The Duncan Project: September 2019

Friday, September 20, 2019

Quilt #84 Mary Ann Liefting donated by Book Club

Quilt #84 was given to Mary Ann Liefting by our Book Club. This spring, Mary Ann lost her beautiful son Josh

I asked Mary Ann if I could share her post on Facebook when Josh passed:

I can't believe I have to post this. The world lost a kind, beautiful soul yesterday. We lost our sweet son, Josh Burdette. He was one of the kindest and funniest people I knew, if you were lucky enough to know him well, you know these things to be true. The world will be a sadder place without him in it.

Josh and his loving sister Mikel

Please say hello to your dad and mine. Love you pooch/posh. Until we meet again. Mom

It is so clear from her words how much she adored this sweet son. We attended the funeral and many family members spoke to honor Josh. The stories of this clever young man made many laugh through the tears. He was truly one of a kind.

Through her loss, Mary Ann, shows extraordinary grace and strength. She knows that Josh is loved by our Heavenly Father and is now with loved ones on the other side.

Members of Book Club decided at lunch after the funeral that we wanted to make a quilt to honor Josh and to express our love and support for our dear Mary Ann. There is so much love in the stitches....

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Quilt #83 Kiley and Chandlor Issacs-Inn

Spoiler Alert: This one is a story with a very happy ending.

Most of the recipients of the Duncan Project quilts are navigating through difficult trials. I wanted to make a quilt for these beautiful newlyweds to honor the hope and joy we all feel when two beautiful friends marry.

I remember Kiley showing me a picture of this very handsome missionary that she hoped to date one day (her best friend Savannah was serving in New Zealand with Chandlor and hoped to line them up when he finished his mission).

I recall her optimism and thinking that the odds of it happening were pretty slim. i guess age has made me jaded. Boy, was I wrong. They did end up dating and they married this August.

If you met this couple you might notice that they both radiate goodness in the same way. They both have bright smiles and gentle, loving hearts.

In a world with so many hard things, theirs is a hopeful fairy tale. So happy to witness their
beautiful sealing and hope they feel the love in these stitches.

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....