LOVE NOTES

When Natalie Reilly started writing thank-you notes to first responders with her mother, Hope, she never imagined how many hearts they would lift– or how her own life would be transformed forever!

- BY MAGGIE DILLARD

“Come on, Mom!” Natalie Reilly called as she swung open her mother’s door on Valentine’s Day. “Get dressed… we’re going out!”

As the primary caregiver for her mother, Hope, who was battling cancer, Natalie stayed inside most days. Her lack of social interaction and anxiety over her mom’s health had been dragging her down a sad and frustrating path. But today, Natalie was determined to make a change.

“I have to find a way for us to do more with this life,” Natalie resolved, helping her mother get dressed as they headed out into the fresh air. But what can we do?

Suddenly, an idea sprang to mind: Hope had always admired first responders.

“Why don’t we write thank-you notes and drive around, handing them out when we see a police officer or firefighter on duty?” Natalie suggested.

As they drove home, laughing for the first time in ages, a feeling began to bloom in the women’s hearts. Suddenly, the pain they’d experienced since Hope’s diagnosis was replaced by newfound joy… and purpose.

BEAUTIFUL HOPE RESTORED