Note #49

Am I a huge Husker fan? Absolutely! Husker athletics and UNL academics rank at the top. Red Husker clothing items fill my closets, and every time I shop, I head right for the Husker merchandise.

The Husker volleyball team is defending their 2015 National Championship, and the road to the Final Four looks tough. This Friday's match against perennial Big Ten rival Penn State will be a biggie -- and thanks to my stepmom, Carol, we're going to be at the Devaney to cheer the team on to victory! This week's note is written to her.

Dear Carol,

You absolutely made my day when I got your text saying Bill and I will have tickets for Friday's Nebraska-Penn State volleyball match! We're so excited! Thank you!

In fact, thanks for also opening up your home to us this fall throughout the Husker football season. Your B&B is at the top of our list - immaculate surroundings, wonderful breakfasts and desserts, and animated, loyal Nebraska fans. I'm so grateful for everything you've done for us over the years. We always have so much fun together :-)

There are only three words left to say: GO BIG RED!

Love, Jill

Note #48

In appreciation for a special young woman, this week's note is written to our daughter-in-law, Megan.

Dear Meg,

Thank you for hosting "Thankschristmasgiving" again this year. Our family loves to celebrate and share laughs in your beautiful home -- enjoying delicious food, playing silly games, observing our special Christmas gift tradition, and being entertained by Piper. Jordan is blessed to have such a bright, beautiful, generous, funny, and talented woman as his wife -- and we're grateful you joined our family.

I've written weekly notes since January, and Note #48 was saved especially for you. I'm privileged to call you my daughter-in-law.

Love,
Jill

Note #47

It's Thanksgiving week, time to count our many blessings, and eat delicious food! My visit to the grocery store included filling my shopping cart with items needed to prepare a familiar recipe. This week's note is written to Juel, a friend who shared this recipe many years ago.

Dear Juel,

As I look in my kitchen cupboard and think about Thanksgiving dinner, I'm once again reminded of you. Our 1992 P.E.O. cookbook included your recipe for "One" Vegetable Casserole. Over the next 24 years, I've made that recipe too many times to count. I printed it in both our family and church cookbooks, but with a new name: Jordan's Favorite Vegetable Casserole! It's served at every family holiday meal because dinner just wouldn't be complete without it.

Thanks for sharing the recipe. It holds a special place in our family memories.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Jill

Note #46

Last Thursday marked 16 years since my breast cancer diagnosis. The phone call I received that Friday afternoon will forever be etched in my memory. A related afternoon, several weeks later, is also memorable. This week's note is written to my friend, Sharon.

Dear Sharon,

16 years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer and you stepped up to support me. I'll never forget the afternoon we spent shopping for wigs. What could have been a traumatic event turned out to be so much fun! I have laughable memories of seeing myself as a redhead and a blonde. We both tried on numerous wigs in a variety of styles and colors. When I think about that day, I do so with a chuckle and a grateful heart.

Thanks for being my friend, your generosity, and always making me laugh.
Love, Jill

Note #45

Our daughter and her husband live in Wisconsin. When Sarah moved there 10 years ago, we were nervous and apprehensive. Sarah didn't know a soul, was starting a new job, and oh - by the way - also has mild cerebral palsy. Just thinking about Wisconsin winters made me fearful for her safety. How would she get around? Who would shovel all that snow? How in the world would she manage to navigate icy sidewalks and parking lots?

My fears were unfounded. Sarah got along just fine. Her outgoing personality propelled her to become active in a church, join a women's organization, meet new friends, and ask for help when needed. A few months after arriving, she met her future husband and the rest is history.

Sarah and I absolutely love FaceTime! We talk face-to-face twice a week, usually on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. In fact, we concluded our Sunday visit just a short time ago. I love to hear about her activities, friends, and family during our "technology time together."

I'm so proud of her and everything she's accomplished. There are several special individuals who worked diligently during her preschool and early elementary years: speech pathologists, school psychologists, occupational therapists, teachers, and one special physical therapist. This week's note is written to him.

Dear Bill,

I just finished talking with Sarah. She's lived in Wisconsin the past 10 years, is married, and has a wonderful job at Menards corporate office. She never would have accomplished everything she's done if it weren't for you. Your professionalism was top-notch, but it was your personality and caring that meant the most. Sarah loved to see your smiling face, even when it meant arriving at 7:30 a.m. for PT. You guided us to seek orthopedic treatment at Shriners Hospital and in Omaha, always keeping Sarah's future in mind. Thank you so much for being such an important part of Sarah's life - and of mine.

Gratefully,
Jill

Note #44

Tomorrow is Halloween -- and memories of Halloween 1991 come flooding back. A late fall blizzard hit the state that year. Halloween trick-or-treating was postponed, and our anticipated move was delayed a week. In fact, this was such a momentous event that our 1991 family Christmas letter was entitled "Twas the Night Before Halloween," a parody of "The Night Before Christmas."

Fortunately, for the past 25 years, we've been fortunate to live in that beautiful, new home. This week's note is written to our home builder, Mike.

Dear Mike,

Halloween weekend reminds me of our 1991 move into our newly constructed home. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for you and your crew for building our beautiful and comfortable home. The craftsmanship is superb and we truthfully enjoyed every minute of the building process. Thank you for designing and constructing a structure that is now filled with 25 years of special family memories. It's not simply a house. It's our home.

Gratefully,
Jill

Note #43

This week, medical appointments are on my calendar. I always get just a little nervous on the days preceding my mammogram and subsequent visit to the oncologist. I say a prayer. Lose a few pounds. And thank God for all the blessings in my life. One of those blessings is Tami, and this week's note is written to her.

Dear Tami,

Almost 16 years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Many medical appointments followed, necessitating frequent six-hour, round trip drives to meet with physicians and discuss treatment options. One such appointment was impossible for Bill to attend. With no family members nearby, you volunteered to ride to Lincoln and back with me as I met with the surgeon who minced no words in telling me, "You could die from this." We stopped at a Chinese restaurant for dinner on the way home. I'll never forget either the fortune I removed from the cookie ("You will enjoy a long and happy life.") or how much I appreciated your kindness, uplifting words, and friendship on that difficult day. Thank you.

FROG - Fully Rely On God
Jill