Quilt #29 DES

DES created this collage. My favorite is the pic of her holding
hands with her new husband. 

Quilt #29 was presented to a loving, courageous woman. This post will only contain initials to protect her anonymity.

I first met this wonderful woman back in high school. We were friends but didn't spend a lot of time together. Years later through the magic of technology, we found each other again when we both would often comment on the same Facebook pages. We ended up reconnecting online in 2013.

During this time she shared with me some of her story. She had married and had two beautiful children. Her spouse was abusive to her and her children. She spent many years trapped in the violent cycle that is abuse. After 30 years she found the courage to leave. I had grown up with an abusive father and I knew how scary it was for my own mother to leave.

She has two beautiful children, a daughter who is now married and has blessed my friend with two precious grandchildren. A dancer most of her life, her daughter is now blessed to be a stay at home mom and has an amazing husband. She moved on and found happiness long before my friend found her own courage. My friend is also blessed with an amazing son who was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy when he was 8 1/2 years old (He is a world class wheelchair athlete and an inspiration to many in his own right.). So when she found the courage and help she needed to break out of the cycle of violence, her main concern was to ensure that you could find a safe place for her and her son to live, and though overwhelming, they did it together! So without the support of  those she had counted on including most of her church family, they were blessed by a few and finally broke away.  I am in awe at her strength.

Convinced she would never be able to love and trust again, a couple of years later, when she least expected it, she met and married the love of her life. It is his hand holding hers in the photo above.

Even though she has found love and happiness with an amazing man, the years of abuse have left her with PTSD, severe panic and anxiety disorder and depression.  She has difficulty sleeping and everyday tasks can become crippling due to the panic and anxiety they cause.

She, however, wants each of you to know, if you find yourself in a similar situation, or know someone who is being abused, or someone you suspect is being abused, more than likely you are right.  She told me "Stacey, please make sure they realize they need to speak up, they too can get away, they are stronger than they know. If I can do this after 30 years, Stacey, anyone can!"

I wanted her to feel hugged and embraced by this quilt. I recently read about how weighted blankets can help those who suffer with PTSD or anxiety. I backed her quilt with a heavy, soft fabric to provide comfort. She shared with me that she has settled down to relax with her quilt and often falls asleep.  A luxury for her right now.

When I shared with her a bit about The Duncan Project, she was very touched. She had her own story of providing healing during the passing of a baby that brought me to tears. She has such a generous, loving spirit.

She was willing to let me share some of her story in hopes that someone reading this will understand  Abuse does not define who we are! And to inspire anyone who may be living in an abusive situation to get help and to get out.

There is understanding and true compassion in these stitches.  Love and healing to my sweet friend.