Quilt #39 Shelly Gale

Shelly and her beloved dog Lana.  Jodi shared with me that Lana refuses to leave Shelly's
side since she started to feel ill. These loving companions have a sixth sense.

Quilt #39 was presented to Shelly Gale. Shelly is the sister of one of my ohana here, Jodi Peterson.

In March, Jodi got word that Shelly had been diagnosed with Stage 4B cancer. Jodi was able to fly to Washington to spend some time with her sister.

Shelly is amazing. I follow a FB group called the Shelly Gale Fan Club. So far she has completed 4 rounds of chemo and will have additional surgery.  What strikes me in all the photos is her incredible smile. She radiates strength and hope.

I hope she will forgive me for posting one of my favorite photos from the FB page See photo below. The caption reads "Waiting for the Relay of Life to Start."

Superhero

Quilt back

This got me thinking how we are all waiting for the Relay of Life.  I had two friends pass this week and it reminds us all to use our talents to make a difference.  We do not know the Lord's timing.  I have felt inspired to ask the Lord with more purpose how he would have me serve.

I know Shelly is serving and inspiring others in the midst of her trial.  I wish her well and want her to let her know that there is "love in the stitches," and there are so many praying for her and her comfort.

I love the fabrics in this quilt.  The vintage fabric reminds me of a quilt
we had when I was growing up

Quilt #38 Megan and Simon Walker donated by Kelly Jones and Stacey Tate

Photo credit Hannah Fine

A few weeks ago I got a message from Cassie Fryhoff, a relative  of mine by marriage.  She asked me to make a quilt for her friend Megan and her baby Simon.

It is interesting to note that I had a quilt top given to me by my dear friend Kelly Jones back in November. At the time I had no one on my project list that would be right for this quilt so I set it aside.

When I got Cassie's request, I knew this was meant for Simon.  The word "hope" is placed prominently throughout the blocks. I quickly quilted and bound the quilt and sent it to Cassie.  She presented it to the Walker family last Sunday.







Here are Cassie's words:

 After almost three weeks of bedrest in the hospital, Simon Walker was born a 1 pound 13 ounces and 26 weeks gestation.  Since his birth, he has endured more in his short life here on earth than anyone I've ever known.

Being in the NICU since December, feeding tubes, chronic lung disease, oxygen support changes, receiving a trach, x-ray after exary, antibiotics and more antibiotics, heart problems, undeveloped lungs and more.

Simon is a fighter! He is an incredible spirit with two fighters for parents and two older siblings that love him so much.

On a most recent update, Megan (his mother) posted on Facebook, "all of his doctors are coming together for a conference to discuss options for further care for Simon. Our reality right now is that his lungs are getting worse, not better, which was our biggest fear. Please pray for us, for clarity to know God's will for Simon and for comfort, love and peace.

I add my prayers for the beautiful family. Along with my gratitude for the knowledge that families are forever.

Love in the stitches....

#37 Na Lima Aloha donated by Shalair Jones

 Quilt # 37 was donated to Na Lima Aloha by Shalair Jones with quilting by Stacey Tate.

This reminds me of Peter Pan

When I was in Salt Lake City a month or so ago, my dear friend Shalair told me she had been working on a couple quilts for The Duncan Project.  A few days later she delivered two beautiful strip quilts.

I have been praying to know where they are supposed to go. One day while at a quilting bee, I got the impression that one of them was to go to Na Lima Aloha.  This is the second one to be donated to that organization. The second quilt will be given to an individual in the next few weeks.

There is something really unique about sending something beautiful out to the universe, not knowing who the recipient will be but trusting that Heavenly Father will help this quilt find its way to a little one who is in need of comfort.

I got to do a little free motion quilting on this one as well.  I love that my hands are added to Shalair's.

The name Na Lima Aloha means The Hands That Love. I am so grateful for the hands that are helping me with The Duncan Project and especially today for my dear Shalair.

Love in the stitches....

The colors are so bright and happy

Quilt #36 Monica Waitz

Monica with her quilt

Monica Waitz is the 36th recipient in The Duncan Project. A good friend here in Hawaii, Terina Holmes, recommended Monica. The two women met while the Holmes family was stationed in Colorado. One thing I have experienced here in Hawaii with these wonderful military wives is how they love, support and care for each other. These relationships, which by necessity are formed quickly, often last long after the family has moved to the next duty station.
Monica is battling breast cancer.

Terina writes:

Love this fabric

I met Monica when we were in the same ward in Colorado Springs. I was assigned to be her visiting teacher. We had both recently had our third baby. Over time, we became friends. I got to know a little about her past and discovered what a strong woman she was. Then, with 3 small ones at home, she started the BYU Pathways program. While going to school, her husband got a great job offer, and they moved to Oklahoma to their dream property. She kept up her school, as well as homeschooling her kids. A few months ago she discovered she had breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy and it now in the process of chemo therapy.

Monica seems to roll with whatever is thrown at her. She is realistic about how much it sucks, but she always has a positive attitude about whatever it is. Four babies back to back?? Great, she spent years unable to get pregnant, so she's grateful. Seven people in a tiny house? She's grateful to have a house that is all theirs. Two flat tires on the van? No big deal, she's glad to have a van to have the flat tires and a husband that will come home and take care of it. Breast cancer? Her trademark attitude doesn't fail. She gives herself a blue mohawk before her hair falls out.

I hoped Monica could receive one of these quilts to remind her that even though many of her friends and family are far away, we support and love her. A quilt is a physical reminder of not just me, but all those that love her from afar, and wish they could be closer to bring in a meal, watch her kids, or clean her house. Or hold her hand during chemo.

 I wish I knew this woman personally. I am grateful for Terina's inspiration. It is my hope that this lap quilt will provide a small measure of comfort. There is "love in the stitches" for this woman warrior.