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.