Hannah Copeland Neal, we save this dance for you—a dance etched with the same kindness you reserved for every soul of nature; a dance saturated with the same feminine ferocity you expressed through every movement of your body and utterance of your words; a dance characterized by the same beauty you honed, molded, and wielded to create art that filled yours and everyone’s life with breath and light. Hannah Copeland Neal, we will always save this dance for you.
We save this dance for Hannah because Hannah inspired dance in all of us, and not just the typical shake of the hips on the dance floor, although she undeniably did that too. She made us realize that dance was more than just a physical movement, but a way of thinking, doing, and living. From how we embrace each other as fellow human beings, to how we perceive our world as a never-ending fountain of adventure, Hannah’s dance tangled elegance, strength, and reach to open up every possibility for love. And boy, it was love—true, unmatched, and deeply rich love that she got.
First, she was a daughter. For Brad and Barbara Copeland, their second child proved to be a source of heedless light. A head full of curls and an innate desire to spread laughter, Hannah’s levity and brightness of character made it clear that she would always be an impact on those around her. In cultivating her fascination for dance, painting, and design, her parents understood the necessity of Hannah’s gift of expression.
Secondly, she was a sister. For Erin Copeland, a little sister offered a friendship dearly ensnared in the trappings of unmistakable affection. When Cooper Copeland came around and a trio was formed, Hannah realized she was the sticky, unyielding glue that would hold their wild differences together. Geography may have eventually strewn them apart, but through Hannah and her ability to stretch her emotional limbs across the airways the trio remained solid, unbroken, and eternal.
Then, she was a wife. For Evan Neal, Hannah’s longtime and steadfast friendship would blossom into a romance, an allegiance, and marital vow. Hannah determined that this marriage should lift itself above all else; providing a loving sanctuary amidst terrible uncertainty. As a wife Hannah chose to prioritize possibility over pain, life over loss, and the comfort of another over her own. With her wellspring of selfless love Hannah forged ahead uncompromising and unafraid, and with her husband fashioned an everlasting bouquet of memories made.
In these important ways Hannah Copeland Neal lives on through her parents, sisters, spouse, artwork, and many friends. For those whom this Earth still adorns, we look to Hannah as proof of what triumphs may be had even on our darkest days; what the spirit of our dance may shape given the room to grow, what it takes to fasten ourselves together as siblings, and what it means to conquer all with love. Thank you Hannah.
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