Debra Rice Hill

Dedicated to my daughters, Laura and Debra Rice, who have been the joys of my life. Honoring them for the loving, caring, courageous, enthusiastic, giving young adults they have become. They are hard-working and energetic as they each pursue their own dreams and goals, facing the challenges and demands of the ‘90’s in the helping professions.

Debra was always a caring and giving kind of child who was loved by everyone. She always wanted to please me, so she let me enroll her in the summer Little League program when they were just beginning to allow girls to play on the same team with boys. I had always played team sports in the small town in Iowa where I grew up, so I wanted her to have that same kind of experience. She was not very excited about it but I was glad she got to have that opportunity. In high school, Debra followed in her sister's footsteps in drama and also joined the tennis team as a senior. She was in many honors classes and worked very hard to get top grades.

Debra attended the University of Wisconsin- Madison, receiving a degree in occupational therapy. In 1996, Debra married Jim Hill. I am appreciative of the work they put into their relationship and the gratitude they have for one another. In 1999, Debra went back to school to become a massage therapist and has developed a successful practice. She leads a happy productive life. She is generous with her time, doing volunteer work and giving to other women in her community. I am very proud of my youngest daughter.

Submitted on 8/6/95; updated 4/11/06

My two daughters, Laura Heath and Debra Hill, share a unique and heartwarming story that demonstrates a supreme act of sisterly love.

Laura has two wonderful children, Madeleine (2005) and Atticus (2007). After going through a rough patch in her marriage, she finally separated from her husband. She continued to raise her children and met a wonderful man who she has dated for several years. His children are almost grown.

Debra has struggled with infertility for all of her adult life. After 2 failed IVFs, she and her husband decided to try to adopt from China and waited in line for 6 years. In the fall of 2012, they decided to give up their quest to adopt and had accepted the fact that they would not be able to have a family.

In April of 2013 soon after Debra’s 43^rd birthday, Laura called Debra with the news that she was expecting a baby. Debra was thrilled, Laura though went on to say that she was really hoping that Debra and her husband Jim would adopt the baby. Of course, Jim and Debra were beyond the moon with happiness at the prospect and readily agreed. Laura had a healthy pregnancy and at the age of 45, gave birth at home in San Francisco to a beautiful baby girl who they named Pema Harper Hill.  She is such a source of joy for all of us.

3/21/2014