Quilt #78 Jeremiah Stark

Jeremiah wrapped in his quilt

Quilt #78 was presented to Jeremiah Stark by Duncan's Great Grandmother Karen Stark. A month or so ago I received a text from Duncan's Grandmother, Charlene Duncan that her brother Jeremiah had just shared with the family that he has colon cancer. She asked me to make a quilt for him. She finished her text by saying she wanted him to feel the love in the stitches that I so often talk about.

Jeremiah or "Miah" as he is called by the family was a great support to the family when Duncan passed. When I asked for guidance on the type of quilt, Charlene wrote,"I don't know, just manly! He takes his role as provider  and protector very seriously. He is sweet and tender too. He gives the best hugs! And he'll just hold you as long as you need to be held. Strong and secure, yet tender and full of love. It makes me think of what it will be like to be in the Savior's arms."

What a great man!

Since Charlene's initial request, Jeremiah has had a couple of surgeries and will likely continue with chemo and radiation. 

Jeremiah and his wife Dori. Love the shaka.

I got word that the quilt had been gifted to Jeremiah by his mother Karen (who I was lucky enough to spend time with in Hawaii),

His first comments to his wife and Mom were "feel how soft." (I am using Minky on most of my quilt backs now for that very reason). And he also said that he loved that the pattern and colors were so "manly." (only slightly significant because I started one quilt but decided it would be put aside because the fabric contained the word darling. Needless to say every time I saw the word, I felt a small nudge that this wasn't exactly right for Jeremiah).  Karen let us know that tears were shed and he went off to bed that night with a big smile wrapped in his quilt. 

It is so fitting that he is part of The Duncan Project. Charlene sent me a text with the photos of Jeremiah and Dori that read, "Thank you again! it means so much to me to have Miah have a Duncan quilt. As I haven't been able to be there I've wanted him to feel our love for him in the stitches! I knew it would be a tender thing for him and Dori."

The quilt looks like it belongs in their home.

In one of our texts during the construction of the quilt, Charlene wrote, "One of the great Duncan lessons is that great trials bring great blessings as we accept the Lord's will and receive the enabling power He sends to help get us through. The "immediate goodness of God" is amazing and so real!" I feel so blessed by her wisdom.

I'm grateful to play a small part with this quilt and my prayers for strength and healing. Aloha is in the stitches for the whole family.

Quilt #76 Bennett Yorgason donated by Joan Schneiter and Jane Myrberg

Bennett Yorgason on his special I Spy quilt

This happy little guy is the first to be a part of two quilts. Quilt #44 was given to him and his mother almost two years ago. At that time, Bennett was facing serious health challenges but as you can see he is thriving.

Bennett and Grandma Joan

His Grandma Joan and Great Grandma Jane gave this I Spy quilt to Bennett. This amazing child has been a source of joy and learning for the entire family.

Joan writes:

Bennett is a joyous blessing in our lives! Now that he is almost 22 months old, he has shown us how to embrace each other and fully enjoy the little of life, such as laughing, hugging and cheering on milestones. We all love the cheesy smiles and all-in-hugs. Even the younger babies in the family love him and want to be close to sweet Bennett. Watching Bennett devour a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a sight to behold--pure joy! He was once videotaped in his sleep and his Aunt Jenny captioned the video, "Dreaming  of  PBJ's."

Four generations: Bennett, his mom Karen, Grandma Joan
and Great Grandma Jane

Shortly after Bennett's birth, our favorite nurse, Dallin, told us we wouldn't see him as a child with Down syndrome because we would just see Bennett. That is so true! Every child is unique and special. We have learned to use "child first language." This means we don't say "Down syndrome kids or the Down syndrome boy or girl." When using terms like that it implies that the child is defined by their syndrome or disability which is simply not true and may be limiting. Thanks to the Down syndrome community we have learned many helpful and powerful ways to interact with children. Child first language should be used with all children and also adults. A child may have a disability or syndrome but they are not that disability or syndrome.

This little "I Spy" quilt is a celebration of Bennett''s 22 months in our family. Paddington Bear is in the corners of the quilt and a Paddington story panel is on the back celebrating Benny Boo's love for peanut butter and jelly. Marilyn Mott donated fabric to The Duncan Project and almost all of the fabric for this quilt come from dear Marilyn's generous donation. Thank you Marilyn!

I have been around Bennett a few times. He just exudes light and love. Tons of love in the stitches for Benny Boo.