I have been associated with a lot of industry-related associations, but none has given me more pride than AREEA. Our membership is not nearly as large as some of our neighboring states, but our members demonstrate their love, respect and willingness to help a fellow member when called upon. It seems that disasters come in groups. I've always heard that thing happen in three's. Boy it does seem that way.

First, Donnis Palmer was hospitalized with a severe number of blood clots. We immediately sent out a request for all members to pray for her recovery. Shortly thereafter, we learned the sad news of Harriett Isaacson’s passing as witness by the attendance of her funeral service. I’m sure we were all touched by Harriet in some way during her lifetime. We’ll be posting more about her life and career soon to help the new members learn more about this pioneer in real estate education.

Soon we learned that Clarence "Bo" Evans had suffered a heart attack while attending the ABR Instructor Training in Washington, DC. I’m so proud of how our organization pulled together to help raise over $4,300 to help the Evans family through this difficult time. Currently Bo has returned to Alabama and is recovering at home with his wife Pumpkin and son Bryant.

We also learned that Ginny Willis' daughter, Tricia Lacey Hyde passed on Saturday, May 12, 2018. Her services were held on Tuesday, May 15, 2018.

Why am I mentioning these sad events? Because even though we are all in competition with each other on one hand, we are still a family of instructors. How does that old song by Bill Wither’s go?

“You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on”

We ask that our members notify us any time one of our members experience a tragedy. We want to help any way we can. Lean on us!

James Anderson
2018 AREEA President