One of the hardest things this past year has been the lack of being with friends and family. Fear was mass communicated to keep us "safe" and locked down. People have not fared real well with this strongarmed message. Some have cut off all connections, watch news nonstop and review the numbers every day. I feel I lost them. Others will not get together even outdoors, distanced.
I am grateful I have this blog to communicate with dear people that I have not met or met briefly and they are willing to keep in touch. I have sent many cards, got my guild on Zoom, and read and respond to emails everyday, just grateful for those people I know.
I have had a huge number of request for comfort quilts, especially for cancer patients- some unknown to me and some close friends and relatives, in the past three months especially. I feel I can do so little for them but a comfort quilt care package. Not sure for the spike- I think it is the stress induced by the times.
For non-cancer requests, I put in a book called "The Scars that Shaped Me" by Vaneetha Risner. Vaneetha is a gifted writer that has endured much suffering and writes encouraging words. Her new book, "Walking through Fire" has just been released. We have communicated for some years through email, and she has become a friend. She asked me to make a small quilt that she could use in her speaking engagements to illustrate a story she tells. It had to be compact to travel easily and not heavy because she has little arm strength. She needed it quick and I came up with this design, pieced, quilted and shipped it this week. I hope she likes it and it works in her presentation. It is 18" square. I put triangle facings in the back corners so she could hold it easily, and a rod to hold it straight to hang.
I feel so privileged to be a quilter and be able to provide some concrete comfort to those who need it. Quilting is not a hobby.
Today, I heard from Debbie of Stitchin Therapy and she has just received a horrible diagnosis and could use your prayers.
12 comments:
What a wonderful little quilt, Linda!! Sorry to hear that your friend is unwell. Wishing her hope and healing!
Many hearts across quilting blogland are heavy tonight after reading Debbie's letter. She is a special friend to so many of us. We will be praying for her and her husband. Lovely little quilt for your friend.
I love your Blog, you do so much for everyone especially our Guild. Keep up the good work.
What a wonderful gift to give to Vaneetha.
I, too, got Debbie's letter. She is in my prayers and much on my heart. She is such a kind and loving person, that I hate to know that she is in pain.
One of our family mottos is: Scars are proof you were stronger that whatever tried to hurt you.
Great little quilt for the author/friend. Since I still go to work every day (home health aide) I'm one of the lucky ones who still gets to see people everyday. I did get my first shot last week. One friend is waiting eagerly for my 2nd shot so that we can get together again (she has only been need a few of her family during all this time, she even walks outside with a mask on). I got Debbie's email. I'm praying. She is such a nice lady.
Your little quilt is a wonderful gift for Vaneetha - she is sure to love it. I'm so sorry to hear about Debbie - ;))
How lovely that the two of you have made such a connection. I'm sure she will treasure the quilt!
Truly a blog from the heart Linda, thank you for sharing your words with us. Your comfort quilt will truly be of comfort I know.
I had a email exchange with Debbie last week and at that time she was hoping to come home from ER and told me the diagnosis so far at that point,. thank you for giving the details of the Caring Bridge for Debbie, Whilst lots of us are friends, albeit virtual friends thanks to technology, this doesn’t diminish the the caring we feel even though we are not physically able to comfort. Thank you dear Linda.
Linda...this is a lovely post of generosity. Of kindness and blogging gifts. Thank you and thank you for your friendship during this tough time. xoxo
That's such a cute and classic comfort quilt. Prayers and continued prayers for Debbie. I used to make little doll quilts and send them to her years ago when her husband would make doll beds and she would make sure each of them had a quilt. I have followed ever since, but for some reason when I commented on her blog it would reject my comments. I can't imagine what she is going through right now.
Such a beautiful quilt. I am glad that you could connect with this talented writer and provide her with this lovely quilt. The backing fabric is just beautiful.
It has been a difficult year for all of us. I am particularly saddened for those who lost loved ones to Covid and could not be with them in their last moments. That has to be the most heartbreaking of all - to not be able to say goodbye. Paul and I have continued to meet one friend each, one at a time, thus minimizing our risks, without eliminating all social interactions.
We follow the guidelines, not just to keep ourselves safe but to keep each other safe.
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