Quilt #70 Duke Children donated by Mary Duke and Joyce Wickham

The Duke Children receiving their quilts on Christmas 2018. Ali. Maddi, Alex, Britni and TJ.

ennis

Shirley receiving Quilt #4 back in the summer
of 2016

This post lets me know that this project is starting to gain a life of its own. These four quilts were made by Mary Duke and her friend Joyce Wickham from the jeans of recipient #4 and her husband. Shirley and Dennis Sawyer were true examples of Christlike service. They both passed away in the last couple of years and these four quilts were created for Dennis and Shirley's grandchildren.

When Shirley was passing, she asked Mary to re-gift her quilt to someone in need. When Mary went to retrieve it, her father Don had it placed nearby and said he wasn't quite ready to part with it yet. It was one of the last items his wife has used and it held significance to him. 

That is the magic of quilts. When a quilt is gifted with love and meaning it is more than fabric and thread, it contains the deepest yearnings of our hearts to convey love, hope and good will (or whatever comfort is needed) from the creator to the receiver.

I feel so much gratitude when someone allows their quilts to be part of The Duncan Project. It reminds me of the connective threads of love we all share.

I can only envision Shirley and Dennis watching these quilts created from their clothes passed along to remind their grandchildren of their love and the legacy of their service.

Love in the stitches....

Quilt #69 Terina Holmes

Quilt #69 was presented to Terina Holmes. Terina is soon to leave the island (against her will). Hers is a military family so they go where they are required and she will be moving to Washington soon. I started a quilt for Terina with fabric reminescent of France (where she served her mission) but I just kept feeling that she needed fabric to remind her of her time here in Hawaii

.

There are so many things to love about Terina. She is a loyal friend and is fearless in defense of those who need her help. She is open and loving and does not shy away from the hard discussions. I personally think she has a gift to stand with those who can't stand for themselves. She openly shares her struggles and makes others feel free to do the same. 

Terina has been a great supporter of The Duncan Project. She has donated fabric. In addition, she provided me with names of people who could really use a quilt. She is aware of others and their needs and I have personally witnessed her serving in quiet ways. A key lime tart or a text message to check in and let others know they are loved.

Terina seems so at home at the beach. She is an expert at beach combing and makes her own jewelry with the treasures she has collected.

This quilt is one of my favorites and there is lots of love in the stitches for this wonderful friend and the child she has generously shared with me (Jacob).

Quilt # 66 Darci and Jared Jensen

Quilt #66 was given to Darci and Jared Jensen as a wedding present.

Darci is Duncan's aunt and so much more. She lived in the same home with him from the beginning to his passing at 2.5 years. Darci would often post pictures and videos of the nieces and nephews and it was clear that she cherished the relationships with these amazing and funny little children.

Opening the box.

Reading the card

Smiles and tears

Duncan's parents, grandparents and siblings were together when the quilt was opened. They sent a wonderful video and these still photos. Darci knew from the address on the box that it likely contained a Duncan Quilt. Her tears touch me greatly as they show me that she understands the love sewn into this quilt and Duncan's presence in the process. Also noteworthy is the look on her new husbands face. He was unaware of the project and was likely taken aback by all the tears in the room.

I worked with Darci when she served as a leader for the YCL's at Girls Camp. She has such a loving, generous, and inclusive spirit and she draws people in so easily. I have also heard her bear a powerful testimony and I know that she understands Duncan's current mission. Darci sent me a thank you and shared with me another tender mercy as Duncan's influence continues to be felt on this earth.

Darci and Duncan wearing crowns

This quilt just feels joyful and echoes both Darci and Duncan. Love in the stitches...

Wrapped in love. This quilt
has a minky back and was
long armed using the bubbles
pattern.

Quilt #68 Kristal Caldwell donated by Cherie Johnson and Stacey Tate

Cherie, Kristal and Stacey. Her quilt has cactus and arrow fabric. How cool is that!

Quilt #68 was given yesterday to Kristal Caldwell. Kristal has had a number of interesting challenges this past year. A serious injury to her achilles, her husbands year long deployment and the loss of an important family member.

I was texting with her yesterday and she remarked that in talking with her girls she couldn't understand why she was receiving a quilt. This was not a surprise. I have observed many times her coming to the aid of those in need but always remaining faithful and upbeat about her own circumstance.

Her sister that passed from cancer this last year was quilt recipient #46. I got to meet Sue last year and feel lucky to have known her.

Kristal is adopted and her story is quilt unique. She had shared it with a few of us personally, but upon her sister's passing, she bravely shared her adoption story with the world. She gave permission for me to share her post here. I am grateful because it is a truly beautiful story of love and sacrifice.

Kristal's words:

Kristal and her mom

"This post is raw, vulnerable, exposes secrets and is needed. If you want to learn about my life, my real life, read on. Today is Susan’s memorial. Since I can’t be there we are celebrating her life today. We had what most would consider a strange relationship but it worked for us and was perfect. I have been riddled with guilt wondering if I could have done things differently and should I have done things differently. Each time I do, I feel a comfort that all is well. I am sure it is her telling me she knows all my thoughts and feelings now and agrees we nailed it. My life has been perfect. I could not have written it better myself. I am who I am because of all the little pieces and big complicated pieces that have shaped me. I also would be nothing without the greatest parents Joe and Johnnie. I am grateful I can see Heavenly Fathers hand in my life and know from all that has happened that He is at the helm and I know He will guide me right, always.

Kristal and her biological mom Sue. I
was recently introduced to the term
"tummy mom."

So without further ado here is my tribute to my “momster”

You
By Kristal Caldwell

You became pregnant very young
You tried your best
You needed help
You knew I needed more
You made the ultimate sacrifice
You let me go knowing it was for the best
You gave up raising me so I could have it all
You struggled with the decision but endured
You let your parents adopt and raise me
You let her be my mom
You let me call her mom.
You played the role of sister and secret mom 
You watched my life from the outside 
You never complained
You always smiled and sang my praise
You taught me to be wild and free
You taught me selfless sacrifice
You taught me family is always there
You let me see your weaknesses so I could learn
You let me live my life the way I thought was best
You didn’t make me feel bad for the way I chose our relationship to be
You can’t be thanked enough 
You have all my gratitude 
You made the brave and right choice
You will be forever blessed
You were always there
You will always be
You are loved
You. You are my unsung hero"


Kristal comes from a legacy of love and her own life reflects that. There is love in the stitches for this generous and loving sister and friend.

Quilt #67 Hess Family and Baby Joshua

Hess Family

In January my friend Karen Anderton contacted me and let me know that she had been following The Duncan Project and wanted to suggest a wonderful family for a quilt.

Last Christmas Micaela and Travis Hess were expecting their 5th child. The due date was approaching and Michaela noticed that baby Joshua didn't seem to be moving.

In the coming days the Hess family experienced one of the most difficult trials in their life, the devastating news that their much anticipated baby boy Joshua would not take a breath in this life.

Baby Joshua

Travis shared with me a blog post that so tenderly explained their journey. He has allowed me to share the post here:

:https://travishess.wordpress.com/2018/01/20/christmas-miracles-in-the-midst-of-a-tragedy/

There is a beautiful miracle and tender mercy in the post where Heavenly Father gave his assurance to Travis and Micaela, through a trusted temple worker who had previously been Micaela's OB-GYN, that Joshua was part of their eternal family. There would be no need for a sealing for their precious stillborn son. The post is so touching and the  faith and testimony of this family and the many acts of perfect service are truly inspiring.

Travis ends his post with these words:

All this has given us hope. Hope that we will see Joshua again in the next life. Hope that we will get to know him. Get to raise him. To love him.

I wanted to share one other thing from Travis's email. He wrote:  Thank you so much for the quilt. It is spending its first night with our youngest, four-year-old Peter, who has always had an affinity for Joshua. He keeps it and other objects to remind him of the younger brother he almost had (on this earth). He was so excited to be a big brother, and though he hasn't shed any tears, he is the child most impacted by Joshua's passing. He has prayed for his resurrection so many times. It is amazing to see how much Peter understands.

I am so grateful that Karen Andertun was prompted to propose the Hess Family for a Duncan quilt. I felt the Spirit so strongly as I learned about Joshua's brief journey on this earth.

Much aloha and love in the stitches....

Quilt #65 Jodi and Willow Peterson

Jodi and her miracle baby Willow

Willow with brother Dallin

Quilt #65 was presented to Jodi and Willow Peterson on August 29th. Theirs is a very happy story. Roughly 18 months ago my dear friend Jodi started to received spiritual impressions that their family was not complete. She has had other instances where those spirits that were to be part of her family made their presence known and she listens carefully to these feelings. Only one problem, after 4 children, she and her husband had decided their family was complete and she had her tubes tied.
Jodi continued receiving the strong feeling that they were to add another child to their family, so she pursued what it would take to reverse the previous surgery. She decided to undergo surgery to reverse the tubal ligation. The surgery was a success and one of her fallopian tubes was reconnected and functional.
A few months Jodi and Dave received the miraculous news that Jodi was pregnant. Jodi had some serious health concerns during the pregnancy but she moved forward, knowing that this baby was destined to be a part of their family.
They named this beautiful baby girl Willow Kalei Peterson. I love that Willow has a middle name that celebrates Hawaii, the place of her birth. I looked up the meaning of her name and there were a couple of meanings listed, my favorite being: The beloved. On my first visit to see Willow it was obvious that she will bring such joy and depth to the Peterson family. There is love in the stitches of this  baby blanket for this incredible little Willow Kalei.

Love the pineapples and hibiscus in the fabric

Quilt #64 Barbara Holt donated by Book Club

All members of book club participated in this quilt. We are the lucky six that got to be there while it was presented.

Oh how we love a good surprise!

Quilt #64 was presented to Barbara Holt on August 14th by members of our book club. Barbara is an inspiration to all of us. We have had the benefit of her wisdom, kindness and love for decades. Our dear Barbara has been in a "divine storm" the past couple of years with a series of very difficult trials that would bring anyone to their knees. And yet, when we are troubled, we often turn to her for guidance and understanding. She knows how to listen without judgement and is uniquely gifted at helping each of us bear our burdens.
At a recent lunch, our wise Barbara shared some incredible insight with me about our role as mothers on this earth. She quoted a line from a William Blake poem that speaks to the weight we feel as mothers and nurturers when
It is interested to note that while Barbara has been in the midst of her own difficulties, she has sewn and donated 6 quilts to The Duncan Project. Barbara's son, Parker is recipient #34.


This quilt is just one tangible token of our love for her. From the card that accompanied the quilt, "The carpenter's star on this quilt, to us, represents the pure love of the Savior. The Savior said he would not leave us comfortless. He lovingly gave us the Holy Ghost. He has also given us friends as "comforters."

Barbara's home is decorated in neutrals. 

There is love, hope, prayers and hugs in each stitch of this quilt from the women of our group who feel honored to walk this road with our beloved Barbara.

Quilt #63 Allison Chase donated by Cherie Johnson and Stacey Tate

Just a few of the many sisters who have blessed by Allison Chase

Quilt #63 was gifted to Allison Chase by Cherie Johnson and Stacey Tate.

Allison and her family are leaving the island and once again we say Aloha Oe to a beautiful woman who has touched our lives and inspired us with her selflessness.

During her few years here on the island, she has shown us how to serve others. Always willing to prepare a meal, help clean a home and most important of all, watch a very special four legged friend.

Allison served as the Young Women's President during her time here. I was always impressed with her desire to love and foster inclusion. She deeply cared for the young women in our ward and they loved and respected her for her caring and powerful testimony.

We wish her and her family the best on their next duty assignment and wanted to send her with a tangible reminder of Hawaii.  The love is in the stitches....

The beautiful card drawn by Cherie

I think Keiko knew where this was
going.  She wouldn't stay off.

Quilt #62 Heather Holt donated by Barbara Holt

Quilt # 62 was presented to Heather Holt by her mother Barbara Holt. 

Barbara writes:

I love the straight line quilting on this quilt

"Quilt 62 was made for Heather Holt who is my favorite daughter.  She graduated from the University of Utah on May 2 after working hard full time and going to school part time.  We are so proud of her efforts and perseverance.  She will be leaving Utah for Denver, Colorado in a few weeks to begin a new chapter there working and saving to attend graduate school for a degree in physical therapy.  She is one of the smartest and most beautiful people I know, both inside and outside.  It’s appropriate she wanted a quilt with a star pattern because it exemplifies her life.  She is a bright and shining light to all who know her.  We wish her all the very best in her new endeavors.  The love is in the stitches."

We wish Heather the very best as she begins this new chaper in her life..

Quilt #61 Kiersten and Morgan Hannig donated by Barbara Holt

Barbara Holt who made this beautiful quilt writes:

A quilt with happy news!  My niece Kiersten Schloer was married on June 2, 2018 to Morgan Hannig in beautiful Erda, Utah.  It was a perfect day with lots of family and friends gathered to wish the new couple well as they begin their journey together.  Kiersten’s favorite color is light blue and I hope she will cherish and use this quilt often.  The love is in the stitches!

I add my love and best wishes to this beautiful couple.

I love the quilting on this one

Quilt #60 Bentley Rana donated by Hickham Charity Quilting Cooperative

Quilt #60 was presented to Bentley Rana and was nominated by my dear friend Dorene. Bentley is an adorable, spunky, courageous little guy who was born with congenital Cytomagalovirus or CMV. I had never hear of this before but I have come to understand that this virus is carried by most of us but becomes dangerous when passed to a pregnant woman. And while most babies appear healthy at birth, they later develop all kinds of immune and developmental challenges.

While I have never met Bentley in person, I have started to follow his Facebook page. He and his caregivers are incredible people. You can see the love, caring and commitment Bentley's family has for him. And let's face it, this kid rocks!

We are the same age. I want blue hair too.

The quilt was sewn by my generous quilt friend and mentor Kay. I am so grateful for her donations, especially in times when I am sewing a little slower than usual.

If you would like more information about CMV, google the National CMV Foundation.

Upon receiving the quilt, Bentley's family responded "We are so grateful to be thought of and become a part of a beautiful child's legacy."

There is truly love in the stitches for this handsome kid and his family.

Quilt #59 Tre Quenneville donated by Barbara Holt

Quilt #59 was given to an adorable little guy named Tre Quenneville by my dear friend Barbara Holt.

At the end of November 2017, just a few weeks after his 2nd birthday, Tre Quenneville, the 6th child of Allison and Matt, was diagnosed with a golf ball sized tumor on the back of his brain. Allison his mom,had noticed something was not right and insisted on having an MRI done. He was rushed into emergency surgery at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City where the lump was removed. The next day a second MRI showed spots of the cancer down his spine. On the 7th of December the biopsy came back and little Tre was diagnosed with Stage 4 Medullablastoma.



The card Barbara made to go with the quilt

Tre has had 4 rounds of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant over the past 5 months, spending most of the time in the hospital. He and his mom are so happy when they get to come home for a few days between treatments. He began his 5th round on April 23, 2018. He will have 2 more stem cell transplants and one more round of chemo after this.

Through all of this, Tre has had a big smile on his face and has faced this with courage and resilience. We are all amazed at this little lighter. I wanted to make Tre a quilt that fit his journey. I loved this pattern with arrows. This quote summed it up beautifully.

Tre's family has created a blog to chronicle his journey: https://www.facebook.com/TheTrestrong/

She added:
Did you know that 43 kids are diagnosed with cancer in the USA every single day? It is not rare. Tre is one of those kids. Adults get over 96% of government allotted cancer research funding while pediatric funding is less than 4%. This is a good link if you would like to learn more and  see how you can help these sweet babies like Tre Quenneville. More needs to be done to address childhood cancer.

https://nationalpcf.org/facts-about-childhood-cancer/

There is love in the stitches for this little warrior...

Quilt #58 Cory and Kirsten Nilsson

Quilt #58 was presented to Cory and Kirsten Nilsson. They were recommended by my dear friend, Cherie Johnson.

On August 30, Cory was biking down Hobble Creek Canyon when a rapidly moving storm hit and a large tree fell from the mountain, striking him. He was critically injured, and was left paralyzed with multiple injuries.

Cory and Kirsten

The lives of the Nilsson family have been turned upside down and forever changed. However, their faith, courage and the love and support from family and friends has sustained them. They continue to inspire others as they endure this trial with gratitude for victories, great and small.

There is a FaceBook page which chronicles their journey through the many surgeries and procedures. They have a quote posted by Brene Brown that reads, "Courage is a heart word. Be brave. Love Hard."

Nilsson Family

It is clear that this is exactly the way they are facing this challenging journey.

In Kirsten's text to me she noted that Cory was cold tonight when she got to his hospital room and the Duncan quilt helped warm him up quickly. There is "love in the stitches" and the hope is that when they see this quilt they will again be reminded of the love and support that surrounds them from near and far.