Note #4

Our neighborhood is filled with wonderful people! A family who lives across the street includes children who regularly get our mail, collect our newspapers, and mow the lawn whenever we are out of town for an extended period of time. During the winter, I'll occasionally glance outside through the kitchen window and notice Conor shoveling snow from our driveway and sidewalks. Beth is an award-winning baker and annually treats our family with a Christmas tea ring. We couldn't ask for better neighbors.

Dear Nick, Beth, Conor and Kaylee,

Just a quick note to say thanks for being our neighbors. You'll never know how much we appreciate your willingness to help us out when we travel: collecting our mail and newspapers, mowing the lawn, and even going inside when I call to say I forgot to turn off the oven! We also love looking out the window and seeing the kids shooting hoops in our driveway. Soon both Conor and Kaylee will beat Bill regularly in H.O.R.S.E. Please let us know if we can ever do anything for you.

Thanks again.
Jill

Note #3

Molly is one of my dearest friends and co-workers. Over the past few years, she shared her family's Christmas tradition, based on the "White Envelope Story."

Every fall, the adults in the family draw a name. Instead of a gift exchange, each person "does something for someone else" in honor of the person whose name they drew. Individuals write a note that describes what they did, and place the note in an envelope. According to Molly, this is the highlight of the holiday celebration; even the small children are eager to learn what is written on the note in the envelopes.

This Christmas, seven adults in my family did the same. I have to admit that this was absolutely the best Christmas ever! We agreed to donate $50 to a cause in honor of the name that we drew. Our son-in-law had 50 trees planted in honor of my husband, a long-time member of our local Tree Board. Our daughter donated to the local high school Track Fund in honor of her brother's successful track career. My mom was honored by sponsoring an elementary student's attendance at a musical event that she would have otherwise been unable to attend because of the cost. Other gifts were designated to the Humane Society, Make-A-Wish, and United Cerebral Palsy. It was the most heartwarming time, and even a few tears were shed as the gifts were revealed.

We will continue our new family tradition of the "White Envelope Story," thanks to Molly.

Dear Molly,

This is simply a note of gratitude for sharing your family's "White Envelope" Christmas tradition. As you know, my family replicated the idea this Christmas with great success and happiness. Opening the envelopes and reading the personal notes was so emotional, very uplifting, and provided us with the best Christmas ever. As we continue this tradition in the coming years, you can be assured that I will always think of you. Thank you for your friendship, your caring spirit, and your giving heart.

FROG,
Jill

Note #2

Our daughter, Sarah, celebrates a birthday today. I hold such wonderful memories of the kindness, friendship, love and support extended to her by members of our small, rural town. One special memory of our frequent trips to the grocery story stands out.

Dear Cheri,

Today is Sarah's 34th birthday -- and it seems like just yesterday, I was pushing her in the cart at the grocery store. I have such fond memories of listening to her shriek with delight whenever she spotted you at the check-out counter. Thank you for bringing smiles and joy to both Sarah and me.

Gratefully,
Jill

P.S. Sarah says she still loves to go grocery shopping!

Note #1

I was privileged to honor my friend by playing the piano for his funeral service. Note #1 was written to convey my appreciation for a gift of music from another friend and colleague.

Dear Marcia,

Just a quick note to say thanks for the piano music you sent me fifteen years ago when I was going through chemotherapy. I’ve been blessed with peace, joy and hope through God’s music while also enjoying one of my favorite activities: playing the piano. I can’t tell you how many times I have shared the musical arrangements with others during church services, funerals, weddings, and family gatherings. Thank you so much for sharing your love of piano music with me.

Gratefully,
Jill

Why 52 notes of thankfulness?

A friend of ours recently passed away. As I read the messages that others posted, sharing their memories and thoughts, I realized how much our friend would have enjoyed reading the messages himself.

Oftentimes, we wait too long to let people know how they have touched our lives. I've decided to embark on a journey entitled "52 Weeks of Thankfulness." Each week, I will send a handwritten note to someone who has touched my life in a special way. Let's get started. Jill