Delta Delta Delta - University of Alabama

Delta Delta Delta page 3 Tri Delta Means Family Kind Words from the Mother of Caitlyn Churchwell '14 here are times in life where the words "thank you" are so insufficient in their ability to convey the level of gratitude you have for someone or a group of people based on what they have done for you. Today, as I write this, is one of those days for me. This time last year I was lying in a hospital bed across the country, in and out of consciousness, hearing a surgeon tell my husband that I had to go into emergency surgery as soon as possible. I remember hearing him say that he could not assure my husband that I would make it out of the surgery alive, and if I did, I would be hos- pitalized for a significant amount of time. As these words rang in my ears, my thoughts went directly to, "What about my family?" You see, contrary to what they sometimes like for people to believe, I am the call when things go right, I am the call when things go wrong, I am the call when they are bored, need advice, or just to be silly or joke with. I went into that surgery so fearful I would not see my family again. It was the scariest feeling in the world: the unknown. It would bring me back to a similar feeling I had, the day my husband and I brought Caitlyn to attend the University of Alabama. I remember thinking to myself that I was leaving her behind and she knew no one. Although she was a very strong, independent young woman, she had no friends here; she was alone. The day she decided to go through recruitment I wanted to be sup- portive, but I had not always thought being a part of a sorority was such a good idea. In all honesty, I thought it was cliquish and somehow judging girls to see if they were "good enough" to be a part of the group. But my opinion changed. I awoke from my surgery with tubes every- where, a machine breathing for me, and unable to make my needs known, but I woke up. Caitlyn was in Alabama, her siblings were in Missouri, and her father and I were in a hospital in Southern California. Her father, thinking only of what to do for me, did his best to be there for her and her siblings via telephone. But it was Tri Deltas who were there to support my daughter as her sisters when her family could not be. They made arrangements to get my daughter to me when I needed her and she needed me the most. They raised money to help in any capacity that it could. No request was made for this. They took it upon themselves to see a need in a fellow Tri Delta and made it happen. It opened my eyes that my daughter may not be at "home," but she has family around her even when we are not. No monetary amount, no material thing, nor any words that I could possibly write can repay what Tri Delta did for my daughter and our family. This is what sorority now means to me. It is about family; about sisterhood. I feel blessed beyond belief that my daughter has spent nearly four years in the presence of such caring, loving, empathetic, and giving young women. I have no doubt she has learned so much from her time with Tri Delta. I am so proud of the woman you all are helping her to become. You have shown the true meaning of "Let us steadfastly love one another." A love without boundaries and unconditionally without expect- ing anything in return. This past year has been a roller coaster of emo- tions. There are no words to express to you how grateful I am for each and every one of you and what you did for our daughter and our family. It will never be forgotten. Each of you should know that you affected someone's life in such a positive fashion. You have made a difference. I pray that you all are blessed as you have blessed us. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts, The Churchwells AMANDA STILL HUMBER '70 EMPHASIZES ALUMNAE LEADERSHIP fter four years as leading Delta Mu's House Corporation, Amanda Still Humber '70 is stepping down as president. But that doesn't mean she's stepping away from the board or Delta Mu. She has far too much admiration for the Chapter to do that. "I was honored to serve as president with such an active and committed board," Amanda said. "They have worked diligently to provide a beautiful and welcoming home for a new genera- tion of Delta Mu women. And now I have a whole new group of Tri Delta friends." Through the years as a collegian, as well as an alumna, Amanda has gained countless friendships with other Tri Deltas. Many of her best friends today are Delta Mu alumnae. "We keep in touch, get together, and have lots of fun. They also have been a support system throughout my life, being there to share the happy times, and have always been there for me during the challenging times as well." Amanda is optimistic about the future of Tri Delta on the UA campus. As always, the Chapter is a leader and well-respected on campus, thanks in large part to the active members who uphold Tri Delta's traditions and values. "These young women still view this as their home away from home, make lifelong friends, and have so many opportunities for leadership. I am impressed with how academically and professionally focused our members are; they also volunteer for many chari- table causes. They can't do this alone though, so I'm thankful for the guidance our alumnae provide. The strong allegiance they have for Tri Delta has made the Chapter what it is today and for the future." Amanda and her husband, John, live in Tuscaloosa, and have three sons and a daughter, Mallie '03, who is also a Delta Mu ΔΔΔ. Amanda and John also have four grandchildren and are enjoying retirement and the time it allows them to spend with family. You can connect with Amanda at ashumber@gmail.com.

• Cover