Note #11

I love music! Music speaks to my soul in a way that words alone are unable to do. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of singing while seated in the back seat of the car. Whenever we traveled, we sang.

From an early age, I was intrigued by the piano, teaching myself to play simple songs from our neighbor's John Thompson books before finally beginning piano lessons at the age of seven. Mrs. Oleson lived just down the block. Every week, I'd walk to her home for my 30-minute piano lesson, come straight home and immediately learn next week's songs so I wouldn't have to practice. Fortunately, I did display a little talent, so after Mrs. Oleson quit teaching, I learned from Mrs. Perry, and finally from Dr. Bates at the college.

However, my best piano teacher sits in the church pew in front of me each Sunday. His name is Jerry.

Dear Jerry,

There is no way I can ever repay you for taking me out of my "piano comfort zone" and encouraging me to accompany the men's gospel quartet. To say I was overwhelmed and anxious when practices started would be an understatement. To admit that I grew to enjoy the experience would be the truth. Learning how to chord and improvise made me a much better musician. I can never thank you enough for all you've taught me.

Thank you for sharing your talents and love of music,
Jill

Note #10

Oh my goodness! It was bound to happen, and it finally did. I forgot to write a note yesterday. This is precisely the reason the messages are posted on a blog. I needed something to keep me accountable for my decision to write 52 notes of thankfulness. This blog is definitely doing the trick!

A couple weekends ago, my husband and I were fortunate to visit a dear friend. She resides in a retirement community and will celebrate her 91st birthday next month. Hope is a former coworker, and the most loyal and avid Husker fan I know!

Dear Husker Hope,

It was so wonderful to spend some time with you! The years we spent in neighboring offices remain special to me. You were always a wonderfully supportive professional advocate, encouraging me to serve on state committees and become involved with Drug-free School and Community events. Of course, we were also the only women in the office who loved sports! Many Monday mornings, you and I could be found either celebrating Nebraska athletic team victories or lamenting heartfelt losses. I will always think of you whenever I hear cheers of "Go Big Red!"

I'm grateful for our friendship.

Jill

Note #9

Friends are the sweet spots in my life. I'm privileged to experience friendships at many different levels -- childhood friends and college friends, friends who live nearby and friends who live miles away, friends at work and friends at play. One friend in particular touches my life in a special way.

Dear Janet,

Thanks for celebrating my mom's birthday with me yesterday. It's always so much fun to spend a day together driving, talking, shopping, eating, and simply having fun.

I've learned a lot from you over the years, but mostly you've taught me about true friendship. I've watched you devote a significant share of your time simply "being there" for your wide circle of friends -- preparing meals, driving to appointments, helping in the home, and volunteering to assist in any way that is needed. You diligently phone, write, email or text to make sure that everything is okay and let others know they're in your thoughts. Your thoughtfulness is an outward display of the love you feel for others.

I greatly value our friendship. Thanks for always being there.

FROG,
Jill

Note #8

When I started writing this blog, I mentioned to my daughter that I didn't intend for the notes to be overly sentimental or emotional. I intend to remain true to this statement.

Throughout the coming weeks, I may be writing notes to family members. Although I could compose flowery language to tearfully thank my family for their unconditional love, support, trust, and on and on, I am not going to do so. Perhaps I'll do this at another time. If and when I do, these words will be private and not shared online.

On to Note #8.

My mom will celebrate a birthday this week. I love to spend time with my mom! We have so much fun together and share a lot of the same interests. Mom loves to travel and she has passed that passion on to me.

Dear Mom,

This card is perfect for your birthday, especially since you will visit your 50th state this year! WOW! Think of all the places you've been, all the new people you've met, the variety of foods you've eaten, the history and geography you've learned, and the magnificent sights you've seen! Thanks so much for sharing your love of travel and new experiences with me. I truly believe memories are the best gifts - and we have some great ones!

Happy Birthday to my favorite globetrotter!

Love, Jill

Note #7

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2000. Surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation continued throughout the next nine months, all conducted in a community located a 3-hour drive from our hometown. During the weeks I received daily radiation therapy, my daughter and I lived with family members and drove back home on the weekends. Seeing my husband and son always lifted my spirits, but one specific weekend holds the top spot in my memories.

A moose was observed in our county during the month of July. "Moose on the Loose" shirts were printed and sold in a downtown store, owned and operated by my friend and neighbor, Jeri. Attempts to locate and photograph the moose were rampant throughout the area. We did not want to be left out of the "hunting experience," and spent one Friday evening searching for this moose. Jeri, my mom, my daughter, and I drove for hours throughout the county on gravel roads, through fields, and even across a bridge that unbeknownst to us was closed because of safety factors! We never found him...but we've also never given up hope.

Thus, a moose hunting expedition has continued for over 14-and-one-half years!

Dear Jeri,

Just a quick note to let you know how much the moose hunting that began in July 2001 has added to my life. When you and I began this venture, little did we realize that we'd continue to search for moose in stores, at craft fairs, on towels and kitchen items, at Christmas, and everywhere else moose are found. It's so much fun trying to find a "new moose item," and I continue to get excited when I spot the animal while on vacation. Let's keep looking and perhaps we'll finally see a moose in our county!

Thanks for being such a great friend and neighbor. Happy Hunting!
Jill

Note #6

Kitchen towels, Pyrex baking dishes, hangers, and Velux blankets. Gifts I received from my mother-in-law were usually very practical. However, my "young adult ideas" about Christmas and birthday gifts focused on fun and fashion.

One year, she excitedly gave me a KitchenAid stand mixer with attachments, and I hate to admit that at the time, I did not appreciate this absolutely wonderful gift. Over the years, I've used it too many times to count and it ranks as my favorite small kitchen appliance. In fact, a KitchenAid stand mixer will be a gift for my future daughter-in-law at one of her upcoming bridal showers!

Dear Arlene,

Just a quick note to thank you for two of the best gifts you ever gave me. I've never told you how much I love the KitchenAid stand mixer you gave me many years ago. At the time, I was probably too young and inexperienced in the kitchen to realize that the mixer would become my best-loved small appliance. Every time I use it, I think of you and remember how much you've taught me about cooking.

During this week preceding Valentine's Day, I also want to thank you for the very best gift ever -- your son, Bill. I love him so much.

Happy ♡ Day.

Love,
Jill

Note #5

Over the years, I've been fortunate to work with some terrific administrators. Each one has touched my life. Randy is one of those special people.

He and I worked together for 14 years, and I truly believe that he's one of the finest men I've met. I admire his leadership style, his appreciation for the work of others, his humble personality, his sense of humor, and especially the love he has for his family.

One small bit of advice has stuck with me. When things seemed to get rough at work and a potential problem was looming on the horizon, he advised me to remember that it was probably "not a matter of life or death." This guidance was shared with Randy by one of his previous administrators. He's remembered it through the years, and so have I. As the song goes, "The sun will come up tomorrow."

Dear Randy,

Just a quick note to say thanks for sharing one of your long-held philosophies. I've often remembered the story you told about a former superintendent who stated that the situations we deal with at work are usually "not a matter of life or death." When times get rough or I feel overwhelmed, I take a deep breath and consider that statement. It's true! I trust that things will work out, realize that life isn't perfect, and recognize that I might have to go to Plan B. Thanks for helping me view life from this positive perspective and teaching me to go with the flow.

Gratefully,
Jill