[ 164/365 ] ..... Sandy J.

My very first BFF. We spent many a summer day together riding bikes, running through the sprinkler, going to the pool, playing Barbies and cutting their hair. Through the years we’ve lived in different states, but will always be BFFs.

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[ 163/365 ] ..... Katie C.

Freshman year 1988, Forest Quad, 12th floor. Walking by the student building as the clock tower struck midnight, we realized we were free to do whatever we wanted. We never looked back, and became the best of friends. Love her.

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[ 162/365 ] ..... Rita C.

Europe circa 1991. The Heug. Cheating in Govt class. Riding bikes in the rain with umbrellas to get groceries. Stroop waffles with Nutella. Paris, London, Belgium, and more. Carnival. Hospitals? Pinochle. CNN. MTV. Bahamas, cruises, sunburn. Thanks for the memories!
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[ 161/365 ] ..... Carol L.

Ever patient, and ready with a smile when we come for an appointment. She’s the wife of our chiropractor and the one who keeps the place running smoothly. One of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, and we love her.

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[ 160/365 ] ..... Dad

Stranded in a boat in a rainstorm. The motor wouldn’t start. My sister and I freaked. My dad had tarps. He remained calm. Hugged us. Fixed the motor. We made it home safely. This defines my dad. I miss him.
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[ 159/365 ] ..... Charlotte J.

Yet another sister of my childhood BFF. Char was practically a big sister of mine. Summers at the Roselle pool. Ding dong ditch. Ghost in the graveyard. My most vivid memory was catching her & Johnny kissing in the garage.
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[ 158/365 ] ..... Matt B.

My cousin, and a complete nut when we were kids. I remember his red hair and freckled face as always smiling … and probably conniving some practical joke. Next up the Army, and then marriage and kids of his own.
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[ 157/365 ] ..... George M.

He said the program was for life. That he would be hounding us well after our babies were born. But he disappeared before any of us were pregnant. He was in it for the publicity. My back never forgave him.
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[ 156/365 ] ..... Peggy J.

Another sister of my childhood BFF. She must have been really irritated by us when we were little kids. But I’ll never forget when she whooped Billy Matthew’s butt. I loved her little bedroom at the end of the hallway.
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[ 155/365 ] ..... Mr. H

Izzy, a man of few words. And the father of one of my BFFs. A tough exterior but a softy through and through. Loves being a granddad. Baby whisperer, he can calm down a crying baby any time any where.
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[ 154/365 ] ..... Dr. Rosen

Forty, fat, female and white equals gall stones. At least according to Aunt Tede (#152)… but according to Dr. Rosen it was all because of Sean and being pregnant. Bye bye gall bladder. The good doctor got rid of you.
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[ 153/365 ] ..... Rick W.

Chairman of Learning Resources, and lover of all things educational. Defender of all small businesses under attack by a senseless law called the CPSIA. His unconditional support of my leaving LR to focus on family building will never be forgotten.
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[ 152/365 ] ..... Aunt Tede

One of my many aunts. I’ve learned a lot from all the strong women in my family. Her given name is Diane, but we all call her Tede. I’ve never known why. Retired nurse, straight-A student, and lover of dogs.
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[ 151/365 ] ..... Kim R.

My personal trainer. She regularly beats me up, and I pay her to do it. Am I crazy or what? Honestly, she’s the right balance of encouragement and drive. If it wasn’t so expensive I’d work with her every day.
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[ 150/365 ] ..... Brett A.

An IUSA-er from college days. He was very handsome, nice, and funny. And he worked at Grisanti’s so we ate there often to get free breadsticks. He joined me for a yacht business dinner one time. That was a blast!
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[ 149/365 ] ..... Emily F.

Living right next door, she is our go-to babysitter. I’ve enjoyed watching her grow up to become a beautiful young lady. Super smart, athletic, and kind. She just got her driver’s license and think she’s loving the freedom it gives.
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[ 148/365 ] ..... Teagan

I remember holding her in my arms when she was a teeny-tiny baby. And now she’s going into first grade! Time flies. A great big sister, Star Wars fanatic, and expert lego builder. She loves pink. My kind of girl.
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[ 147/365 ] ..... Roberta, ultrasound tech

The newest ultrasound technician at FCI. She’s genuine, friendly, caring and relaxed. The mom of my last ultrasound tech, it’s all in the family. I look forward to the day (hopefully) when she’s the first to see baby #2’s heartbeat.
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[ 146/365 ] ..... Mr. Nowak

The father of one of my good friends. A quiet man, he always seemed secretly amused by our post-college antics. Hard working, faith-filled, one of the best fathers I’ve met. He passed away too young, but playing ball with Jesus.
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[ 145/365 ] ..... Sally

My cousin’s girlfriend for like one hundred years. If common law marriage existed in Illinois, they’d be married. Just a tad crazy, but a good heart. She loves to graze at parties so we know leftovers won’t be a problem.
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[ 144/365 ] ..... Great Uncle Frank

My maternal grandma’s brother. He was a prisoner of war during World War II and wrote a book about his experiences called Surviving the Day. Like my grandma, he was genuine and kind yet I’m sure hardened through life’s trials.
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Happy Independence Day

I { heart } the USA.

Wishing you a safe, fun and sparkly 4th of July.

[ 143/365 ] ..... Sabrina S.

My program chair and supervisor at AIU Online. She is smart and a rebel which sometimes doesn’t make the best combination. I’ve found a way to win her over and now she supports and defends me to the nth degree.
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[ 142/365 ] ..... Linda C.

Another dear friend who shares my faith. Her kind words can brighten my day, and I know her prayers are worth their weight in gold. True, kind, generous, loving and gives the best hugs. Love her for so many reasons.
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[ 141/365 ] ..... Brad G.

Flashback to college, and 10th street in Bloomington. Brad’s smile could brighten anyone’s day. Parties, football games, Final Four, euchre. A genuine guy, caring, crazy at times (lots of time) and would make you laugh all night long. Fun times.
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[ 140/365 ] ..... Sister Rosemary

My first grade teacher, and everything your first grade teacher should be. Sweet, nice, gentle. I remember one day she took off her habit so we could see her long hair. Never forgot it. I wonder where she is today.
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