Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. The food is definitely nice, but there's just something about having your heart posture focused on gratefulness that feels like chicken (or turkey) soup for the soul. I have always had a lot to be thankful for, and my family has always been at the top of my list.
Our family has shared a lot of amazing times together. We've also been through some tough stuff, and for the most part it's true that we come out the other side stronger. Because we love each other so much we have been each other's biggest fans, but because we know each other so well, at times we have also been each other's critics. We've all hurt each other with words or actions at one time or another, and yet we forgive, and our focus is on what draws us together– not the things that could push us apart.
Happy Thanksgiving to my family~ I love you with all my heart! My teams have always known the love that I have for each of you. I've talked about you all, and at different times we've prayed for every one of you throughout these months. You are each special to me in countless ways, and without each of you I wouldn't be who I am today. I'd like to ask for your forgiveness for the times that I have hurt you. I'm sorry for any wounds that I've caused by things I've said or done in the past. If there is anything you want to talk about with me I hope you'll have the courage to, as well as the trust in me to do so, because my heart is always for you and for our relationships.
Again, thank you for the impact and place you have in my life and my heart. This Thanksgiving I am remembering and saying thanks for each one of you for the special person that you are.
Mom and Dad
Throughout my life I have felt incredibly supported, loved, encouraged, protected, nurtured, and guided. You cared about my hopes and dreams~ like wanting a horse that I could see running around in the pasture from my bedroom window, even though that included all that went along with owning and showing horses in the years to come. When I was excited to meet Amy Grant many years ago, you were just as excited for me to have the opportunity, and you got so much joy from being a part of it because you knew how much it meant to me. Any dream or goal I ever had, you encouraged me to reach for, and did whatever you could to help me and support me in the process. In high school you'd travel near or far to cheer me on in all my athletic endeavors. Even when you'd need to drive hours, you did, and there are very few times I don't recall having you there. As an adult, I still feel your love and support just as strongly, and it's an amazing feeling to know that you care about every aspect of my life. During the World Race, I have been so blessed by your consistent and loving communication. You have cared not only about me, but also those I have journeyed beside, and I know you'll meet some of my teammates and squadmates in months and years to come.
Dad, I wrote this to you last year on Father's Day, and I want to share it again.
My Dad… a wonderful provider, teacher, and example of how to live life with integrity. He always worked hard and taught us to try our best with everything, along with so many other valuable lessons. He's strong, yet kind-hearted. I always knew I was loved, and that he and my Mom would be my biggest fans, whether in academics, sports, or life. They never missed a cross country meet, basketball game, tennis match, choir concert, or award's banquet. My Dad can do anything and has worn many hats– including that of a Marine, electrician, private pilot, Captain of the Diplomat II during our 3 years around the country, husband, and now house-builder… but my favorite is his Dad hat. Thank you for raising me in a Christian home, Dad, and for your unconditional love.
I have so many memories from childhood of you that still make me smile, like when you'd sing snippets of songs or phrases around the house. Sometimes it would be church hymns ("This is my story, this is my song, praising my Saviour all the day long…") to "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!" I find myself doing stuff like that now, and it makes me happy because I think of you every time. When we were kids we loved to eat out at Pizza Hut, so I remember times we'd be driving and we'd say, "Dad, Dad! Can we please stop for pizza?" You'd say no, no and act like you were going to keep driving straight past it… but then right at the last second you'd turn in. 🙂 In parking lots full of snow in the winter you would do donuts with the car to our delight, and when we'd go swimming I couldn't believe how long you could hold your breath under water. I'd hold the flashlight for you when you'd work on a car, or fix a pipe under the sink, and I liked hanging out to watch you work on projects in your shop. Even though you worked full-time, you would make time to go on adventures with us, whether it was spelunking, hiking, sledding, or exploring in a 4-wheel drive. You'd also sit down to talk or discuss important things, or show me how to do my taxes. To say the least, I've been very blessed to have you as a Dad. When I got married I chose the song "Wind Beneath My Wings" for the Father/daughter dance, and one of the lines is, "did you ever know that you're my hero?" I love you and can't wait to hug you in a week and a half!
Mom, you are sunshine and life and beauty and fun. I love that you get so much joy out of the little things, and find so many things delightful. You've always had the gift of patience and teaching, and I've learned so much from you. Your talents are endless, and whatever you do always turns out amazing. You are probably the most reliable person I have ever known, and once you say you'll do something it's as good as done. If I ever needed help with anything you wouldn't hesitate, and that's still true to today.
One of my memories of you from growing up is you reading to us each night when we'd find a book we really liked. "A Walk Across America" was one I remember, and also the C.S. Lewis "Narnia" books. I used to get lost in the stories, and loved it that you wanted to spend that time with us. You always encouraged us kids to read, and I'm so thankful for all the books we enjoyed because of it.
Mom, I never doubt that you are for me. It makes it fun to share things with you, and I love your positive, sweet spirit. Thank you for being a person who enjoys traditional things, while also being able to appreciate new things. Thank you for the ways you love Dad. Thank you for being fun to travel with and spend quality time together. You have such a tender, kind, and giving heart. I love you so much, Mom.
Jennie
From the time I was a little girl you knew how to make me feel special. Not just special as a person, but special to you. I'll never forget how you braided my hair all the time, you'd tell me how beautiful my eyes were, you took me with on a date to the mall, and you came up with our silly game of “Bubba/Jeana” that was just for us.
As I grew older, you always asked questions about what was going on in my life, and showed excitement for what I was experiencing. You saw the good in me and pointed it out, like telling me I was a good listener the summer you came to spend with us in Bend. From my perspective I was just so happy to get to spend that much time with you, that listening was just a wonderful bonus of getting to share time with my big sister. That you wanted to share things with me meant just as much to me as it meant to you that I was listening. I remember when you introduced me to Chinese food by taking me to Chans in Bend. I was so picky back then but you had grace for me! Grace… that is something you've always given me, and always encouraged me to have for myself, even when I don't deserve it.
When we were traveling around the States in the motor home and we'd call to say we were coming to see you it was always so fun to hear your excitement, and to have the anticipation of how excited you'd be to see us when we pulled up and knocked on your door. Every time I knew I would feel like one of the most important people in the world when we'd get to be with Jennie. When Aaron was born you loved for us to spend time with him and you trusted even little me with holding him and babysitting.
Opening night of "Gypsy" at the community theatre in Bend included me receiving a bouquet of flowers with a note that said, "break a leg"… from my sister, Jennie. I felt so special and excited when that bouquet was delivered, just like all the other times you've blessed me with flowers, notes, cards, and special things that you know I'd love.
When I flew home after getting to meet Amy Grant I remember walking in the door and I'll never forget the way you looked at me. Just pure love and sweetness for how happy you were for me. I was ready to laugh about how silly I felt for being so excited, but when I saw the look on your face I was taken aback by your heart beating for what my heart beats for.
Thank you that as an adult you have been a friend, a counselor, and mentor in addition to being my fun-loving sister. Sharing our faith together and examining what God's ideas are verses just our own is invaluable to me. I'll never forget some of the best advise you ever gave me when you said that God wouldn't punish me for choosing to make certain decisions, but by choosing to follow His commands that I would be able to receive His absolute best and greatest blessings for my life. I've been able to see that even more clearly on The World Race, and it's beautiful. I love you, Jennie.
Joy
You are such a special person in my life. We have had some really fun times together, and I know that whenever I get to spend time with you that I'm going to laugh a lot. When I see you next we need to watch the clip from when we went to the taping of "The Price is Right!" That was such a fun thing to do with you!
One of my favorite and most useful things I brought on The World Race is my little blue backpack that you bought for me. You had credit at the college bookstore when Mom and Dad and I visited, and you wanted to let me pick something out. I have used this little backpack for many years on layovers for work, and it's been incredibly helpful to have this year on the Race. I think of you all the time when I use it, and it makes me think of that fun trip to see you in Cali. I loved seeing you as an actress in the play… you shined! I loved seeing your talent in action. A couple other special memories I have from that trip is when we all went to get manicures (Mom's first!), and when we stayed at the Hilton you and I went over to the Marriott next door where they had a nicer pool. 🙂 You have a lighthearted fun and freedom about you, Joy, and it's contagious.
When you lived in Bend I remember driving places with you and listening to music… we'd belt out the “na na na na na's” to “She's Got the Look” by Roxette, and still to this day when I hear a Stevie Nicks' song I think of you.
Being the youngest of five kids, I always felt looked after and special. You always treated me with kindness, and I felt a gentle care from you as your littlest sister. It wasn't that you didn't see me as capable because of my age, but I always felt a genuine tenderness from you. I still do, and I am so glad you are my big sister, Joy. I look forward to more memories and fun times together, laughing and sharing with each other. I love you so much!
Jane
There are very few fun recreational things in my life that I haven't either done with you, or you were the one that showed me how to do it! You let me drive your car on a country road to learn how to drive a stick shift, and I just remember you smiling and encouraging me the whole time, even when I was lurching forward from a stop. No matter what the adventure was, whether with your friends or just you, I was often invited. You never treated me like an embarrassing little sister, quite the opposite– I felt you were always proud to be with me and I felt special and important to you.
The summer before my Freshman year in high school was the first time I picked up a tennis racket, and it's because you took me to the courts at Bend High to try it out. I remember Mr. Nielson was there that day, and he said something to us about me trying out for the team. That was the beginning of tennis being a very special part of my life! You also took me rock climbing, canoeing, fly fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Later on in life the list would include mountain biking, riding dirt bikes, and kayaking! With everything, you were my biggest fan and I knew that you would tell me I was doing well. Something I knew I could expect from you was patience, and also encouragement. You made me feel like I was exceptionally good at everything, and you were always generous with not only compliments, but also your time and money in order to spend time with me doing all these things. Jane, it was because of your belief in me that I didn't doubt that I could do things! Jace and Beck are so blessed to have you as their Mom, because I've never known anyone like you. SO many times in my life I have thought how thankful I am to have you not only as my sister, but also my friend who I get to go do really fun stuff with!
I remember thinking how cool you were to go on your trip around Europe. You were the most adventurous person I knew, and so with all the adventures I've had throughout the years, just remember that you were the first to inspire me!
Going to your basketball games was a highlight of my childhood. I loved watching you from that very first game for Platte Valley(?) when you thought you weren't good at all, to your college games at Linfield. You were always amazing to me, and I remember having a ton of pride for you at every game. At Bend High I really wanted to be able to wear #34 like you did. I remember you got the most rebounds for at least one season, or was it a couple, and Coach Schuknect talked at the Award's Banquet about how selfless it is to fight for rebounds because it's not something you get glory for. Selfless is another good word to describe you, Jane. You are always putting others before yourself, whether in big or small ways. Love you so much, sister.
Eddie
You are one of my favorite people in the world, and there are so many memories I have with you that are so special to me. When we were young it was really fun to share so many things in common– from training and riding horses and working at the horse farm, and being gopher trappers together at the tree farm (thanks for always being the one to wack them over the head when they weren't quite dead), and I always admired how kind and caring you were with Terrie and the horses. I really looked up to you because whatever you did, you did well, and I wanted to follow your example.
Whenever I mention to people these days that I did pony carting when I was a kid I always get a few laughs, but the truth is, it was pretty fun. The year I made it to the State Fair, though, I remember feeling very out of my league. I did not feel like I knew what I was doing, and I remember how you helped me to keep my calm while helping me get Two Bits ready. It was really special that you were in the arena with me because I remember how happy and proud you were when we won the first place medallion.
You know that everyone hailed you as a hero at the Bend High/Mountain View basketball game when you scored the winning shot at the buzzer. What I'm not sure you know is what I was feeling when that happened. As your only little sister, I have been proud of you many times in life. To see the stands clear in a matter of seconds and everyone cheer for my brother who just made the winning shot was overwhelming to me, and while I was cheering I was also crying. That shot and the story of it are special to me not just because it's an awesome story, but because I remember feeling so proud and happy that night.
A special memory from when we were teenagers is when we all went repelling at Smith Rock and one by one we all took a few minutes to lower ourselves backwards over the edge. But I took more than a few minutes because the unknown, and the height, was scary. I remember you just kept validating and reassuring me, saying, “it's okay, just take your time, it's scary but just take a few steps when you're ready” until I finally got up the courage to go further down.
People have always noticed what an amazing smile you have, and how it lights up a room. Yes, I was a little jealous that you were born with perfect teeth– but since you were, it's only fair that you have made good use of them. 😉 You truly do have a special charm and charisma that is not only fun to be around, but you are an atmosphere-changer! Hearing your laugh or seeing your smile is something I miss when I'm not around you, whether it's from a few states away, or half a world away. I love you so much, Eddie.
Thank you to my brothers-in-law, Jay and John, for being such amazing husbands to my sisters, and such amazing brothers and friends to me. To my incredible nieces and nephews, Aaron & Kim, Bethany & Chris, Mandy, Travis & Aryana, and Jace & Beck– my heart is so full of love for you all! To sweet little Amity, who was born when I was in El Salvador this year, I cannot wait to meet you, little one! Guinevere, thank you for being a part of our family and for the love and fun you bring to my brother's life… I can't wait to see you in a couple weeks! Ginnie, I love you so much, and thank you for all the love you give to me! To the Poppengers and Adamsons, thank you for taking such loving, sweet care of Shelby. To all my Aunts, Unlcles, cousins, and amazing friends, I miss you and I am so thankful for you in my life!
Blessings, love, and hugs to you all……..
Jo Linda
