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.