Community

Mrs. Beverly Corbett Honored by Daughters for “Central Speaks About Our Moms”

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Photo by Dave Freneaux 

    Accompanied by huge smiles and hugs from her family, and (on the part of her granddaughter) jumping up and down, Mrs. Beverly Corbett was informed that she has won the Central Speaks About Our Moms Contest!  Her daughters Cheri and Cristal wrote in nominating their mom for all she does for so many.  Their letters, seen below, speak volumes about what this lady has achieved.  Central Speaks would like to congratulate Mrs. Corbett on her well deserved award.

    "I happen to believe that there really angels on Earth.  My name is Cristal Corbett Hebert. I am 47 years old and I was raised in Central, attended Central Middle School and graduated from Central High School in 1981.   I had the most awesome upbringing with a wonderful set of parents in a wonderful community.  Since I am entering my letter in the “ Central Speaks About Moms” event, I would particularly like to gear this letter in the direction of my mother, Beverly Corbett.  If there ever was perfection in raising children, I think she would be at the top of the list.  Both my sister and I continue to reside in Central and have been very successful thanks to the strong example and guidance given to us by my mother. 
    A little over seven years ago my family was struck with tragedy when my father broke his neck in a horrible accident which resulted in him becoming a quadriplegic.  It’s hard to explain the magnitude of how an accident like this can change every aspect of a family’s life.  Although we are fortunate to have him alive with no brain damage, it is quite an adjustment to handle and take care of a man with a huge stature, standing at 6'2 and weighing over 200 pounds. 
    I wish every person who lives in the Central Community could just spend one day at my parents’ home and then everyone would believe there are angels on earth just like I have learned.  My father’s sole care-giver is my mom.  I will offer a few examples of what this 70 year old woman does for my father and her family so you might be inclined to have a visit to their home to see for yourself.  Without any complaints or ever feeling sorry for herself, this angel, my mother never stops.  It takes approximately 2 hours just to get my father cleaned up and dressed to go to any event and they do that on a daily basis because they would surely never miss any activity that their children or grandchildren might be involved in such as dance recitals, baseball games, gymnastics meets, and such.   My mother never really gets a full nights sleep because she has to turn my father from side to side every two hours during the night so his skin won’t break down from pressure sores.  And still she wakes up with a smile on her face, talks to both her daughters on the phone as we like to check on her and Daddy to make sure all is going OK and then she is off to take care of my father.  After all those things are done, she , of course, has to get meals taken care of and do any yard work and housecleaning that might be necessary.  Please let me remind you of the beautiful smile which she carries around while she accomplishes all these duties in a day’s time. 
    You really have to see it to believe it.  The tragedy has turned itself into a blessing because of the amazing example of love that my mother gives everyday.  It has changed the lives of every member of her family.  Every time I get down or begin to feel sorry for myself, all I have to do is go spend a few hours with my mom and dad.  No words of advice need to be given because it is humbling to watch her in action.   I have to remind myself everyday that she is now 70 years old but is always the first one on the basketball court at the family gatherings.  Her faith in God is unshakable even after being dealt the hand of cards she was dealt.
    My father had just retired when he had his accident which shattered their plans of finally being able to travel after raising their children.  Yet, she still smiles and is just so thankful to have her husband alive and two healthy children with healthy families.  It amazes me and I pray that I can only be half the person she is.
    I believe a mother’s role is to love, nurture, and constantly teach their children.  Every day spent with my mom is a lesson learned still at the age of 47.  Her personality and smile are contagious and her determination to handle all the aspects of taking care of my father on her own, (yes, I just said on her own) is the greatest example of motherhood I have ever witnessed in my time on this earth.  I just happen to be the lucky daughter of such an incredible woman.
    There really is an angel living in Central. You should check it out."
-Cristal Corbett Hebert about her mom, Beverly Corbett


Cristal Corbett Hebert (left) and Cheri Corbett Richard (right) with their mom, Mrs. Beverly Corbett

     "My name is Cheri Corbett Richard, I am 44 years old, a mother of 2, a wife, and a Hospice Nurse.  I moved to the Central Community near my fifth birthday, and have lived here my entire life.  I am a graduate of Central High School, 1984, and a parishioner of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.  However, I am not writing you today to tell you about myself but instead to tell you a little bit about my mother, Beverly Corbett, and what makes her special to me.
    My sister and I grew up in a normal, everyday, “old fashioned” Central Community household.  Our Mom didn’t work to earn money but instead worked very hard for our family.  We were raised in a home where the most sacred rule was that we sat down together each night for dinner together so that we could share with each other and discuss life lessons and ultimately be directed to thank God for all that we had.  Our life was so “functional” and “predictable” that although I was extremely happy, I never appreciated the value of it all.  It seemed to me at times that my problems and difficulties that I encountered along life’s way, which were monumental to me, were somehow minimized in the big scheme of things.  I was always taught by both of my parents to believe that everything happens for a reason, and the best I could do for myself and my family would be to accept God’s will and be thankful for all of my many blessings.  Back then, I tried my very best to do as I was told, but I must admit there were times when I thought to myself, “That’s easy for both of you to say, because both of you already have everything figured out and life is easy for you now.”
    Then, a little more than seven years ago, my Dad was in a tragic accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down.  Initially, my entire family was shocked and driven strictly towards fighting to save his life.  After nearly six months of being in the hospital, my Dad was finally released back home.  Since this tragic day, November 11, 2003 my Mother, has proven that she truly lives by every spoken word that she so freely shared with my sister and I each night at dinner.
    It would require a ten page letter for me to explain each and every thing my Mom does on a daily basis as the sole caretaker of my Dad, to manage her household, and to be an active mother to her grown daughters and an involved grandmother to her grandchildren.  If I attempted to write it all down, you probably would not have the time to read it, and I would surely leave many of her responsibilities out.  But I can assure you that it is  extremely difficult and truly monumental.
    But the reason my Mother is so special to me is because I now see that she never intended for me to walk the way in which she pointed but instead to walk the way in which she walks.  She fully understands the concept of unconditional love.  And finally, she not only accepts God’s Will but embraces it all, with strength, courage, dignity, and appreciation.  She is my hero, an amazing Christian Warrior.  If I can be only a fraction of the person she is, I will have accomplished more than I ever dreamed I would."   
-Cheri Corbett Richard about her mom, Berverly Corbett

Our winning mom, Mrs. Beverly Corbett, has won a prize package from several Central businesses, including:
A Wine Accessories Gift Basket from Central Florist
A Gift Certificate for Baked Goods or Menu Items from Sweet      Impressions Bakery & Cafe
A 30 Minute Massage from All About You Massage, LLC
A Gift Card for Jewelry, Clothing, or Accessories from Laura’s Fine Jewelry & Ladies’ Boutique
A Gift Card for Clothing or Accessories from Claire Marie’s
A Gift Certificate and Gift from Uniquely Yours Fine Gifts
A Spa Services Package from Planet Beach Contempo Spa
A Photography Session from Expressions Photography

This prize package is valued at over $300.
Thank you to the above businesses for donating these wonderful gifts for a very special mom!

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