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.

Quilt #15 Macady Moe

Macady with her quilt at school.

Quilt #15 was presented to Macady Moe. I first learned of Macady from my dear friend Tara Wilkinson a few years ago. She talked of a brave young girl who was having surgery to put a rod in her spine.  Since then I have learned that she also has the same syndrome that Tara's daughter Becca has. When a quilt is presented, I ask the recipient if they are aware of anyone who could use a quilt and Tara suggested Macady. It has been an absolute delight to create this one of a kind quilt for her. Macady is interested in becoming a marine biologist so the quilt is meant to reflect the colors of the ocean.


I contacted Macady's mother and ask her to share a little information about Macady:

Macady is an angel sent to earth to show people how to keep their beliefs, hope and dignity alive while suffering chronically... At the age of 11 the doctors diagnosed Macady with Shuermanns Kyphosis which is just opposite of scoliosis.   Instead of her spine growing back and forth like scholiosis.. Her spine grows in pie shaped discs stacking forward and causes her to have a hunchback like spine. Eventually Macady's spine would grow so far forward it would affect much of her body, and primarily her lungs... So Macady at 14, underwent a serious but common procedure installing titanium rods in her back from the top of her neck to the bottom of her thoracic... It is what has taken place in the last 4 years following the procedure that has changed Macady for life. She chronically grew ill. Macady suffers in silence all day everyday with chronic pain of all kinds. She has permanent nerve damage all over her body.She also has lost her cognitive and mobile ability to no explanation from the doctors. Each symptom affects the next and Macady finds herself most of her day in bed, trying to find relief from all kinds of chronic symptoms. The more Macady tries to exercise or help her body, the worse her symptoms get.. She is a mystery to all doctors who see her and it is only thru a loving dedicated friend Tara who has found a doctor that could give a possible diagnosis w a disease called POTS, that is any explanation of what her life has become... Macady wants to experience life as the other girls her age do. So Macady is attending SUU. In her long 4 weeks away from home she is finding that she simply is disabled and cannot pretend to be " normal" like the others. Her courage, the incredible strength she has from knowing who she is and where she is going, shines to the other girls in the world. This quilt (that is so personal), and the Duncan Project that Stacey has created, came at the perfect time to remind Macady and her family that her Heavenly Father is aware of her. Her pains, her needs, her wants and desires, but most of all to remind Macady the HE still works miracles thru acts of service by his angels here on earth like the Wilkinsons and the Tates. 

The day after she received her quilt,  I received the most beautiful text from Macady.  I wanted to share a portion to let you know how truly courageous and remarkable this young woman is

They call this a zombie quilt since you can't
see my head in the photo.

This is Macady Moe:) I got your letter and amazing quilt in the mail yesterday! ...I can't tell you how much it meant to me. I am so touched by this amazing project. Every time life gets to be unbearable, I am reminded every time that we are here to help and love others no matter our own suffering. It was so nice to get a pretty literally comfort package in the mail while I'm down at school all by myself. And I LOVE the colors! Looks just like the ocean! I can't believe you live in Hawaii AND went to suu. We were meant to know each other;) so cool. Thank you for reaching out to me and being in tune with the spirit. Lastly, thank you for telling me the part about the lord caring more about our progress and learning than our comfort. I have never heard a more perfect quote to describe my life. I love learning more than anything and have such a strong desire to become something in life.. and this quote really eased my mind about why I would be allowed to be in so much pain while I'm trying to accomplish good things. I know the lord has been my constant companion in this terribly lonely trial And I know this is how he wants me to live for some unknown reason. But people like you (rare finds) are sent to remind me that someone knows of my effort and struggles that I have for so long kept to myself. I love the quilt so much and you have really brightened my spirits!❤❤
I am lifted by this beautiful girl and her testimony.  She understands more than most about the purpose of her life on earth and the Lord's purpose in our lives.

Quilt #14 Cathy Peterson

Quilt #14 was presented by Joan Schneiter to her dear friend Cathy Peterson.  Joan was my college roommate and in addition to being friends for 30+ years she invited me into my beloved book club.  Joan has joined The Duncan Project as a volunteer quilter and mentor to me.

In Joan's words:

Left Joan, right Cathy.  Notice beautiful Nicole's portrait above the quilt.

When I heard about The Duncan Project, I knew I needed to make a quilt for Cathy and James. I started this quilt long ago but didn’t finish it until I was motivated by the project. Cathy and James lost their darling baby girl to Leukemia almost two years ago. Nicole was an amazing child with great courage! Little Nicole touched many lives and is dearly missed.

Cathy’s family and my family have been friends our entire lives. Our moms, Liz and Jane, were best friends—the original BFFs! They used to make quilts for newlyweds in our neighborhood.  This quilt honors the cherished memory of Nicole and our mothers’ sisterly friendship.  I should have made a quilt with little telephones to truly honor their friendship—the spoke every day—sometimes for hours. 

The quilt is long arm quilted with sunflowers reminding us to look to the sun/SON. Thank you little Nicole for teaching all of us lessons of grace and goodness.

Cathy was happy to share a little of Nicole's story:

Nicole was an unexpected blessing.  Nicole was born July 18, 2011.  She is the youngest of 7 children (I learned after she was born that in Hebrew 7 means perfect).  

 

 

When Nicole was 4 months she had an ear infection that wouldn't clear up.  We took her to the Doctor 4 times in two weeks.  On December 7, 2011 she spit up blood; we took her the ER and she was life flighted to Primary Children's Hospital.  When we arrived at Primaries we were told that our little 4 month baby had Leukemia and not one type but two forms AML and ALL.  It is very rare form of cancer.  It was the first time the Doctors at Primaries had seen a case.  She went under treatment for AML hoping that it would cure the ALL as well.  (They can't treat both cancers at the same time.

They each take different kinds of Chemo).  When Nicole was 10 months she had her first bone marrow transplant from an anonymous donor.  Nicole went into remission.  We are grateful for the gift of life that the donor gave our Nicole.  A year and half post transplant I (her mom) noticed a bump on the side of her head.  I watched it for a few days hoping that it was a goose bump and would clear up.  I took her into the doctor to ease my mind/fear that it wasn't cancer.  After weeks of testing we learned that she had relapsed with ALL leukemia. We again started treatment in February 2014.  On June 17, 2014 Nicole received her 2nd bone marrow transplant, her dad was her donor.  Things were looking up then Nicole developed a rash on her body.  They thought, at first, it was her body rejecting her new bone marrow. Then after more testing they discovered that she had HHV6.  HHV6 was attacking her little heart.  Her little heart had been through so much with the chemo and the bone marrow transplant that it wasn't strong enough to fight back.  On October 27, 2014 our little Nicole returned home to our Heavenly Parents at the tender age of 3. 

Through this journey we have learned that "it is by small and simple things that great things come to pass" (Alma 37:6-7)  And "that God does notice us but it is usually through another person the He meets our needs"-President Kimball.  I have made new friends and I have learned the value of old friends.

Quilt #13 Lydia Bunnell Martsch and Baby Sampson

Quilt #13 was presented to Lydia Martsch for her son Sampson Martsch on September 2, 2016.

Lydia with Sampson

Lydia lived next door to our family in Utah and she and my daughter Amanda have been dear friends for many years. Our families enjoyed each other so much that the grass was worn to dirt between our two homes. We love the Bunnells.

A little over a year ago in June, Lydia discovered that the baby she was carrying was an ectopic pregnancy
(growing in the fallopian tube) and she would lose the child. It was devastating for her and her family. She was also told that she while she could get pregnant again, it would likely be very difficult. She was blessed to find herself pregnant three months later with their beautiful baby Samson.,

 Lydia shared with me that they chose the name Samson partially because of the Sampson in the bible. Sampson's mother was said to be barren but an angel came to her and told her that she would bear a son.

Isn't he gorgeous?

Lydia wrote, "I had Sampson the same week I lost the first baby, just one year later. Heavenly Father really does have a plan and he knows our hearts."

We love Lydia and are so glad to have her as a part of The Duncan Project. She has a huge heart and we know she and David will raise sweet Sampson to know the Savior.

Sandra Chin, Quilt Binder Extraordinaire

I also wanted to celebrate another sweet volunteer.  I met Sandra Chin at the local discount fabric store.  We started talking and she was a wealth of information about quilting resources on the island and introduced me to The Hawaii Quilt Guild. I am now a card carrying member and learning so much from Sandra and others. Sandra is a master at quilt binding and she has offered to bind quilts for The Duncan Project.  This was her first (of many I hope). Those who quilt understand why this is so generous.  I am so grateful.