JOURNEY OF THE COMMUNITY MATRIARCH

Its been not quite a decade since I was honored to work with a wonderful woman, who became affectionately known as the community matriarch. Her passion for children of all ages and persons with disabilities, combined with her love for the YMCA and her devotion was well respected by community leaders throughout Broward County (greater Fort Lauderdale) and the vast YMCA professional network. She continually embraced our great organization's mission along with her selflessness opened the YMCA of Broward County to national exposure in forward moving programs. The Broward County Child Care Inclusion Project and the expansion of before and after-care and summer camp programs for persons with disabilities from age 3 to 21 and programs for typically developing youth in middle and high school.

Here's to a wonderful woman,
Always true to heart and feelings.
Passionate about her career,
People know her from all over.
Yet compassion and love for all,
Really brought us all together.
Every life she touched in her years,
Truly made her like family.
In your eyes she stands above all,
Resembling an angel on earth.
Even with demanding schedules,
Mentoring others was her gift.
Eager to share her expertise,
Not turning anyone away.
Tirelessly working projects,
Into sleepless nights and weekends.
Recreating each budget and,
Endlessly proofing narratives.
Now she finishes this journey,
Emotions will be truly mixed,
But her words will echo for years
Until our paths cross once again,
Tales of yesterday will be told.
Cheers to you, and Godspeed, Irene,
Health, happiness, and best wishes.
Endless gratitude and with love,
Robert William Kovacs.

---RWK 2005-0729-01---

Epilogue - In July 2005, I had written this poem (above) for her retirement party and had been blessed to read it (through tears and emotion) to her in front of a rather large captive audience and then present a framed copy of it as a gift. Although, I've trained hundreds of people in a variety of ages, genders and differences, I never felt as much stage fright as having all eyes on me as I did that evening. I am certain my voice quivered and cracked with nothing more than a monotone mumble leaving my lips. With gratitude, love and well wishes, I let my once boss; by virtue of title, mentor by nature, friend and second "Mom" by God's blessings; exit stage right with her bestowing me with powers to continue her legacy to the Broward County community.

Here's to you Irene!