November 7, 2003.

Dear Sisters,

It is hard to believe that after nine years of publishing, this is my last issue to you! As you can well imagine, I write this final cover letter with mixed emotions.

I will miss sharing my vision and passion for mothering: sharing quotes with you that have inspired me, sharing funny little things the children have said, sharing profound thoughts from years ago, sharing my daily life...But, as I type this, in the background I hear (all too well!) my children playing like they are wild animals at a zoo, reminding me that I'm a mother with an all-important job to do.

Your lovely letters and cards continue to come in. They have touched our hearts. I cannot respond to most of them, but I want you to know they are deeply appreciated. Thank you for your many orders and gifts, and your overwhelming support for our decision to stop publishing The Mother's Companion.

Many have asked if our products will still be available after the end of this year. Yes, you will still be able to order bound volumes, back issues, tapes and our drills as usual. The web site, www.motherscompanion.org will also be available for ordering, and I hope to post a yearly Christmas letter there.

The lead article for this last issue was a difficult and emotional one for me to write. After I had submitted the article to Gerald for his first edits, I found him in his office, reading over the article for the first time----tears running down his cheeks. So I guess it was hard on both of us.

Life is full of twists and turns, joys and sorrows, ups and downs. The last several days the children and I have been watching the harvesters gather up the corn and soybeans. It just seemed like yesterday the farmers were planting! Seasons. Each one so much the same year to year and yet so different. But God is faithful through it all.

Blessings,

Helen E. Aardsma