The Duncan Project: Quilt #67 Hess Family and Baby Joshua

Monday, September 24, 2018

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....

2 comments:

TravisSeptember 25, 2018 at 1:56 PM
We are so touched to be the beneficiaries of this beautiful, precious quilt and will treasure it forever. You have inspired me to be more service-oriented through your act of selflessness. Much mahalo!
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The Duncan ProectSeptember 25, 2018 at 2:04 PM
We are honored to have you as part of The Duncan Project. Your courage and faith are so inspiring.
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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....