Rhonda Moody

What a wonderful day dear Ellen!!
WOW!! Has it been 30 years already?? You were 30 when I was 25 and new to the suburbs of Arlington, Tx. I still remember meeting you and Bubba at the Wimbledon Country Club pool and introducing ourselves and our son Gayle. You had little Lydia in a cute bonnet to keep the sun out of her eyes as all the boys swam together.

A few days later you called to ask if I would like to bring Gayle to play with Stephen and Doug...and we could have coffee or something. I almost freaked out!! Here I was, beginning to become a regular mom with other housewives for friends. I was so nervous to actually be on my own at your home, doing Mommy things and talking with a complete stranger. Isn't that silly? It makes me feel like I was so unexposed to homemaking and homemakers... Looking back, perhaps I really was. God had a wonderful plan for me.

It took only a matter of minutes to discover that you were going to be a great, great woman friend of mine. You and I spent hours with each other... talking, laughing, cooking, eating, sharing your biblical perspective with me in such a wonderful, real-life way. I sought your wisdom for years. What a wonderful way to spend my years as a new mother and wife...

Thank you Ellen... for being my first real girlfriend as a new wife and mother. You were like the big sister I never had.

I remember all the holidays we ate in your dining room on Racquet Club Dr....with the beautiful dishes and fancy silver. You shared your home with humor and grace. We stayed, ate, giggled, talked, shared, and explored our ideas in your home as Carl and Bubba talked about politics and religion... soaking up your laughter and practicality. We shared your family and father-in-law..."Slick". Hearing about all the practical jokes your and Bubba's family was famous for. You even shared your Christmas turkey stuffing recipe with me!! I went from Pepperidge Farm packaged stuffing mix...to HOMEMADE!! Wow!

You shared your friends with me... and invited me to join Child Guidance Study Club where I met and became friends with other mothers and young wives. Your influence was such a positive one. I loved you and your family... You showed me how to be a great mother and care for my husband. You taught me how to get involved. You were a wonderful friend and mentor. I loved your practical nature and sense of humor You showed me how to love my childrens differences...because you exhibited the capacity to accept your own children's differences with such appreciation for their individuality... you made it seem effortless.

I remember finding out about your cancer scare... and how Nancy and I took you wig shopping... just in case the inevitable hair loss required a new hairdo. You went through that ordeal with such faith and grace... I was amazed at your composure and strength of character. Not surprising... because you had such an amazing relationship with God. You are such a pillar... you always have been. I am so proud of you.

Ellen... you will always be a special friend of mine. I hope you have the most wonderful day today... reading all these special love letters from your friends. I am thrilled that your kids have made this possible... telling you how we love you.

Perhaps this will also remind us that we need to get together... I would love to see you and your precious husband...our Bubba, and your grown children Stephen, Doug and Lydia and their spouses and your grandchildren. Please keep in touch and let me know when we might get together again. Believe it or not...our youngest, John is 18 and about to graduate from high school this year. He celebrates his Eagle Scout achievement next month. Perhaps we will see you then. I was planning to send you and Bill an invitation... Wow... 30 years goes by fast... hey... I mean 60 YEARS !! Better than ever, right??

Love, Love, Love you - and HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Rhonda