Quilt #4 Shirley Sawyer

Quilt #4 was presented to Shirley Sawyer on Sunday, July 10th, 2016.  Shirley is the cherished mother of my friend Mary Duke. Shirley has been struggling for some time with a fluid build up on her lungs that makes it very difficult to breath. She had quite a bit of fluid removed while in the hospital but it seems to be continuing to build up again.  Shirley has decided to go home and begin receiving hospice care until her life is finished.  She is only 77.  The evening I took the quilt, Mary and I visited for over an hour with Shirley and her dear friend Aunt Pat. These best friends (Shirley and Pat) were so fun together, it felt a bit like an episode of I Love Lucy. During our visit, we shared with her the story of Duncan's life and passing and how we hoped to honor him. Shirley has a great faith and she knows the Savior. Shirley talked about what great kids she raised and indicated that she wasn't always the greatest mother. First of all, I don't believe it, based on how she is adored and revered by her children and second it just reminded me of how most of us feel.  We love our children so dearly but we are just not perfect. Shirley had 5 children in 2.5 years.  One baby, then twins 11 months later, then another set of twins the next year. She lost a son in a gun accident in his teens.  I think she could fully appreciate what Duncan's family feels.
This was the first time I had met Shirley in person but have had a connection for a couple of years.  Shirley crochets the most beautiful afghans. She has often donated them to raffle off at charity events. I tried the first time with 5 tickets and didn't win. The next time I heard she donated one for auction, I was determined.  I bought 20 tickets.  Only 26 were sold and guess what, I still didn't win.  That is when this beautiful lady understanding that I loved her work, decided to make one for me.  I even got to choose the color. I cherish this so much. Now we are almost even.
As we were leaving, Shirley gave me a big hug and said she hadn't been so touched in a long time.  I truly hope this little quilt provides comfort during whatever time she remains here with her loved ones.
Once again, I came away feeling so grateful for this beautiful, brave woman.

P.S. Also want to thank Barbara Holt for her help on this one. She is so talented and when I made a cut the wrong direction, she just said it will all work out.

UPDATE:
Beautiful Shirley Sawyer passed away a week after this quilt was presented on July 17, 2016. My daughter Mary said the 15 minutes before Shirley passed she felt the most beautiful peace in the room.  I am forever grateful that I was able to spend time with her the week before.  She was truly an example of love of service.