Secret Sister of Dona M. - Thank-You

January 21, 2002

Thank you so much secret sister for the Birthday gift!  You are so wonderful to think of me.  The Hershey's Chocolate with Almonds looks great.  I am sure it tastes wonderful...

The candle's were so delicately scented, I loved the smell so much that I am putting one in my nightwear drawer because it will make all my night stuff smell so good.  Then I will put two in my closet and maybe you will smell them on my clothes at church.  The last one, I will put by my computer/night table so I can smell it just before bed time.  I know you probably thought I would burn it but a burnt one last so small a time and these will last at least a month this way (maybe longer).  I have a real delicate nose (allergies) so can't wear much perfume but this is perfect.  Thank you.

You must be aware of the refreshment job I took on for ITC when you bought the cookie cutters.  You don't know how many times in the past few weeks I have reached for a set (not nearly as nice as the one you gave me), only to say, no, I don't have the funds for those.  Round cookies are just as good.  But oh my heart yearned for a heart for Valentines day and a clover for St Patrick's and the little person, I can make for the Men and Women of God.  Thank you, God read my desire and told you.

And as always, you cater to my love of unique recipe books.  This time a Campbell's Recipe calendar I can keep in my purse but still have the recipe's also.  The mug and soup are great also and will be used.

You are so special!  God knows that when you give me something, it is just like He has given it to me to show just how He knows my desires and reassures me once more of His love just for me.  Thank you for your time in selecting such joyful gifts.  I pray that He blesses you many times above all that you can ask or think!!!!

Love, Dona

January 4, 2002

My secret sister is such a blessing to me.  In September, I received a card telling me that she was praying for me.  I had been having many problems in the area of "Social Anxiety" and it helped me so much to know that she was praying.  Sometimes, I was able to attend church just because I knew she would be there and would be saying a special prayer on seeing me.  Now, after 3 months of the correct medication (praise God - I have been asking my doctor for years for something to help but never had him/her to give me anything that was specifically for my acute problem), personal therapy, tape therapy, and lots of prayer, I can count on attending most functions that I want to attend.  I am no longer "froze" before events but rely on God and the teaching He has provided.  Thank you Sister, your card remained on my bath counter for many weeks (read below to understand how unusual that was) because I knew you were praying for me when I didn't have much hope myself.

My secret sister also knows what pleases me.  I have a collection of cookbooks and she has worked hard to find  2 cookbooks that I wouldn't normally have.  The cookbook she provided for Christmas was a Mexican cookbook that was compiled from real Mexican cooks!!  I so much enjoyed looking through it and hope to find something I like to cook in it (Leslie and I are currently dieting).

I also appreciate that you doesn't get me things to set around on my counters and stuff.  My real sister loves this kind of clutter but Leslie and I go for the modern look and can't stand stuff sitting on things (I am working on clearing all counters this year if I can).  I know I am more difficult to find gifts for because of this preference, but I appreciate your care in selecting presents.

Please know that you have made me very happy and I do pray for you that God will pour out His blessings more than you can know.

Valentine's Day 2002

Thank you so much for the bud vase and the wonderful Purple flower.  I couldn't get over how pretty the ceramic glass flower was.  I had never seen one like it.  I have it on my bathroom counter.  Thank you.

Easter 2002

Thank you so much for the $20.00.  I really liked receiving it because I have been praying for some money to give to God.  My sister teaches children's church and is not hearing any preaching at all.  After much prayer about what to do with the money, I am going to have Nathan prepare her a tape of Pastor Darryl's messages each week for 20 weeks.  I know that you will share in rejoicing with me as her faith in God increases as she listens to these messages.  I also know that she will pass them on to her daughter, Christie who will also increase her faith. 

Your blessing will continue to bless two families for many weeks, and I know that God sees my heart and your heart and will return the $20.00 at some other time, in full measure.  I love you and have enjoyed having your as my secret sister. 

I though about keeping on in the secret sister program after I leave but I didn't think that was fair to you not having a secret sister that was right there.  I know you will love my secret sister as much as I have.

I am returning the bud vase to you as my thank you for being so wonderful.  I am sorry, but I can not part with the Purple flower, it has come to mean too much to me.  Hopefully, you can get your own flower of the color of your choice.