The Duncan Project: Quilt #49 Mel Sims

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Quilt #49 Mel Sims

A piece of our hearts left the island yesterday. Cherie Johnson and I made this quilt together for Mel.

Cherie, Mel and Stacey at Gyu Kaku

Cherie drew this card

Back is surfboards and turtles, so perfect for her

When you live in Hawaii, you must quickly learn the words to Aloha Oe, since people you love will leave on a regular basis. Mel and I arrived on the island within weeks of each other in the summer of 2013. She has taken up permanent residence in our hearts.

To know Mel is to know two things; first, she loves and finds great fulfillment in compassionate service and second, she is free to be a goofball and let others do the same. There is no question that she endears others to her.

The beach is her happy place

She was a significant source of strength to Duncan's family providing all kinds of support. At the end, she took their large family into her home until they moved from the island. She makes caring look effortless.

This gorgeous woman never takes herself too seriously. She instantly makes others feel comfortable and loved. The party always starts when she arrives.

The best news is that her husband's job should bring her back often as a visitor.

The card team. Cherie, Vivianne, Mel and Stacey.

One fond embrace....until we meet again.

Love in the stitches.

4 comments:

emlakciNovember 10, 2017 at 12:14 AM
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MelanieNovember 10, 2017 at 4:30 PM
This is so incredibly kind I don't know what to say!! I will cherish this quilt and most of all the loving hands that made it. I love you!!!!
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UnknownNovember 23, 2017 at 11:41 PM
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Ross DuncanDecember 10, 2017 at 9:00 PM
The Sims family is AWESOME! Eric Sims was like a brother to Jacob, and Jacob spent A LOT of time at their home. We always knew Jacob was in "good hands" when he was there. The Spirit of Christ is truly a presence in the home, and we are so grateful for the love & support Mel and the family provided to our family for the three years we spent on the island, and even more so, the last week, as they opened their home to our family of 9.
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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....