Thank You

 Originally Written November 2014     

(Note:  I wrote these for an assignment from my Creative Writers’ Group in November of 2014.)  Since we had a time limit, I could only write to the first few people in my address book!  My intention was to complete writing Thank You notes when I had time.  As you can see, I haven’t found that time….. yet.)

 

THANK YOU….. Don and Marlene Audette – for being the best neighbors for over 30 years!  I remember all the coffee parties, garage sales, showers, birthday celebrations and especially our Christmas Cookie Exchange parties!  You, Marlene, are the best baker – especially your mint chocolate brownies.  To this day, I always think of you whenever I see – or eat -  a brownie.

 

THANK YOU….. Larry and Maggie Breimhurst – for being lifelong friends!  Larry – you’ve been friends with Norm since you both were in kindergarten and you made the best best man at our wedding.  Maggie – we both worked at 3M while Larry and Norm were courting us.  And, after our weddings and the babies kept coming (5 for you and 4 for me), we learned so much from each other; such as parenting skills, how to cope with a teenager, and how to cook a turkey and now we are having fun talking about our wonderful grandkids.  Where did the time go?

 

THANK YOU….. Judy Margl – for being my mentor at 3M and for the best reason of all – for introducing me to Norm.  I know, I know, you were dating him at the same time you were dating your now husband, Jim, and you gave up Norm because you thought he was perfect for me.  And, you were right! 

 

THANK YOU…. Theresa Laukkonen – for being my mentor at Medtronic.  You took me under your wing.  It was YOU who encouraged me to attend Anoka-Ramsey Community College and get my two-year degree in Marketing and also become a Certified Professional Secretary.  It took us nine years – but we both finally graduated from Metro State – YOU with a degree in Accounting and ME with a BA in Communications.  Now since we are both retired, I enjoy our twice-a-year lunches so we can catch up.

 

THANK YOU… Phyllis Amundson Westberg – for being my best friend.  We’ve known each other since you were four and I was five.  We’ve had so many “firsts” – such as experiencing our first day at school, first school bus rides, first dates, and first broken hearts.  We’ve been friends and there for each other through the loss of our parents and your husband.  Our lives took different paths as adults; but, we have the unique talent of “picking up where we left off” whenever we are able to get together.  You will always be my best friend.

 

THANK  YOU…. Roseanne Schoenherr – for all the love and support we have given each other – especially while raising our babies and toddlers.  Every Tuesday, after putting our kids down for their naps, we’d get all of our ironing set up and talk on the phone for hours.  Good thing all our kids were great sleepers, huh?  We’d talk about the soap operas we watch.  I particularly remember the day we (and the rest of the world) found out who the stalker was on The Edge of Night.  We were so surprised that it was a woman – remember?  I also remember calling each other after we saw the first episode of Sesame Street with our toddlers.  How we just couldn’t get over the fact that a black couple was featured.  What a sheltered life we led!  We helped each other through the thick and thin of parenting and I thank you for that!

 

THANK YOU…. Tommy and Mary Jo Rogalski – for welcoming me into the League!  When Norm and I were dating, you were the first couple of Norm’s group of friends that he’s known since childhood to have us over to your home.  I remember learning how to play Yahtzee and 500.  Even though Norm never let me play 500 in public after that, it was still a memorable evening.  Tommy – I thank you for coming to my rescue and teaching me the basics of Accounting so I could pass my CPS certification.  You were so patient and I’m still proud now that I can read and understand a balance sheet!  Mary Jo – how I quote “hated” you because you were so good at everything!  Remember when we took a lingerie sewing class?  You were at the top of the class in sewing panties…. While I was caught throwing my sewing machine against the wall because I couldn’t get the crotch straight.  I’m sure the dent in the paneling is still there.

 

THANK YOU…. Carole Christensen Casey – for our life-long friendship since first grade.  We, along with Kathy and Diane, are the ones who have planned every class reunion and we sure have had fun getting together four times a year to celebrate each of our birthdays and to catch up with news about our classmates.  And, it’s been YOU, Carole, who has been instrumental in getting us together each time.  We’ve been through a lot together and I treasure our friendship.

 

THANK YOU…. To my wonderful husband, Norm – for putting up with me for almost 50 years.  And, for being a great father to our four children and the “best grandpa ever” to our three little guys.  You have always encouraged me to find my dreams and pursue them – from going back to college and finally graduating one week shy of my 50^th birthday to helping me find the confidence to write my memories and stories.  You are my biggest fan, my best friend, and the love of my life.

 

THANK YOU…. Lyle and Carol Bradley – for several reasons.  Carol – for telling me about the monthly Writing Group that meets at church and for your wonderful, welcoming smile and great conversations.  You remember that my favorite color is red and you always ask about my family and what is going on with my life.  And Lyle – well, just for being Lyle.  You introduced me to this most wonderful Creative Writing Group.  I’m challenged every week to delve into areas of my life that I may not want to address – but find that I’m all the better for writing about them.  I’ve made new friendships here and laugh and laugh all the way home after our meetings.  You all bring such joy to my life and I have Lyle to thank for introducing me to all of you.