Often times we wonder this exact question and tell ourselves that yes, Frederick Place does make a difference. This letter recently came addressed to Becca, Frederick Place House Manager that puts into words what we believe to be true, we do make a difference.

Diane Pilat from Best Embroderies was a major sponsor in when we hosted the Greeen Bay Packer Tailgate tour. She provided all of the t-shirts for the event. Earlier this month she surprised me with this gift for NATH - Frederick Place. She took her tickets and autographed t-shirt to Diane's Frame Shoppe and had them framed. This print has been hanging in her shop since the event. Now that she is retiring and has sold the shop, she gifted it back to us to display and remember her partnership.

I did not work my normal schedule for most of June, so I found myself suffering a case of writer’s block. It is hard to share events I was not a part of with all of you, so I gave up and decided to share the reason why June flew by so fast.  No, not because I took an extended vacation in Jersey with Bruce. As wonderful as hanging with the Boss would have been, it still would not equal the profound amazement and joy I felt when Bruce’s youngest fan arrived. Jameson Scott Detienne was born on June 8th. He weighed in at 8 pounds and was 19 inches long. Healthy and perfect.

                                                                

I was blessed to be by my daughter Anna’s side through it all and had the honor of cutting his umbilical cord. Anna could not have asked for a better birth experience. Me either! Epidural worked quite well, and she felt very few contractions which spared my hand. After 30 minutes of pushing, Jameson escaped the womb with the aid of vacuum extraction, and seconds later the little conehead was laying on his mom’s chest. I would be remiss if I did not give a shout out to Dr. Pollnow and the wonderful nurses! I wish I could remember all their names, because they truly made an impact on this labor experience.

As an amateur writer I often struggle to find words to express the depth of my gratitude. I find it futile to attempt to translate the language of the heart when on the receiving end of self-less and loving acts. I can only hope the language of my heart will be understood by their hearts.                                                   

While I am on the subject of gratitude, I would like to express my thanks to all of you and the community for your continued support and donations during the pandemic. When Walmart’s shelves were bare, we had overflowing shelves of disinfectant wipes and sprays, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and household cleaning products. When we ran out of room in “Emma’s Lair” aka the basement, we packed items in boxes and put those boxes in the garage. As the saying goes; Too much is better than not enough. Thank you for your part in creating our storage conundrum. We could not do what we do without all of you!