The Keys Weekly has recognized Trish Cox as its latest "Neighbor of the Week," celebrating her contributions to the Marathon community. Cox, who has spent 27 years as a landscape designer, has shaped outdoor spaces across the Florida Keys, South Florida, and the Bahamas.

Community Involvement and Family Life

Beyond her professional work, Cox is actively involved in her family and community. She homeschools her two children, Micah and Norah. Alongside her husband and friends, she volunteers with "Impact Youth," a youth ministry program at Calvary Baptist Church. Her personal time is often spent paddleboarding, running, or coaching youth sports.

Cox has lived in the Florida Keys for nearly 30 years, with the last 20 years being continuous. She and her husband returned to the Keys when he accepted a position as a youth pastor, a calling they felt deeply. Even after his tenure in that role concluded, the couple found that the Keys had become their home.

She describes the people of the Florida Keys as her favorite aspect of living in the area, noting the community's close-knit and diverse nature where neighbors are known to genuinely care for one another. Cox shared advice from her pastor: "Choose a pace you can keep up for a lifetime." She applies this philosophy to her long-term goals, including raising her family, serving others, maintaining her health, and investing in people, emphasizing that life is about building a sustainable rhythm rather than a sprint.

Personal Reflections and Experiences

When asked about cheering herself up on a rough day, Cox, an extrovert, stated that being around friends or family is most fulfilling. She particularly enjoys Wednesday nights with the "Impact Youth" group, finding energy and encouragement in investing time with middle and high school students. Her favorite smell is fresh-cut grass, while she dislikes the smell of sewage treatment plants.

Cox proposed a TED Talk topic titled "One Week Can Change a Life," focusing on how immersive experiences, like taking 42 youths to Camp Living Stones, can significantly alter a young person's life trajectory. At such camps, participants engage in activities like whitewater rafting and ziplining, alongside learning about faith and experiencing a safe, supportive community.

If a movie were made about her life, she would title it "Where Are the Instructions?" She explained that she has often found herself in new situations, such as parenting, coaching, or building a business, without a clear guide, learning and adapting as she went. She believes that despite the lack of a roadmap, she has managed to navigate through each phase.

Family and Adoption

A surprising personal detail shared by Cox is her lifelong desire to adopt. Since childhood, she considered adoption a natural part of her family's story. Thirteen years ago, she and her husband, Jeff, adopted their son, Micah, and seven years ago, they adopted their daughter, Norah. This experience has been a significant and fulfilling part of their family's journey.

The family enjoys playing the board game Settlers of Catan, which has led to many cherished memories with friends and family. Cox appreciates the game's blend of strategy, competition, and laughter, noting that each game presents a unique experience. A favorite family song for dancing and singing along is "Can't Steal My Joy" by Josiah Queen.

One of their most memorable family stories occurred after a hiking trip to Colorado. Shortly after landing in Fort Lauderdale, the family received a call about an infant girl available for adoption. This led to them returning home with two children, having left for vacation with one. For more community news and features, visit Keys Weekly.

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