Quilt #72 Jan Sollis donated by Toni Martin, Ashlee Lloyd and Joyce Chinn

Jan Sollis and Toni Martin

Quilt #72 was created by Toni Martin and presented to Jan Sollis. I am so grateful for those who are participating in the creation and gifting of quilts as a part of The Duncan Project.

The Sollis and Martin families came to know each other well as their daughters grew up as friends and the families shared many events together. Jan was also Joyce's loving visiting teacher for over 14 years.

Toni wrote:

Ashlee, Jan, Megan, Toni and Toni's mother Joyce

While sitting in the memorial service for our family friend Tom Sollis, the room was simply filled with love. The Spirit whispered to me that Jan needed a Duncan quilt to honor her and her loving service. I shared this with my mom and daughter and we all felt  that this would honor both Jan and Tom. Tom's life was dedicated to family, his wife, hard work and loving and living the way the Savior did. Tom's life was lived with exactness in all things.

In the card I gave Jan that accompanied the quilt I told her that we made a heart quilt because it was symbolic of her great loves. First, the love that is shared in her large, beautiful family. They are a tribute to her and she is reaping what she has sown. Second, the love she has for Tom and the years of service she gave to him. Especially as he neared the end of his life. She was with him all day every day being his primary care giver and cheerleader.

Finally, her obvious love for, and trust in our Savior, Jesus Christ. I believe it is what carried her through and is still giving her the strength she needs to carry on without the love of her life.

Toni's daughter Ashlee was deeply influenced by this kind and loving couple and was there as well the night it was presented. Ashlee added, "Whenever you talked to Tom, he made you feel special and always had a kind word to say. Jan is equally loving, thoughtful and caring."  

Megan, Tom and Jan's daughter wrote this about her parents for this blog after Jan received the quilt:

Shortly before celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary Tom and Jan learned that Tom's prostate cancer had metastasized and was now spread throughout his body. For the next three years he would go through chemo, radiation and other various treatments. Through all this, our mom was by his side each day of those three years loving, supporting and caring for him, especially in his last few months of life as her care giving became a full time job. 

Two months before he passed away, the kids started helping with his care and were amazed as what she had been doing by herself, as they were now collectively trying to do. I think she would agree that though it was exhausting, it was fulfilling work. Our dad served everyone and it was a beautiful opportunity and an honor for all of us to serve him. 

I'm not sure how someone says goodbye to the love of their life but our mom is doing it and deserves a medal for her strength and resiliency.

We are all touched by the quilt she was given and all the work that went into it. As her daughter, I'm grateful to see that other people know how deserving she is of recognition and love. It's been a hard few years and that blanket is a beautiful reminder of how love is what helps us keep going and living.

Megan goes on to talk a little about her father and his life:

Tom Sollis was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was one of the first 200 missionaries to enter the country of Italy. Tom served in the 142nd Linguistic Division of the National Guard from 1971 to 1977. He taught the Romanian language at the National Guard Armory in Salt Lake City.

Tom was a hard worker his entire life.  He had his first job at the age of 12 and as an adult became a Master Electrician and Contractor. He was a do-it-yourselfer and took pride in his work and loved helping his kids with projects. He loved his Heavenly Father and his Savior, Jesus Christ. He loved to serve and minister to others and always went about doing good. He cared about everyone  he came in contact with and helped them feel important and loved. He was an eternal optimist, always finding a reason to look on the bright side and be grateful in any situation. Tom was a wonderful grandfather and had a special relationship with each of his grandchildren.

It is very easy to see the concentric circles of love and influence that Tom and Jan had created both together and apart for this small season. I am so grateful they are part of The Duncan Project.

Love in the Stitches as they continue their journey.....