The Duncan Project: April 2017

Sunday, April 2, 2017

Quilt #35 Matt and Rachel King

Baby blanket for the Kings

Quilt #35 was presented to Matt and Rachel

Rachel reading with Duncan and other children

King at the request of Alisa Beach, Duncan's mother. After many years, the Kings have a baby due this month. They have chosen to wait to see if it is a son or daughter. Alisa asked me to make a quilt using both Rachel's favorite color blue and Alisa's, orange. I found it interesting that Duncan and Rachel are wearing these colors in the photo.

Alisa wrote:

Matt and Rachel became part of our adopted family when we were living in Hawaii. At first, we began eating holiday dinners together. From there it grew until we created a tradition of sharing Sunday dinners most every week!

Then Rachel asked if I could be her work out buddy...at 5am...doing the "Insanity" workout videos. Our friendship lasted through even this test.

Without fail every time they came over both Matt and Rachel would end up with a child in their lap, reading and play games while we spent the evening together. They are absolutely amazing with little ones, and our children were always asking when the Kings were coming over to play!

Matt reading with Duncan

As many of you know, Duncan's accident took place on one of these Sunday evenings with our house full of friends. Rachel and Matt were there, and were a steadying presence throughout the experience. They drove Josiah and Ona back and forth between the hospital and the homes of our sweet friends who were watching them, so they could visit their brother (Duncan) and we could see them every day without leaving the hospital. I am so grateful for their friendship, their love and support.

Rachel carving pumpkins with Rebecca

I remember the night Rachel texted me to let me know she was pregnant. I called her immediately and had to run outside to avoid waking everyone up as I squealed with excitement for her!

Rachel and Duncan had another special relationship as he was in her nursery class. I am so happy for her to receive a "Duncan Quilt" to welcome her own little one. My heart is full as we celebrate these amazing friends welcoming their first precious baby into the world.

I felt Duncan very near as I worked on this quilt for the King's. I hope they enjoy being a part of Duncan's legacy.

Love in the stitches...

The Beginning

The Duncan Project was conceived one day shortly after Duncan's passing while I was out walking the dog. At the time, I was praying and pleading for understanding and acceptance. One of the tender mercies I received was a very clear answer that it was God's will and that "it's okay." Armed with that knowledge, I looked for a way to process my own grief, while turning my heart to God and honoring Duncan. To learn the lessons Heavenly Father has for us and in response increase my love and support to those in need.

I remember distinctly two separate occasions in my life of great distress where I received a handmade quilt. These were not merely blankets for warmth (which in one instance was very much needed) but works of art. The best loving hands have to offer and I felt deeply comforted. I could feel the love in the stitches.

My mind started to contemplate if these quilts could be created as a comfort and a way to show love to those in time of joyful or difficult transition. Would this also be the means of healing for my broken heart? The Spirit whispered yes. I have invited close friends and family to join me in making quilts and identifying recipients. In this blog, I will tell the stories of givers and receivers. So the journey of a 100 quilts begins....