight as she ran out to the car. She never talked about P.E.O. but I knew she cherished her chapter because she never missed a meeting. She introduced me to the P.E.O. Sisterhood when I was 35. One of my sisters was already a P.E.O. and my other sister joined later. Mom explained to me that before I said yes, I need to realize P.E.O. will become my second family, full of warm, caring, supportive women with the purpose of helping women reach their educational goals. How correct she was. As my daughters grew, I knew it was time to talk more about P.E.O. At age 18, both my girls, Missy Gary and Kimmi Jo LeBon, were initiated into my chapter. Through the years it has been fun watching them grow in P.E.O. Kimmi Jo attends meetings when she can as she is a mother of two young boys. She absolutely adores her chapter sisters. Missy has embraced P.E.O. and is active in her chapter. She just recently organized Chapter BN, Lafayette, Louisiana, composed of mostly younger women. Our family continues to grow as I have a new granddaughter, Cecilia. She will be the future of our Sisterhood. I found a quote in my mother’s 1968-1969 Chapter AB, Albany, New York, yearbook that is still true today, “With the knowledge and insight gained from the past, we use our talents to convert our dreams into reality.” My family’s reality is passing P.E.O. on, sharing that special gift from one generation to another. You see— P.E.O. is our family heirloom.
9
March–April 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD
WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease