No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our neighbor of the week is Trish Cox, who has worked as a landscape designer for the past 27 years, designing outdoor spaces throughout the Florida Keys, South Florida and the Bahamas. When she’s not working, she homeschools her two children, Micah and Norah, and volunteers alongside her husband and friends in a youth ministry at Calvary Baptist Church called “Impact Youth.” In her spare time, you’ll find her paddleboarding, running or helping coach youth sports.
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I’ve lived in the Florida Keys three different times, totaling nearly 30 years, with the last 20 years being continuous. We moved back after my husband accepted a position as a youth pastor, a calling we both felt God had placed on our hearts. Even after his years in that role ended, we knew the Keys had become home.
What is your favorite thing about living in the Keys? The people. The Florida Keys has such a close-knit and diverse community where neighbors genuinely know and care about one another.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received or given? Years ago, my pastor told me, “Choose a pace you can keep up for a lifetime.” That advice has stayed with me because there are so many things I hope to continue doing for decades such as raising my family, serving others, staying healthy and investing in people. Life isn’t a sprint; it’s about building a sustainable rhythm that lets you finish well.
Does your family have a favorite song that you listen and dance to together? One of our family’s favorite songs is “Can’t Steal My Joy” by Josiah Queen. It’s one of those songs you can’t help but dance to, sing along with or turn up when you need a little encouragement.
What’s your funniest family vacation story? One of our most unforgettable family stories happened after a hiking trip to Colorado when our son, Micah, was 6-1/2 years old. As soon as we got off the airplane in Fort Lauderdale, we received the phone call we had been praying and waiting years for. There was a baby girl waiting for us to adopt. After that, friends would tease us that we’re the only family they know who left for vacation with one child and came home with two!
My significant other would say I am… A fixer. If you have a problem and you come to her, she’ll immediately give you 10 different ways to solve it.
If you’re having a rough day, what’s the best way to cheer you up? People. I’m a true extrovert, and being around friends or family fills my cup. I especially love spending Wednesday nights with our Impact Youth group. There’s something energizing about investing in middle and high school students that always leaves me encouraged.
What’s your favorite smell/most hated smell? Favorite: fresh-cut grass. Least favorite: sewage treatment plants. I don’t think that one needs much explanation!
If you had to give a TED Talk on a totally random topic, what would it be? “One Week Can Change a Life.” I would talk about how taking 42 youths to Camp Living Stones was life-changing, and how placing a young person in a different environment for a week can truly shift the trajectory of their life. At camp, they get to experience things like whitewater rafting, ziplining and rock climbing, while also learning about Jesus and being surrounded by a safe, loving community.
What would the title of a movie about your life be and what actor/actress would play you? “Where Are the Instructions?” So many times in my life, I’ve been thrust into situations where I had no clue what I was doing (adopting, parenting, coaching, building a business). There was no manual, no clear roadmap, and I learned as I went. And somehow, through every season, I figured it out. And here I am!
What is your favorite board game and why? Settlers of Catan. It has created some of our favorite memories with family and friends, and I love that every game is different. It’s the perfect mix of strategy, competition and laughter.
What’s a secret about you that people might be surprised to learn? People would be surprised to know that I’ve wanted to adopt for as long as I can remember. Since I was about 7 years old, I would tell my friends that my baby dolls were adopted. It was something that always felt natural to me. Thirteen years ago, my husband Jeff and I had the incredible opportunity to adopt our son, Micah, and seven years ago we adopted our daughter, Norah. Adoption has always felt like it was supposed to be part of our family’s story.
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
