Tom

Because of Sally...
• My Joy Quotient has been on a steady increase for the past 12 years.
• I enjoy some of the most delicious meals on the planet (and it shows!)
• We enjoy a wonderful, warm, loving blended family all year long and great lakehouse experiences every now and then to boot.
• We have three of the cutest most entertaining grandkids ever born!
• We drive to Minnesota instead of flying.
• We have a rich, inviting home, not just a house.
• We have many friends and enjoy great times and meals with them in our home.
• We live in Chicago, the greatest city in the world.
• My taste in music has expanded.
• I know how to grill some things, make a salad, guacamole, baked potatoes, bacon & eggs, hamburger patties (ahead of time to keep frozen until needed)... and other culinary type things and was able to feed myself on my extended theatre gig instead of just eating out all the time.
• My taste buds have expanded to include an enjoyment of the spicy side of life.
• The condo always looks great, especially at Christmas.
• The world is a richer, warmer place for all who know and love her.

Becky

Because of Sally…
I have the best childhood memories of fun and family time including eating hot dogs for a summer to get a pool, power walking at malls, and watching you slow down for a moment to play Mario Bros while listening to the Whitney Houston cassette.
I have a very high hotness standard to live up to.
I have siblings that I love and appreciate every day and a large family I love spending time with. I am so lucky.
I appreciate other people’s privacy and have no interest in snooping (you never read our notes you found in the laundry!)
I am learning to take the time to be organized and find a place for everything. (A very important and difficult skill!)
I had a dad who I love and miss.
I have a best friend who loves tea, knitting, vegetarian food, wine and laughing as much as I do.
I love you Mom!

Leah

Because of Sally (my mom)...
1. I am sometimes able to set aside what I think should be done in order to do what really matters. My mom always takes time for relationships, quality time and playing.
2. I know the true meaning of selflessness. She always serves others before herself.
3. I am guaranteed to live a long life. I have healthy genes!
4. I have a great mom as an example of the kind of mom I want to be. She was always kind, generous, patient, loving and nurturing.
5. I am learning how to be hospitable. She is always welcoming people into her home to eat delicious food.
6. I feel pretty. Everyone says I look just like my mom. And she's gorgeous!
7. I have a Staton booty. But I really don't mind. Baby got back!!
8. I know what it is to be a great friend. My mom is a great listener, gives great advice and doesn't say a bad word about anyone.
9. I understand the Gospel more. Sally is forgiving, self-sacrificing, slow-to-anger, generous and loving.

Eric

Because of Sally
...my boys won't drink white milk. They ask for it to be green.
...we get perfectly made coffee when she visits
...I understand grace better - she's so loving, patient, and serving all the time.
...we have a puzzle to do every Christmas - even if we don't get to finish
...our family works - with in-laws, step siblings, etc. Sally is a great matriarch of this group. No one ever feels left out or unloved!

Cheryl

Because of Sally...
Giardinara is pronounced guardinaarra and Angelina Jolie is said with an accent.
I have always felt welcome and a part of the family.
I have an amazing and hilarious Becky.

Scott

Because of Sally...I know what real, incredible bona-fied home cooking is. I get to see my Dad happy, and I get to see my Dad make Sally happy. I see a true example of the redemptive, awesome power of the Lord. Because of Sally, my life is better than it would be because of No Sally

Richard

Because of sally i have one of the most amazing families ever. She is a great matriarch of our family, always quick with good advice, and always loving no matter what.

Kari

Because of Sally, I am a better person. I am a better woman and wife. Because of Sally, I am less afraid to share my faith, my thoughts, and my art. I am more confident. I love more freely and openly. Because of Sally, I'm more okay with my weirdness. Because of Sally, I am more okay with me.

Jodi

Because of Sally...
I celebrated 21 years of marriage this week to a wonderful, wise, Godly man, and we are serving at Cornerstone Community Church along with two dear friends who are also married to Godly men and ministering to the church, the community and the nation as they travel around the country sharing the love of Christ.
My daughter, Diana had the privilege of ministering in Isreal this year with the Women’s Concert Choir at Moody Bible Institute and is currently working with the youth at The Bridge in Des Plaines...

My daughter, Tina travelled to Trinidad Tobago this year to minister to orphans with a group from her church and is currently working with youth at The Chapel in Libertyville as she studies at Trinity International University...
All because, twenty seven years ago, Sally, a young wife and mom of three with long, wild, curly hair, took time each week to share her love of Christ and the Word of God with three (and sometimes more) single, lost, and wild women, using her unique blend of love, humor, and compassion to keep us on track and leading us to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
I am so grateful for her love and friendship and pray that God will bless her, and the world, through her, with many, many more years of faithful service.
Jodi Lebar
(I can't believe you're sixty!!!!)

Judy

Because of Sally …
… I never felt like a third wheel in my 20’s and 30’s when I wasn’t married. Sally and Dave invited me over all the time, and included me in many of their “married couples” events and I never felt out of place! I felt at home with both of them!
… I had to bring Jim to their house to get “approval” for me to date him … you see, they had to know that Jim was good enough for me!
… I had a commitment from her (and Dave) which they signed at our wedding, vowing they would always encourage us and pray for our marriage. It was our marriage commitment, and it is now framed and hanging in our home.
… my mom’s knitting needles had a home after she died.
… I belong to the elite “Fab Four” friends / dinner club. We eat, we laugh, we cry, we pray, and we laugh some more.
… I know I can count on her to be a prayer warrior on my behalf.
… I always know that I have a dear friend to go to for advice, strength, and wise counsel.
… my walk with the Lord has continued to grow, as she always leads me to the throne of God’s Grace. She is a true friend and sister in the Lord, and I am blessed to have her in my life.

Patti

BECAUSE OF SALLY....I have a true friend!
She is supportive, open, honest, helpful and trustworthy. She has encouraged me and challenged me. She has helped me set goals and reach them. Sally is genuine, she is real with her feelings, she is gracious to me even when she disagrees with me and my crazy ideas and opinions. She's a smart, talented, beautiful and wonderful person and I look to her for wise counsel when I need it. I trust her! I not only enjoy my one hour walk with her once a week - I look forward to it. She has a big heart for her family & friends, especially her children, and she loves unconditionally. Because of Sally....I have learned how to be a better friend. Happy Birthday Sally - I love you, my friend! You have blessed my life!

Ann

Because of Sally:
I have a lifelong Sister- one I have laughed with
One I have cried with-
One I have told my secrets too-
One who has blessed me by telling me her true heart-
One who I admire and want to be like-
One who is an example of love-
One who loves those she rubs shoulders with-
One who loves Jesus-
One who encourages me to love Him too-
You ask me how she’s changed my life – I am loved by her with a love that’s true-it doesn’t fade as she knows my “light and darkness” it gives me courage and power and hope to be who God has meant me to be…
We may not have flesh and blood sisterhood but we have true sisterhood given
By the Great Giver
I love you Sister-
Ann

Mike

Because of Sally, I have a treasure of memories that forever enrich my life.
There have been so many birthdays, graduations, holidays, camping trips, dinners, movies, card games that our two families have shared, that I become overwhelmed with joy and longings to go through them all over again. You have been a true sister to me Sally. Your strength and love have always been an inspiration. I thank the Lord that you and my brother had those seasons together where memories were made where babies were born becoming beautiful adults and where friendships continue to grow.
“What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth. They share it.”
― C.S. Lewis
I Love You,
Your Brother In Christ, Michael

Rachel

Because of Sally:
1. I spent many afternoons on Fulton Ave eating frozen pizza & getting 3 cookies for dessert.
2. I had the best girl-friend a little girl could have ever asked for.
3. My kids have a really awesome Aunt who they know loves them very much.
4. My mom has a sister and best friend.
5. I have been blessed over and over by Sally's love for her family & I am so grateful to be a part of it.
Love you Sal!
<3 Rachel Lee

Sarah

Because of Sally…
Well first and foremost, I grew up with an amazing Aunt. I think, well, I know I took that for granted growing up. We were so blessed to have your family in our lives, back then and now. I know that not everyone gets to have such wonderful family, so thanks for being so fabulous! :) But second, and this is probably just as important and maybe even more important: I know that I have been so blessed because of your friendship with my mom. You guys were probably my first model of what true Christian friendship looked like. More than that though, I know you were a support to my mom through so many times, and still are and will continue to be. And ultimately, that affected me and our whole family. I know now that if I don’t get support from other women that my marriage will suffer, and probably my skills as a mother will suffer too. So thank you for being such a strong support to my beautiful Momma. Happy Birthday Aunt Sally! We love you!
Love,
Brian, Sarah & Jackson

Kristy

Because of Sally:
Rooms are brighter- when she enters, her smiling, happy disposition jumps
around in her company...
I know how to be sincere in all I do...
And how to smile as I clean...
Thank you Sally for your wonderful attitude.
Love,
Kristy