2019 - Notes #33, 34, and 35

Life is busy for everyone and this time of year has been exceptionally busy for us. It may have taken me three weeks to write these notes, but my feelings of gratefulness have not subsided.

Note #33 is written to my mom's next door neighbor's grandchildren, Cassie and Connor. These two young people are exceptionally thoughtful and kind.

Dear Cassie and Connor,

Thank you so much for all you do to boost my mom's spirits. Whenever I visit, I look at the prom photograph and the butterfly picture that are displayed in her room. She loves to point them out to everyone who visits :-) I also notice the blooming flowers in the pot near her front door at home. Thanks also for growing the tomato plant and sharing the tomato with her. Most of all, thanks for visiting her and being her "hometown grandchildren." She thinks the world of both of you.

Grateful for your kindness and thoughtfulness,
Jill

The next note is written to Karen, a long-time friend of my mom.

Dear Karen,

The dahlias you shared with Mom, both at the hospital and at the nursing home, really brightened her days! She took great joy in showing them to me and telling me they came from you. You've been a good friend to her for many, many years -- and kept her looking her best :-) I'm so appreciative of your thoughtfulness and continued prayers.

Thank you.
Jill

My final note is written to a co-worker. Heidi is an amazing woman!

Dear Heidi,

Just a quick note to say how much I appreciate you. Your work ethic is top-notch, your drive to achieve and grow professionally is commendable, and your willingness to share ideas and knowledge is valued. Thanks also for reaching out to me and asking about my mom. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness.

Thanks.
Jill

2019 - Notes #31 and 32

As you've probably noticed from reading earlier posts, I'm privileged to work in the field of education. August is an unbelievably busy month and I'm behind on writing notes. Let's get started!

George and Susie's family experienced unimaginable tragedy and grief -- and yet, their faith in God remains strong and steady. Note #31 is written to them.

Dear Susie,

Each morning I read "The Peace of Heaven" daily Bible verse and prayer on your Facebook page. I can't even describe how much comfort and peace are offered in these words. Your family inspires me, and countless others, with your courage, hope, and faith in our loving God. I believe in hard times we learn we're stronger than we imagined, God is closer than we realized, and we're loved more than we ever knew. Thank you for sharing your faith. You and your family are loved by many.

FROG --
Jill

Note #32 is written to Linda, one of my coworkers.

Dear Linda,

Just a quick note to thank you for everything you do to help me at work. I appreciate the quick turn-around when I ask for information or assistance. Your efforts to organize the new Media Center, arrange the resources, and weed items that are no longer requested have not gone unnoticed. Thanks so much! I enjoy seeing you smile, hearing your laughter, and am grateful we can work together.

Looking forward to a positive school year!
Jill

2019 - Notes #29 and #30

Making the decision that a parent needs 24-hour care is not easy. Following hospitalization, my mom moved to a nursing home. Her first contact? A former student.

This week's first note is written to her.

Dear Jill,

It was so comforting for you to be Mom's first contact when she moved into the nursing home. Simply knowing you are one of her nurses -- and one of her former second grader students -- is a blessing. Your smile and caring attitude helped put her at ease during this difficult transition. I will always be grateful for your kindness.

Thank you.
Jill #2 :-)

My second note is written to the employees at our local grocery store. I love shopping there because of the positive vibe!

Dear Thriftway Market employees,

Just a quick note to tell you how much I enjoy coming into the grocery store. Employees are friendly, courteous, and always willing to help if I have a question or can't locate a product. From department managers and grocery stockers to checkout cashiers and carry out staff, the service makes hometown shopping for a positive experience.

Thank you for always putting a smile on my face.

Jill

2019 - Notes #26, 27, and 28

Once again, my note-writing has taken a backseat to other obligations and responsibilities. However, my gratitude remains in the forefront.

Notes #26 and #27 are written to more of my mom's neighbors. Over the years, they have become a tight-knit group, offering friendship and support. My mom is currently experiencing health issues that impact her daily life. Her neighbors are always there for her.

Dear Dan and Nancy,

Words are not sufficient to convey how much I appreciate everything you do for my mom. From mowing her lawn and shoveling snow, to picking up her mail and newspapers, plus sharing fun cheering for the Huskers, you are an important part of her life. Simply knowing you've been next door fills my heart with gratefulness.

Thanks also for visiting her when she was hospitalized. Your visits brighten her days.

With sincere gratitude,
Jill

Dear Bob and Barb,

Thank you for being such wonderful friends and neighbors to my mom. Barb, I know she always enjoys your morning visits and she's looking forward to seeing you at the nursing home, too. Bob, thank you for sharing your electrical expertise with her recently. She was always relieved to know she could call on the two of you to help.

Thanks for visiting her at the hospital. You'll never know how much I appreciate the two of you.

Gratefully,
Jill

My mom was recently hospitalized for a week at the local hospital. The following note is written to the staff at Phelps Memorial Health Center.

Dear PMHC Staff,

Thank you for the excellent care my mom, Ann Fuerst, received while a patient at PMHC. Professionalism and a sincere desire to serve were qualities demonstrated by everyone on staff. We especially appreciated the caring actions of the nurses, CNAs, and dietary employees. They tried every idea possible to keep her warm, comfortable, hydrated, and fed.

I will always be grateful for this wonderful care.

Thank you.
Jill

2019 - Notes #23, 24, and 25

It's time for another three-note post. I will make no apologies for the delay in sending one note per week. The month of June has been filled with unanticipated news, travel, and events.

I've been a P.E.O. since 1983. Over the past 36 years, strong relationships have developed and been maintained as a result of my participation in this organization that focuses on philanthropy and education for women. Note #23 is written to a long-time P.E.O. sister. Connie just observed 60 years of P.E.O. Sisterhood.

Dear Connie,

Congratulations on being a 60-year member of P.E.O. I remember attending many meetings in your home. Fresh flowers always graced the rooms and delicious desserts were served on delicate, beautiful china. It's fun to look back on simpler times and recall special memories of P.E.O. I am proud to be your P.E.O. sister.

Jill

I've mentioned my mom's neighbors and close friends in previous posts. As she currently faces some medical challenges, they have stepped up to support her even more. The next note is written to her next-door neighbor, Dee.

Dear Dee,

Just a quick note to say thanks for everything you do for my mom. She was absolutely thrilled to receive the "special" Blizzard! She also loves your frequent visits and shares your interest in Husker sports. Thanks for watering her flowers and I hope you nurture some tomatoes, too.

I'm truly grateful for all the support and friendship you shower on my mom. Thank you.

Jill

I recently celebrated my birthday on a day we hosted a threat assessment training for teachers, administrators, mental health practitioners, and law enforcement. Note #25 is written to Jolene, who surprised me by bringing a large birthday cake to the event.

Dear Jolene,

You definitely made my birthday a day to remember! The cake was a fantastic surprise and everyone at the training enjoyed this delicious treat.

Thanks also for your passionate dedication to Nebraska schools. Because of your leadership and support, our schools are safer and more secure. I look forward to working with you again during the coming school year.

Jill

2019 - Notes #20, 21, and 22

Once again, I've fallen behind on my note writing. Since I was at a training yesterday during which I described my commitment to write 52 thank you notes this year, I better get back on track.

Note #20 is written to Val, a nurse who cared for my mom during a recent hospitalization. Val's professionalism, sincere friendliness, and loving care was a bright spot in a rather dismal situation. This was the first time I'd met Val, even though she is married to one of my high school classmates -- and I'll see her soon at our class reunion.

Dear Val,

'Just a quick note to say thank you for the tender care you gave my mom when she was hospitalized. Your professionalism and patient, informative work with the student nurses was impressive. I'm truly grateful for not only your nursing skills, but also your prayers.

FROG,
Jill

As mentioned previously, I work with some wonderful people, including Tami and Bev. Both of these women are two of the first people who greet me every morning when I arrive at the office. Plus, we have something "little" in common. I became a first-time grandma two months ago, Bev greeted a new grandson two days ago, and Tami will hold a new grandchild later this month. Notes #21 and 22 are written to them.

Dear Tami,

Thank you for greeting me with a smile each morning when I pass your office door. I especially enjoy hearing humorous stories about your family and sharing laughs. Thanks also for organizing and coordinating all the administrative meals, snacks, donuts, and coffee -- AND for discovering Cubby's delicious cookies! I'm truly grateful for your help and friendship.

Jill

P.S. I'm eager to hear stories about your new grandson in the future, too!

Dear Bev,

'Just a note to convey how much I appreciate your helpfulness. Thank you for greeting people when they arrive at the office and for coordinating all the meals, snacks, and beverages for our professional development events. I'm also grateful that you make our lodging reservations, especially since you've developed positive working relationships with the hotel staff so we get the best prices! :-)

Thanks again and congratulations Grandma!
Jill

2019 - Notes #17, 18 and 19

I have neglected to write notes for the past several weeks. Life has been busy, with many unexpected turns and bumps in the road. However, my daily gratefulness for life's blessings is always a part of the journey.

Note #17 is written to our daughter's first preschool teacher. Sarah has mild cerebral palsy and benefited greatly from early childhood education provided by our area intermediate educational agency. Sue was her teacher.

Dear Sue,

When I saw you on the playground recently, surrounded by all your preschool students, I was reminded how much Sarah loved being your student. You had such a positive impact on her development and helped her become the successful adult she is today. Your tireless service and advocacy on behalf of your students will always be remembered. Thank you.

Enjoy the summer!

Gratefully,
Jill

Patti is my nurse practitioner. We've been acquainted for many years and she continues to provide exemplary medical services. My recent annual visit was conducted a few weeks ago. I absolutely love to visit with Patti. She's caring, knowledgable, professional, and personable. Note #18 is written to her.

Dear Patti,

Just a quick note to say how grateful I am for you. Every time I visit the clinic, I feel healthy and positive after my appointment. Your professionalism and knowledge are exemplary, and your caring personality speaks volumes. Thanks for truly caring about all your patients. Our lives are better because of your medical expertise.

Thank you.
Jill

I'm privileged to work with excellent educational professionals including teachers, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, school nurses, staff developers, technology integrationists, administrators, paraprofessionals, and many more. Cathy is at the top of the list.

Dear Cathy,

As the school year draws to a close, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to work with you. Over and over again, I see the dedication you display, not only to your profession but also to the students, families, teachers, and schools you serve. Your professionalism is unsurpassed and your willingness to assume expanded responsibilities is exemplary. I am truly grateful to be your colleague.

Enjoy the summer with your family!
Jill