Note #51

Congratulations to Stanford, NCAA volleyball champions. My Huskers didn't win, but I'll never stop cheering for my favorite team. I know my closest hometown friend won't give up on any Nebraska team either. Football. Volleyball. Baseball. Her Facebook posts often reference these teams as she hopes for victory.

She and I also share a long history, from the first day of kindergarten through university graduation. This week's note is written to Susie.

Dear Susie,

Bill and I hope to see you this coming Christmas weekend. We need to catch up on what's been happening in our lives, and also spend time reminiscing. We share a lot of memories! I'll always remember our high school band trip to the west coast, counting calories (and M&Ms) during our freshman year of college, cheering at Husker football games, sharing Godfather's pizza, laughing hysterically after seeing "Young Frankenstein," admiring "The Living" and avoiding "The Dead," and just plain having fun. My mom says my "true personality" comes out when we're together :-)

My hometown memories always include you. Thanks for being a special, lifelong friend.

Love,
Jill

P.S. GO BIG RED!

Note #50

WOW! The Huskers are in the Final Four! The volleyball game my husband and I saw last Friday was undoubtedly the best volleyball game we've ever seen. The talent displayed on the court by both Nebraska and Penn State players was unbelievable. The Huskers lost the first two sets, were down 22-24 in the third, and came back to win the match in the fifth. Our coach, John Cook, stated the crowd was the loudest he's ever heard in Devaney. GO BIG RED!

One of my fellow Husker volleyball fans is celebrating her birthday today. This week's note is written to JoAnne.

Dear JoAnne,

Happy Birthday! Not only are you one of my favorite fellow Husker fans, you're also one of my role models. I've looked up to you ever since we moved here. I admire your friendly personality, your sense of style, and your devotion to personal health. You introduced me to weightlifting, bridge club, women's golf league, and a stint as a piano teacher.

Now that you travel frequently, our paths seem to cross less often. Hopefully, I'll see you on the golf course or at a Husker tailgate again soon!

With gratitude for your friendship,
Jill

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