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| Joan Myrberg Schneiter, Christy Chinn Heywood and Toni Chinn Martin |
Quilt #42 was delivered to Christy Heywood on July 16th by Joan Schneiter and Toni Martin. The women in these two families grew up across the street from each other and their lives have intertwined in so many important ways as they grew in the gospel together. The Chinns and Myrbergs have shared a life of influential friendship and have truly "changed each other for good."
Last year Christy lost the love of her life. She is an amazing woman who has much to share as she has walked through this trial. David was just 62 when he passed away from heart complications.
Toni shared with me that Christy truly appreciates this beautiful quilt and was quite emotional at being given such an heartfelt gift.
Toni wrote this tribute to sister and brother-in-law:
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| David Heywood |
This quilt was presented to Christy Heywood in honor of her
amazing husband David Heywood who suddenly left us in October of 2016. I have
tried for several days to write something worthy of this amazing man. I have
failed. However, his children and wife succeeded, and so I share with you some
of their words used to pay tribute to him.
“There comes a point in every man’s life when the flame of
his earthy existence expires. For some, that flame slowly wanes over time. For
others, it b lazes brilliantly as they traverse life’s path, but suddenly
ceases to burn. Such is the story of David, “Doc” Keith Heywood, Sr.
His heart, which beat not-so-regularly at around 22 and
three-quarter time, decided that a grand pause would provide nice juxtaposition
to the otherwise boisterous symphony it had hitherto written, thereby failing a
willing body and an even more willing mind.
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| Dave and Christy |
Family, friends, and even strangers knew that music was his
passion, and that it filled every crag and corner of his life and ours. But
perhaps at an even more fundamental level, his kindness, humor, love of family,
and above all, his faith in our Father Above were the hallmarks that defined
his life. Rarely do we come across someone so open and genuine.”
He was a great teacher because everyone he came in contact
with knew they were, first, loved by him and secondly, respected without
judgement.
Following are words of praise written by students, friends,
and family
“Thank you for not making me feel like I was less than
because I made mistakes.”
“I remember a time that Dave spoke about feeling like a rich
man. I don’t recall the occasion that he humbly told the group that he had his
wife, family, the gospel, a good job, and a fine roof over his head and that
made him blessed with riches.”
“He made me laugh (and cry) with his wit and his writings
and his passion for his music and his family!”
“His laughter was hearty and contagious. His words were
sometimes lengthy, but well thought out and genuine. His love was unconditional
and freely given.”
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| Heywood Family |
“I remember when I was in high school; our group of friends
would follow Tyler (Dave’s son) to Mr. Heywood’s house for lunch. Sometimes we
wouldn’t bring lunch from home and Tyler would let us make whatever was in the
fridge. Mr. Heywood would come home too and see his house full of teens eating
is food, watching his TV, and sitting on his couches. I would get kind of
nervous because my parents would have kicked everyone to the curb, but Mr.
Heywood was different. He would sit with us and ask us about our day. He was
like the uncle everyone wished they had, and the father that few were lucky to
have. Mr. Heywood was an inspiration, a mentor, and above all a great friend.”
Lastly, Dave was a master with words and the following are
words he wrote that reflect how he lived his life:
"I was recently at Chinn family reunion and renewed my love
for my family and gratitude for each member.
I think this is a wonderful tradition, one well worth the
effort. In the end it is the renewal of associations and memories built from years
of experiences that make reunion a sacred time. I hope we continue.
I am continually
disheartened by the world events which seem so apocalyptically bent. Globally,
there seems little hope, and the scourge touches every nation, kindred, tongue,
and people.
That is until we stop to consider the small space we occupy,
and the small orbits we affect, by which we are affected. Our reunion is an
example. It is “peace where we stand.” Oh that every human would look within
and be good there first, then to one other significant person, and learn to
bring joy and plenty within that orbit, flowing outward was we go.
We will never force equality, purity, love or peace. But we
can start purifying, loving, and finding the joyful one, “I.” We may then as we
work, reach out and affect the orbiting others.”
Dave did the very thing he described here; he worked on
himself first and then spread his love, wisdom, joy, and laughter to the many
orbiting others. We are immensely better because of him.
tt seems to me that it is part of the Lord's plan for some families to orbit each other in this life. Another of his tender mercies.
There is "love in the stitches..." for the Heywood family.
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| Quilt Front |
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| Quilt Back |
