Julie,
In the past year or so, you and I have bonded and become close friends. It is the little things that have brought us closer and connected us. When I have a pitty party, grumpy pants, or need advice, you always have a dose of reality with a serving of empathy and love. When I need someone to celebrate good news or exciting events - you are there.
You have a special place in my life. Afternoons on the Nine Eagles Beach with the boys, late movies shivering cold at my house, Santacalagon Days, Sunday mornings at church, trips to Des Moines- it's hard to fill the gap that you've left in my life this year. Fortunately, we haven't skipped a beat.
On this birthday I want you to know that your friendship has impacted not only me, but my family as well. While my boys don't always seem to express how their friendship and appreciation, it's because you are a regular, important part of their life. They are not the only ones you have touched. Your love for your students and the youth you mentor is inspirational. While I miss you so much and think about you daily, it makes me so happy knowing you are following a challanging path that God has led you to. I'm not sure if many people take time enough to listen to the response God has after we've asked him to guide us. You are amazing.
Happy Birthday. We love you.
Julie, Jaiden, Odin, Cannon, and Victor
Dear Julie!!
ReplyDeleteOh dear dear Julie :)
What a blessing you have been our lives! I have so many good memories with you as a central enjoyable figure. I remember coming in to school to chat with you every morning while I was working on my grad degree and how amazed I was with your abilities in the classroom. I loved your sense of humor with the kids but I also loved how seriously you took them. I never doubted that each student in your class was important to you. Thank you for teaching me so much about teaching!
I also have MANY memories involving how often you helped me out with Ash when he was small. Thank you for being that person I could always depend on to help out when I had to travel with work or be at student meetings later in the evening. I can probably never repay you for the amount of stress you removed from my shoulders.
Thank you for your love, patience and continued friendship. My life is better because I know you. I believe we are going on our 18th year together??!!??. I've known you for over half my life!!
Happy birthday beautiful woman,
You inspire me all the time.
Catharine (and Ashly!!)
Julie,
ReplyDeleteI am so proud and happy for you for stepping out of your comfort zone to serve for WSC. I know it is really difficult to move to a completely different culture and away from your family, but I also know it is very rewarding! I remember you telling me you had always wanted to do WSC when I was applying to do a summer term for them, and I am so glad you have done just that!
I am also very grateful for every minute you spent planning all those camps for us growing up. They really helped me grow into the person I am today, and I now fully appreciate all the hard work that went into them. You have made a difference in so many people's lives, it is truly unbelievable!!
I hope Honduras is treating you well and you are learning a lot! Happy Birthday, Julie!!!!!
Ashley