Note #26

"Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."

When Sarah was in the seventh grade, she had extensive reconstructive surgery on her leg. The surgery was scheduled for Good Friday in a children's hospital located a three-hour drive from our hometown. Her hospital room was filled with Easter gifts -- flowers, stuffed animals, and baskets loaded with Easter candy and eggs -- while family and friends visited to bring cheer and share wishes for her recovery.

However, the most meaningful message during her hospitalization was Isaiah 40:30-31, delivered by a special visitor - our new pastor. This week's note is written to him.

Dear Pastor,

Over Easter weekend 1995, you stopped at Children's Hospital to visit Sarah following her extensive reconstructive surgery. During the visit, you read Isaiah 40:30-31, verses that Sarah chose as her confirmation verse the following spring, and scripture that holds special significance to us.

Although I see you often, I've never told you how much that visit meant to us. Somehow, during a very busy Easter weekend, you found time to spend time with two overwhelmed parents and one frightened seventh grader, calming our fears and giving us hope by sharing God's Word.

We are very grateful for your ministry to our family.

God's Blessings,
Jill

Note #25

I love rocks! I've always loved rocks...and I still have my childhood rock collection in the basement. Everywhere I go, my eyes seem to notice the unique rocks that surround me. Oftentimes, I will bring a rock back home from wherever I've been. My early memories include collecting mica while vacationing in Estes Park, selecting rocks from the graveled driveway at my grandparents' farm, and finding my first fossil on the playground of my elementary school.

A collection of rocks sits on my desk at work. When I turned 50, friends organized an event during which I received 50 items each day for 50 consecutive days. A close co-worker presented me with 50 rocks, complete with 50 quotations and facts that included the word "rock." Earlier this month in observance of my 60th birthday, she added 10 rocks to my special collection. This week's note is written to my friend, Becky.

Dear Becky,

Thank you for traveling all the way to Jordan and Megan's wedding. It was wonderful to have you and Ron there to celebrate their marriage. I also have a special remembrance of Okoboji with the 10 new rocks you added to my birthday collection.

Over the years, you've added so much to my life. Your ability to see the world from a unique perspective, and share that vision with others, is a quality I admire. You're thoughtful, funny, creative, and loving.

In other words, you rock!

Thanks for being my friend,
Jill

P.S. Did you know that according to A.D. Posey, rocks and minerals are the oldest storytellers? :-)

Note #24

Our daughter, Sarah, and son-in-law stayed with us last week during the days nestled between two family weddings: our son and new daughter-in-law's wedding on June 4th and our niece and new husband's wedding on June 10th. My mind was full of thoughts about these three wonderful young women and how thankful I am to have them all in our family.

A dear friend's daughter will be married this coming weekend, so again, my thoughts have turned to the relationships between mothers and daughters. This particular friend has been closely tied to my daughter and me since before Sarah was even born, so this week's note is written to Cindy.

Dear Cindy,

As Tara's wedding approaches, I am reminded of the ties that exist between you, me, and our daughters. As I mentioned at Tara's shower, she and Sarah can share memories of mothers who wore the same brightly colored, polyester maternity tops, even though we are no where near the same size!

There are truly no words to convey how much your encouragement and support of Sarah during her years in FCCLA mean to us. Her success was a reflection of your commitment to the organization and your dedication to helping students achieve more than they thought was possible.

Daughters are treasured, weddings are unforgettable, and friends are priceless.

Gratefully,
Jill

Note #23

This has been a week of celebrations! Bill celebrated his 60th birthday on June 1st. Our son and his new wife, Megan, celebrated their marriage with a beautiful wedding ceremony and elegant, yet fun, reception yesterday. And tomorrow, I will celebrate another year of life.

My presence at all these special occasions depended on the medical care I received from an outstanding oncologist, beginning over 15 years ago. This week's note is written to him.

Dear Dr. Hutchins,

Tomorrow I will celebrate my 60th birthday.

Back in November 2000 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, the uncertainty of the future was absolutely terrifying. I prayed every night God would let me live long enough to see my daughter graduate from college and my son graduate from high school. Not only was I able to celebrate these events in 2004 and 2005, I've also watched them become successful, caring adults - and celebrated two weddings, including one just yesterday!

I am deeply grateful for the medical treatment and personal care that you and your wonderful professional staff have given me since January 2001. I also truly appreciate the compassion shown to my sister, Jodi. You will always hold a very special place in my heart.

I believe that every day is a gift. Thank you for helping me enjoy the present.

With Sincere Gratitude,
Jill Bates