Quilt #10 Marilyn Eyre

Our beautiful Marilyn receiving her quilt.

Quilt #9 was presented last night to my dearest friend, Marilyn Eyre.  We have known each other 38 years and she is a member of my beloved BOOK CLUB.  I am putting this in caps because it is not just a book club not "the" bookclub.  Over twenty years of sharing and deep connection.  This is the space for many of us where "our hearts sit down."

 Just over 5 years ago, Marilyn started to experience some shaking while raising her arms.  After a lengthy process Marilyn was finally diagnosed with a rare disease called Multiple System Atropy. MSA is a progressive neurological disorder that affects both the autonomic nervous system (blood pressure and digestion for example) and movement. The estimated prognosis is 7-9 years.  We have watched our Marilyn lose so much of her physical capability but her spirit remains so strong.  Through it all she continues to have a great sense of humor and has so much spiritual insight to share.  She has been a lesson in grace and dignity for all of us. At this point she is our teacher.  How to deal with hard things and still express faith and gratitude.  We are all better people because we know Marilyn. I hope she finds great comfort and there is "extra" love in the stitches for this beautiful woman who is still the same on the inside and has influenced me so deeply.

Also in the picture is Marilyn's best friend, Mary Duke.  Mary delivered this quilt for me.  She shared that she had no intent to be in the photo but she was reminding Marilyn to sit straight.  We all need a friend now and then to remind us to sit straight.

This photo was taken approximately 5 years ago when Marilyn and Mary
came to visit me in California.  Marilyn just
 joked with me about having "chubby cheeks."  I guess every thing is
perspective. She was never chubby, always gorgeous.  It made me smile.

First quilt with no pattern