Exciting news on the way

Last year, Nancy hosted a really fantastic Easter Egg hunt -- even in the cold weather, fun was had by all. We miss her so much every day, but days like this are even more poignant.

However, in the midst of our grief come rays of sunlight -- some very exciting things are happening on the organization front, which may help bring meaning to this terrible tragedy. Stay tuned...

Cary Police team with Interact

I saw this in the paper today: Cary Police team with Interact

If there can be any good to come from this terrible tragedy, I hope it will be that abused partners will get out of bad situations, and that there will be support systems adequate to allow them to feel they can leave without being forced into hiding or poverty.

Divorce is much better than Death.

I am continually impressed with the Cary Police Department. They live their work.

Searching on Sunday

A few of us are planning to join the search for Kelly Currin Morris on Sunday. There is also a prayer vigil scheduled for Saturday night, see the details below. She is a young mother of two who has been missing for six months. I can only imagine how devastating this is for her family.

When: Saturday, March 7, 2009
Where: Butner Park
Central Avenue
Butner, North Carolina
Time: 7:00pm
Please join family & friends gathering at the flagpole

http://www.kellycurrinmorris.com/Kelly_is_Missing.html

Officer of the year

I saw a wonderful article in the Cary News today - Officer of the year is low-key leader. While I haven't interacted directly with Det. Daniels, one section of the article certainly resonated (quoted below).  Congratulations, Det. Daniels, and thank you!

And he touted Daniels’ leadership and mentoring of two young detectives who assisted Daniels in investigating three homicides in 2008.

“Both of these detectives have grown professionally because of working with Detective Daniels and have developed a deep and profound respect for him that words alone can’t measure,” Byrd said in his nomination. “This is due in part to his unassuming approach to individuals that wants those working with him to achieve their maximum potential. His approach works because he doesn’t seek credit or recognition for himself but because he is always focused on the greater good.”

It was Nancy's eldest daughter's birthday this week. Happy Birthday!

Adopt a Highway

Someone or some group has adopted a section of Dillard Drive starting at Walnut Street and heading towards Piney Plains "in memory of Nancy Cooper".  I would love it if whoever has done this will take the opportunity to let me know personally or by posting a comment on this blog when the cleanup days are.  It's a wonderful memorial, especially since Nancy actually used to walk or roller-blade that stretch of road back when they first moved here...back when there weren't even any sidewalks!  The Coopers did not own a car at first and then had only one for a year, so Nancy would walk or rollerblade with a backpack on her back to do errands, grocery shop or to go see a movie at Crossroads.

My understanding from this website is that cleanups are performed four times a year. Count me in!

Furnishings

It hurt to see the furnishings hauled away today.

I remember when the house was empty back in 2001.  I remember the funny red sofas from the store in Canada.  I remember the dining room which was perfect for turning cartwheels in.  I remember the refinishing of the old kitchen table.  I remember sending back the sofas when the wrong ones arrived.  I remember the months-long deliberations on the fabric for the chairs in the dining room, and then the further wait for the table to be shipped from the artisan in Canada, and finally the inaugural dinner.  I remember the similar deliberations about the wing-back chair, and then some regrets on the final choice.  I remember how beautiful the key table was, and how one was not allowed to actually put keys on it for fear of scratches...and then I remember the day the front door flew open and scratched the table.

I know they are just things, but Nancy's esthetic and consideration and love of design informed these things.  I'm so sad that the girls will not have the joy of passing along the heirloom-quality items to their children, along with the stories.

Don't expect many postings here, but please do keep the Memorial Fund in mind, for the girls.  They have had so much taken away.

Memorial Bench at Regency Park

A lovely granite bench etched with a photo of Nancy has been installed at Regency Park.  It will be an excellent site of reflection and rest for years to come.

Thanks so much to the anonymous donors and to the city of Cary for this fitting, moving and lasting memorial.