Quilt #46 Sue Calvaresi donated by Rada Morton

Quilt #46 was given to Sue Calvaresi. Sue is the sister of a dear friend here in Hawaii. A year ago, Sue and her family experienced a devastating fire that burned not only their home but all their possessions and vehicles. A truck ran into their home and while trying to back out, the sparks ignited the the vehicle exploded in their home. The fire spread to their RV and vehicles. She and her husband and their pet narrowly escaped with their lives. My friend, Kristal shared this with me last summer and Sue's name was added to my list of possible quilt recipients. My Aunt Rada had volunteered to make a quilt at Christmas and I gave her some fabric to get started at that time on a quilt for Sue.

Sue's home after the fire

It took months to resettle in housing on their land in Arizona. Just as things were returning to a state of normalcy, Sue was diagnosed with liver cancer. She is currently on chemo trying to shrink the tumors as she waits for a liver transplant.

Kristal with Sue's quilt

It took a bit of time to get Sue's quilt done. When my mom delivered it to me on a recent visit to Utah, I was shocked to learn that it was hand pieced and hand quilted. I am so grateful to my sweet Aunt Rada for the many hours she put into this beautiful work of art. This quilt will likely be the last one that my aunt does all by hand. It is truly unique. It is fascinating to me to see this on Sue's bed. It looks like it was tailor made. It reminds me how the Lord works, all things in his timing and it is clear this quilt was meant for Sue.

Sue and I at breakfast

Sue came this week to visit Kristal here in Hawaii and we got to share a meal. I was absolutely blown away by her ability to stay positive in the midst of these hard things. I hope she doesn't mind me sharing this but she told me that she would like to make a wooden sign with the following saying:

"I know that when God shuts one door, he opens another but sometimes the hallway is hell"

I'm sure these signs would sell like crazy. Thank you Sue for teaching me more about grace.  There is love in these hand sewn stitches for Sue as she continues to walk the hallway.

Sue wrapped in her quilt