Quilt #28 Mary Duke donated by Bookclub Members

Mary Duke received her quilt at our 21st annual Book Club Christmas Dinner. Mary front row, far left.
She is adored by all of us.

Mary and Marilyn

Quilt # 28 was presented to Mary Duke on December 15, 2016 by members of our book club.  To know Mary is to know love. Her life is a master class in friendship and service. 2016 has been particularly rich in trials and blessings for Mary. Her beautiful mother, Shirley Sawyer passed away in July. She continues to spend time with her best friend Marilyn Eyre who is on hospice as she struggles with a terminal disease. And this year Mary has endured multiple surgeries from a biking accident that shattered her jaw two years ago. Through it all Mary's positive attitude and love for others inspires us all bear our own burdens with hope.

This pattern is called The Friendship Star.
 The fabrics are
reproduction fabrics that Mary loves.

I could write many pages about Mary Duke but I think the best way to share her with those who read these posts is to share Mary's own words in a comment she posted on Facebook the day after she received her quilt:

Mary writes,

"Trying to put down in words the feelings in my heart is difficult because what I feel can't be expressed, but I will try.

This quilt is two sided.  They are both
so beautiful.

I received the most beautiful quilt last night. These quilts are given to people who have struggled over insurmountable challenges. I don't feel worthy of this beautiful quilt. And yet at the same time it represents so much to me. Love, comfort, strength, hope, testimony and Jesus Christ himself.
Stacey shared a quote last night. "God cares about my growth more than he cares about my comfort." How powerful is that. I have thought about that a lot in the last few hours. That is so true. When we are going through these trials that life throws our way we are being stretched and molded and it hurts so much. But as I thought more about this quote, he cares so much more about our comfort too. And that comfort comes through His gospel, the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is why we have the atonement.

Joan and Barbara pieced the two sided quilt. Toni did the masterful binding.
Marilyn contributed a lovely saying for the custom quilt tag.  

This quilt represents to me the beautiful gospel of Jesus Christ. He will not leave us comfortless. He has become my friend. Jesus Christ is my friend. He is so much better at being a friend to me than I am to him. But I am grateful to call him my friend. The greatest gift he has given me is of course, the atonement.  No gift can compare. But the next best gift he has given me is the gift of friends. He shows his love to me through so many friends.
In the trials that have come to me not just this year but throughout my life, it is He who has stood by me. He who has strengthened me, He who has loved me. And how has he done it? Through His gospel, and that gospel good news is the atonement  and friends.
The quote on the quilt tags says " A friend is someone who knows the song of your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words." Thank you my friends for singing to me. Again and again, you have filled me with hope, strength, love, testimony and comfort. I do not deserve you. I do not deserve the atonement. But I am so grateful for both.
My heart is full. I am so blessed by a Savior who loves me so much that he has given me the most beautiful friends in the world. Who joy in my joys, suffer in my sufferings, laugh at my silliness, and who show me over and over again who my Savior is through kind acts every day. I love you all so much!  Thank you! I sit here wrapped in such love, such strength, such hope, such goodness, such a beautiful quilt. Thank you! I love you all!
Your undeserving friend."

This is the woman that teaches us hope, joy and dignity. For her there is so much love in the stitches...

Quilt #25 Joni Griffin and Eleanor

Joni Collins

Quilt #25 was presented to Joni Griffin and her baby girl Eleanor. I learned about Joni and Eleanor from Sari Johnson, my new relative by marriage and friend by choice. Joni's baby was diagnosed with cancer when she was just weeks old.

In Joni's words:

Eleanor was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on February 2 through an ER visit which initially diagnosed a "raging uti". Further blood analysis raised suspicions and a second analysis confirmed the heartbreaking news that our 11week old had ALL. She began treatment immediately; first surgery to place a central venous line (CVL) and then a month's worth of chemotherapy to begin to combat this viscious disease. In the meantime, life went on. My husband had just started another semester of engineering school while working full time at an engineering company and my parents took over caring for our 2 year old son. 

We finished our first month of chemo and we were released March 3 to turn around 2 weeks later and start round 2 of chemotherapy. That was finished in a month, but we had to stay 2 additional weeks for certains counts to come back up and we finally released Mother's Day weekend. 

Eleanor's leukemia didn't respond to the second round of chemo as they had hoped, still 60% in her bone marrow, so they went a non-traditional route and did antibody therapy. They created an immune response similar to allergic reaction with a specific medication: fever, nausea, vomiting, etc. That was the best thing for Eleanor because 15 days on that treatment and she was in full remission--May 24 will be a day forever burned into my mind. 

Because of her lack of response to chemo, Eleanor fast tracked her way to a bone marrow transplant. The preparations for it began during her second round of chemo. We began that process July 12: 10 days of high dose chemo with the last 3 including an immune system destroying drug. Her transplant was July 22 and July 23 was "Day 1 post-transplant". Almost made it through the 14-21 day window for engraftment (new marrow taking over) with no problems, but on day 19 she was diagnosed with veno-occlusive disease.

VOD can be fatal, luckily for us her's wasn't. Eleanor kept retaining fluid no matter the amount of lasix given and she was having multiple platelet transfusions a day. The fluid overload caused her to have breathing issues and got so bad that she went to the Pediactric ICU. She spent a total of 6 weeks in the PICU undergoing continual dialysis for fluid overload and also 2 intubations due to breathing issues. 

After that 6 weeks, it was relatively easy sailing. We spent a total of 3 months from beginning to end of transplant in the hospital; discharged on October 4. We had another small hiccup and were back in the hospital 9 days later with an infection in her central line. With removal of the line, things went quickly and we were discharged AGAIN (and finally) October 28. 

We have been home over a month and things are going well. She has clinic visits every 2 weeks and will extend to monthly shortly.
I felt a special reverance for life as I worked on this quilt. It reminds me that we are supported in our trials by angel above and on this earth. Thoughts and prayers go to the Griffin family as they continue this journey of healing for Eleanor and the whole family We hope they find comfort in this little quilt knowing they are loved by so many. Love in the stitches....

Sari Johnson and Joni Griffin. I love the photo of Christ
in the background.

Quilt #27 Maidy Worthen

Our cherished Maidy

Maidy's beautiful brain

Quilt #27 was presented to Maidy Worthen on December 6, 2016.  I serve with Maidy in the Stake Young Womens Presidency. Last night we were talking about the origin of our names and we talked about how there is no one quite like Maidy and that Maidy is "mighty."  To sum her up is to know love. You will never leave her presence without feeling more joyful.

A couple of months ago Maidy started having problems hearing on her left side.  After a few appointsments, it was discovered that she has a benign tumor outside her brain sitting on her auditory nerve. At the this point she has three options; 1. Do nothing, 2. Gamma Ray treatments to shrink the tumor or 3. Surgery to remove it, risking facial nerve damage.

From the moment of her diagnoses, she demonstrated such great faith, telling us she knew she would be okay. Today she leaves for California to have a specialist at UCLA give her a second opinion.She let me know the quilt would go with her as well. Our thoughts, love and prayers go with her.

Love in the stitches...

As soon as I gave her the quilt, it went right into action.

Loha Benson, Sondra Jung and Maidy, the
members of our presidency.

Quilt #26 Shauna Barnett Uri donated by Barbara Holt

Quilt #26 was given to Shauna Barnett Uri by Barbara Holt on Saturday, November 20, 2016.

Shauna with her quilt.

Let's talk missionary service.  Not the young men that serve, but the mothers that stand behind them in faith. When a young man or woman decides to serve it is joyous .  And while the mother feels that joy as well and knows there is no where they would rather have their son/daughter, she also begins her two year walk of faith. How will her child handle the rigors of missionary service? Do they have the clothing, food, etc they need and how to communicate when news at home is bad.

Enter a wonderful proxy missionary mom, Shauna Barnett Uri. She loves and serves the missionaries in the Salem Oregon Mission but equal to that she has served the mothers of these missionaries even more.

Barbara's son Elder Parker Holt on left.
Sister Uri and Elder Thompson on right.

From Barbara:

Shauna told me she was so excited to get Parker.  She had seen the photo of the whole group and she said she picked him out to come to her ward.  Unfortunately 3 days after arriving in Oregon, Parker experienced severe chest pain and was rushed to the hospital where he spent 3 days. He was diagnosed with pericarditis and myocarditis (which has resolved itself), but during his hospital stay Sister Uri took time from her busy schedule to visit him several times. She called me and spoke at length with me and made sure that he (and his companion) understood all of the directions the doctors gave when he was discharged.

 It really was such a comfort to know that someone was watching over him.  

She feeds the missionaries who are serving in Dallas, Oregon three to four times a week.  She takes them on hikes on p-day.  She makes sure they have goodies for all of the holidays and takes them out to lunch on their birthday. Recently one of the missionary moms posted on the parent group that her 24 year old son was killed in a car accident and her son who is serving in Salem is struggling with his brother’s death. Shauna and her good friend went right to work finding out what his favorite things were. They put a huge care package together and drove an hour to his apartment to give it to him that very day!

Shauna hiking with missionaries.

She will do anything for the missionaries serving in the Salem Oregon Mission!  She is amazing.  They rely on her and call when they need advice or have questions as to what they should do.  If they need an urgent message sent to their mother (pants emergency! Shoes emergency! etc) they let Sister Uri know who then lets their mom know.  She also takes lots of pictures of every missionary she can and texts them to their mother.  I have so many photos of my missionary she has sent me!  It was so fun to get them!!


Shauna is a single mom of 4 children.  Her oldest is married, and she has a daughter attending college in Virginia.  So she only has 2 boys in high school left at home.  She owns her own cleaning business and goes to school.  She teaches early morning seminary. She is remarkable and would do anything for anyone.  She is a HUGE blessing to the parents of the missionaries who serve in Oregon.  We all love her!  I’ve been blessed to have lunch with her TWICE!  when she came to Utah.  If I need anything at all I can text her and I know it will be taken care of.  She is one remarkable woman and I wish I could do more than this quilt to thank her for all she does for these young men and women.

One of many Facebook posts that mades Parker's mom smile

I love honoring this beautiful sister with a quilt.  The "love in the stitches" echoes the love and concern she shows for missionary families and reminds us that we do not need to be called to serve.  It reminds me of the Camilla Kimball quote, "Never suppress a generous thought."  Shauna exemplifies this and puts those thoughts into action.  I am inspired.

Isnt this back gorgeous!

Quilt front

Quilt #23 Debbie and Asher Worthen Gilbert

Quilt #23 was presented to Debbie Worthen Gilbert for her newly adopted son (final today!!) Asher. Spoiler Alert: This story has a very happy ending.

Darling Frog Quilt donated by Sandra Chin

Debbie is the sister-in-law of my dear friend Maidy Worthen. When I talked to Maidy a few months ago about The Duncan Project, she shared with me a little of Debbie's journey to add another child to their family. 

Here is Debbie's story in her own words:

Asher on adoption day!

For years we wanted more kids! Since we already had two girls we could not figure out why we weren't successful.  After a miscarriage 2 years ago  (and turning 40) we knew we needed to go another route.  A few months later we were invited to a scholarship dinner for 'at risk' kids.  Kids who had beaten the odds and had made it through high school.  One kid was homeless, one girl had a baby when she was 15, kept it, and managed to get good enough grades to get accepted to college.  It was so inspirational.  That night I told my husband we are supposed to do more.  We didn't know exactly what that meant.  Since I work on TV we thought it might mean I use my high profile position in the community to become some kind of advocate for troubled youth.  A few days later (and I'm actually crying while I'm writing this which is surprising me) I was getting my hair cut and my hairdresser mentioned another client who was a foster parent.  It was a total answer to a prayer.  I KNEW that's what we were supposed to do. 

I called my husband and told him to think about it.  His exact words were,"Isn't it only weirdos that foster kids?"  I actually still laugh at that because the truth was, I had never know anyone who HAD done it!  But, he's an awesome guy who basically follows every single prompting I get with a smile on his face. 

We started the process the get licensed and about six months later we got our license.  Three days later we had our first baby... just in time for Christmas.  His name was Julian and he was two months old.  Absolute blessing!  (Anyone who has ever had a baby knows the feeling that child brings into the home is nothing short of a gift from God.)

A couple of months later we gave him to his grandma where he is loved and thriving.

Two weeks later we got another call.  Another baby boy needed us.  His story was much worse.  He was three months old, severely neglected.  Couldn't make eye contact or hold his head up.  His head was stuck to one side.  (Likely because he wasn't held.  Just stuck in a car seat.)  He didn't cry (sign of neglect) and his arms and legs were limp.  We found out his parents panhandled with him in his stroller in 20 degree temperatures.  They would leave him at the homeless shelter while they left to sell drugs.  He had pneumonia and whooping cough at six weeks.  This was all after detoxing from heroine and meth at birth.

Gilbert Family

After a couple of weeks at our home he was smiling and making eye contact.  After several physical therapy sessions he could turn his head.  Three months later doctors told us he showed no signs of missing milestones. 
Our adoption is final 10 days before his first birthday.  He's a wild man that is always happy.  We named him 'Asher' after finding out that name means 'blessed, fortunate happy one'!  The reality is, we needed him a lot more than he needed us.  God is good.  He answers prayers and there are no mistakes when it comes to his children.

I love how the blessings come when we respond to the promptings of the Spirit.  I am so happy to share this beautiful story.

There is "Love in the Stitches."

 

The quilt was sewn and donated by my

mentor Sandra Chin

Quilt #24 Doris Bosworth

Quilt #24 was presented to Doris Bosworth by Kaye Cox on November 5th, 2016. Kaye Cox is the mother of my good friend Cherie Johnson. While the Coxes were visiting here in Hawaii, we met up at McDonald's and started talking about The Duncan Project. When I talk about the project, I always ask if there is anyone they know of that has been going through a difficult trial/transition and might find comfort in a quilt. Kaye told me the story of their dear friend Doris Bosworth who recently lost her son Daniel.

Doris with her quilt and a picture of  her beloved son Daniel

This is her story.

During the holidays last year (2015), Doris and her husband were on a lengthy cruise around South America when they received word that their son Daniel had been hospitalized and was in critical condition.

They made every effort to return home to be with him but unfortunately Daniel passed away before they could get back home. The loss of a child is difficult enough but what followed afterward made their grief even more profound.

Daniel and his wife were separated at the time of the Daniel's injuries. However, his wife was still the one making decisions about Daniel's care. Upon his passing and before his parents could get to the hospital, his wife had his body cremated.

The Bosworths were never able to see their son or his body again in this life.

His ashes were left at the Bosworth home but one day when the adults were not home, his wife retrieved the urn and spread his ashes without care for the wishes of his parents. She has never shared with them the location of their sons ashes.

This series of events has made it incredibly difficult for the Bosworths to process the passing of their son Daniel. I cannot imagine saying goodbye to a son without being able to see his body and have the closure that brings.

When Kaye finished telling me about Doris, I immediately started thinking about a quilt for the Bosworths.  Kaye told me their family loves being on the ocean and that they have a home in Florida. In addition, she shared with me that Daniel had a special love and gift with animals, especially dogs. The paws on the quilt are the first time, I have attempted applique and I love how it turned out, almost as if a dog is walking onto the quilt.

The sacrifices of our Savior give hope to us all and everything I know tells me they will see their dear son again. In the Spirit World, Daniel has the opportunity to continue to grow in his knowledge of the Savior. I hope when Doris looks at her quilt, she will find comfort in this knowledge.  And that it will remind her of the many loving friends and family on both sides of the veil that surround her, including Daniel. Reminds me of the hymn, "the time is far spent, there is little remaining" till she will be reunited with the son she loves.

There is love in the stitches for this grieving mom.

Update on Quilt #20 Michele

Today Michele (Recipient of quilt #20) commented on her post and shared a little of her story. I am reposting her comment here. The comments don't always show and I think those who follow the blog will be inspired by her testimony, courage and faith:

This is Michele,
I don't even know how to tell you how much this means to me! You are one of the most amazing, selfless people I have had the honor to come in contact with. This quilt has meant so much to me and I have found it to be a comfort, as well as your letter on some dark days. Like you, we have received so much love and support from friends and acquaintances. It has helped us through some of the healing.
The day I received the quilt I was shocked that a loving sister that didn't even know me would do this. This project is wonderful and I am so thankful to you for sharing your story about Duncan with me. His family sounds amazing and very forgiving. I know first hand how even when they know it is an accident, it is still so painful. I was not ready to share my story the day I received the quilt but I can share some of it now.
My 20 year old son had been home from his LDS mission for 10 days. He was driving late at night, fell asleep and was in a car accident. The two teens in the other car died and my son only received a bump on his head. We have had so much heartache because of this night. This is something he will live with his whole life and as a Mother I want so badly to take this away. We personally knew both families of the teens and they are suffering so much. Publicly one of the teens Fathers said he knew it was an accident and forgave my son. We have a long road of temporal trials to get through, but I can honestly say that we know our loving Heavenly Father and our Savior are looking out for this boy! There have been some really hard challenges but also some wonderful blessings. Would I take this away if I could? Of course! But it is through people like you, (that don't even know us), friends, neighbors and family reaching out that have made such difference in his life. He will be okay eventually, I have felt that through some pretty powerful answers while on my knees.
It truly does help to know other people's stories and know we are not alone. Thank you so much for you loving kindness. I would love to help in any way that I can.
I love you❤️ Michele

Thank you Michele for this tender mercy.

Quilt #22 Refugee Quilt

Quilt #22 Refugee Donation

Quilt #22 was donated to a refugee project by Amanda Rand.

This morning I received an unexpected, unsolicited message indicating that a quilt had been donated and asking where to send the picture and story to have it added to The Duncan Project. It was from our dear friend Amanda Rand.

Her are Amanda's words:

This was a project I started about 10 years ago. It's a buggy barn pattern called Barn Swallows. In SLC there has been a huge influx of refugees coming in from all over the world. I met a woman, who, in an effort to remedy her sever depression gathers donations from the valley and takes them to these people. There are apartment complexes where they are housed and she drives down every week and within minutes their truck and sometimes trailer are emptied. Her stories are incredibly sad and humbling. They are obviously in need of warmth with the upcoming change of seasons. I heard someone say once that when we donate it shouldn't be the items we can do without. Give good things, new things, jeans on sale at Walmart! Buy extra and give so people don't have to feel like they are wearing rags. Same idea with the quilt, hoping someone loves something new and beautiful to sleep under.

The batting and machine quilting was generously donated by Amanda's friend, Tamara Ellis.

I love this reminder to give good things. When I was a child, our family was in need and the quilts that we were given were beautifully pieced, hand quilted Wedding Ring quilts.  I still think often of that gift, the best hands have to offer.  Amanda's generosity inspires me and lifted me this day.

Amanda in front in black tee at her going away party.
She was here in Mililani with us 2 years. Of the 10
women,only 5 are still here.

Quilt #20 Michele:Dedicated to Mothers Who Mourn

Sisters

Quilt #20 was presented to a sweet sister named Michele who faces the daunting task of shepherding her son through a tragic loss. Their story was made very public by the media and will not be repeated here with respect for her privacy. The quilt was given as a small token of support for this mother and to assure her there are many mothers who have walked her path and offer understanding and compassion.

When you bear, raise and nurture a child, an almost tangible connection is created. Michaela once said to me "we have a spring between our hearts."  So it follows that when something happens that threatens to drown our child in sorrow, we. as mothers take on water as well.

Watching this situation unfold, I think of this mother and her anxious yearnings to protect her son, hoping this tragedy will not leave permanent scars. And it lead me to think about many other hard things mothers face...mothers with children in prison, addicted to substances, or those making choices that may take them from the plan God has for his children. The burdens these mothers bear when they are faced with situations they cannot control and in many cases dare not speak of except to a loving Heavenly Father. My heart goes out to these mothers and I  have hope for I know the  Master Healer knows how to "succor his people according to their infirmities."

In my own life I have experienced the power of learning to accept Gods will and I am working diligently to trust his plan for my children, knowing that He loves them as much as I do. I am learning what a gift our most difficult trials can be. Especially when we actively turn to our Heavenly Father willing to be refined by the lessons He has for us. Knowing that as Elder Holland was quoted in the latest conference:

"There really is light at the end of the tunnel. it is the Light of the World, the Bright and Morning Star, the 'light that is endless, that cannot be darkened.' Mosiah 16:9. It is the very Son of God Himself."

He marked the path and led the way....

Love in the stitches.....

Quilt #19 Beverley and Freya Parker

Quilt #19 was presented to Beverley and Freya Parker on October 9, 2016.  These two beautiful daughters of God lost their father and husband this past month. I had a cute Dr. Suess quilt that had been donated but it just seemed more appropriate to create a unique gift for Freya. She loves princesses and sparkles (Take a look at her cute shoes). She is worthy of a princess quilt and the back is sparkle material.

Raising a child as a single mom is difficult and there will be days ahead when Freya will deeply miss her dad. There are many in her family and ward family that love Beverley and her sweet Freya including a sister, Rosella who will play a huge role in her life.. Im sure her loving father  will be supporting from the Spirit world as well as many others who have gone before.
 
Beverley was holding the quilt while she and I were chatting and her Freya took the quilt from her arms and began to rub it against her cheek.  As time goes bye, I hope it will continue to be a comfort and remind her she is loved by many. There is love in these stitches for girls who are braver than any Disney princess.

Isn't she adorable.

Quilt #21 Na Lima Aloha

Once again I am out of order but I want to assure you all that #19 and #20 are finished and are in the process of being gifted.

One of my favorite gifted quilters Susan Haushalter.  I learn
something new from her each time I am in her presence.
Sometimes it has to do with quilting.

Today #21 was finished and provided to Na Lima Aloha. 

When I first started The Duncan Project, I ran into a wonderful quilter (Sandra Chin) at the fabric store who introduced me to the Hawaii Quilt Guild. The members are without a doubt some of the most generous women I have ever known. I joined the guild and have begun to attend the various quilting get togethers (called quilting bees) on the island. As we sew, we share what we are working on. More than 50 percent of the time, these quilters are working on something to be given away to comfort others. They understand the "love is in the stitches."

This is the description of the Na Lima Aloha project from the guild website.

Nā Lima ALOHA (THE HANDS THAT LOVE)
Nā Lima Aloha was established in July 2004 as a community service to support various organizations and agencies throughout Oahu and to support relief operations in other areas as well. Through the donations of smaller-sized quilts, we share our aloha with displaced, needy, or critically ill children and adults. Organizations we have contributed to in the past include various senior citizen convalescent homes, the Veterans Administration Center for the Aging, hospitals, abuse shelters, and foster care facilities. In the past year we have donated over 300 items throughout the island.

One interesting aspect of the Na Lima Aloha quilts is that they are all made with donated fabric. The fabric once donated is cut and packaged with a pattern and batting creating a kit.  The volunteer quilter can select a kit to work on, either at the bee or at home, and it is returned to Na Lima Aloha for distribution. This quilt cost me nothing apart from thread and time.

We quilt once a month at the
Wahiawa Botanical Garden.

This is a great project for beginning quilters as the patterns are all very simple and as Susan Haushalter told me today, "There are no quilt police." Meaning my best effort is good enough. If any locals are interested in participating, please contact me and I will help facilitate. It is a great way to sew at home or come and meet other quilters. In addition, if you have fabric that is just taking up space, consider donating.  I love the idea that a child will get to enjoy this sweet little quilt and I love that this project has brought me into a space with so many wonderful women who act out of love and concern for others.

Quilt #18 Beth Gish

Beth Gish with her quilt, which she named Duncan.

Quilt #18 was received by Beth Gish on September 23, 2016.  Beth was probably my first friend when I moved from California to Layton Utah when I was 15. I was drawn then to her charming, kind and funny personality.  A few years ago we reconnected via Facebook and at a reunion picnic and I feel as connected as ever.

In December of 2014, Beth's husband Randy contracted the flu.  He progressively got worse and was hospitalized as the flu turned to sepsis.   He fought valiantly surrounded by family and friends until his passing on January 17, 2015.

In Beth's words, "After exactly one month of suffering, Randy joined God while I cradled his head in my arms, our faces cheek to cheek, as I told him to fight, breathe with me. Our three children, his two brothers, sisters in law held hands around his bed."

Beth lost her partner after 30 years of marriage at the young age of 54. I have been so inspired by her strength as she courageously picks up the pieces and moves forward. Add to that  Beth has entered the empty nest phase of her life alone. It is a blessing that her children and grandchildren live close.

At my house in Hawaii.

I was working on this quilt when I read a post of Beth's. She bravely acknowledged the emptiness left behind when Randy joined his Heavenly Father. I immediately knew that this quilt belonged to Beth.

There is another interesting aspect to our story.  My own father passed when I was 15.  My parents were separated at the time and we were living in Utah, while he died in California.  I still remember the night he passed very vividly. I received the news and was truly incredulous.  I had just talked to him the night before. In my distress, I left my house and went to Beth's. There I was comforted and fed by my dear friend and her family (roast, mashed potatoes, green beans and gravy, how specific). Afterwards, Beth and I went outside and shot baskets as I processed the reality of the change in my life. She was kind and compassionate then as she is now.

Beth wrote, "One final kiss. This was calming,
I knew that Randy was no longer suffering and
was fishing with our Father."

Here is Beth with her
beloved Randy as youngsters.

I received the most beautiful thank you note from Beth.  In her words, "It's hard to type with happy tears flowing down my face! I am speechless! Each stitch on this beautiful quilt speaks of unselfish love!! The colors even totally match my recliner chair that I won't share with anyone, other than my grandson (true devotion). When I wrap myself in my Duncan quilt I think of this precious life gone too soon, but most importantly, I will think of you, my forever, kind, supportive friend...I live life not just for myself, but for him too (Randy).  I told him when he was leaving this earth that my heart would beat for both of us that that I would live life to the fullest." This is how my strong, courageous friend chooses to live.

Beth has raised three beautiful children, Joe, Jamie and Natalie. They carry so many of her good qualities.  Moments after hearing from Beth, I received a message from her daughter, Jamie, thanking me for putting a smile on her mother's face and how she was deeply touched.  Very like her mother.

I feel truly honored to offer my dear friend a physical representation of the love I feel for her.  I hope it brings her a measure of comfort and reminds her that Randy lives because of our Savior and that they will be together again. Beth continues to bless my life and the lives of so many.

Bre, Jamie, Joe at the gravesite

Bre and Natalie visiting Randy's grave.

Beth's grandsons doing what boys do.

Quilt #16 and 17 Jeni and Max Nell Family

Max, Lincoln, Jeni and Quinn Ruby

Quilts #16 and 17 were presented on September 14th to Jeni and Max Nell for their two children Lincoln and Quinn.  The quilts were both donated to The Duncan Project. Number 16 by Ellen Huntley and the #17 by Marilyn Eyre.

Their home after the fire

Five weeks earlier Jeni, then 37 weeks pregnant, woke up around 4 am to a popping noise. She suspected that someone was outside trying to break into her car. When she looked out the window, she was shocked to see fire. She sprang into action, woke her husband Max and they were able to get their son and all the pets out as flames began to engulf their home (someone later recounted that it was amazing that Max had thrown a sofa to allow them to escape).  The fire department was called and arrived quickly but was surprised to find out that the water from the hydrant near their home had been turned off. They watched in horror as the fire continued to ravage their home. Max talked about the feeling of helplessness as they watched their newly rennovated home completed destroyed.

 As I talked with them they recounted a number of miracles and tender mercies along the way with this devastating event. One simple yet so important "miracle" was that just days earlier, Jeni, downloaded many of the most important family photos on a thumb drive which was sitting on the counter which she was able to grab on the way out. They have experienced incredible generosity along the way.  There is a Go Fund Me page for this family and they have received much in the way of clothing and household goods.  They are now awaiting the difficult process of getting back into a home of their own (they are staying with a generous family member).  I asked Jeni about her best advice and her reply was so pragnatic but perfect, "Always make sure you have insurance."

Ellen Huntley with the darling
Dr. Suess quilt for Lincoln

A couple of weeks after the tragic fire, Jeni gave birth to their second child Quinn Ruby. She is a beautiful baby and their darling 2 year old Lincoln has tons of energy and a smile that will melt your heart. Watching Max and Jeni with their children, it was clear to me that the most important things were saved.  They are a courageous couple.

The quilts themselves are tender mercies. As I started this project, I joined the Hawaii Quilt Guild.  Early on while meeting these wonderful quilters, Ellen Huntley asked me what I was working on. Through my tears I told her about The Duncan Project (I found out later that a number of woman in the room wondered who the crying crazy newbie was).  Matter of factly, Ellen said, "I'll make one." She had just met me and was already offering to sew a quilt. She never said another word about it until I received an email that said the quilt was ready. I was so touched.

Marilyn Eyre with the matching
Dr. Suess minky quilt for Quinn

The second quilt was what created by what I will call "proxy quilting."  My dear friend, Marilyn Eyre (Quilt #10) is the one who made me aware of this deserving family.  Marilyn is one of the most generous woman I know.  At this point, with her health issues, Marilyn is unable to quilt.  One of her loving sisters stepped up and created this sweet minky quilt for Marilyn to provide.  We are all connected.  The Nell family is related to Marilyn's hospice aide Sonnie and Sonnie was there that night as the quilts were given offering love andsupport. Thank you to all the volunteers involved in Quilts #16 and 17.  I am so inspired by the courage of this young family and all those who provide encouragement and comfort in this trial.

As this project progresses, I am reminded of Camilla Kimball's quote, "Never suppress a generous thought."  There are those all around us who can use a kind word, a sweet service or a QUILT.  When you have the impulse, reach out, blessings await both giver and receiver.