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.