Quilt #42 Christy Heywood donated by Toni Martin, Joan Schneiter and Jane Myrberg

Joan Myrberg Schneiter, Christy Chinn Heywood and Toni Chinn Martin

Quilt #42 was delivered to Christy Heywood on July 16th by Joan Schneiter and Toni Martin. The women in these two families grew up across the street from each other and their lives have intertwined in so many important ways as they grew in the gospel together. The Chinns and Myrbergs have shared a life of influential friendship and have truly "changed each other for good."

Last year Christy lost the love of her life. She is an amazing woman who has much to share as she has walked through this trial. David was just 62 when he passed away from heart complications.

Toni shared with me that Christy truly appreciates this beautiful quilt and was quite emotional at being given such an heartfelt gift.

Toni wrote this tribute to sister and brother-in-law:

David Heywood

This quilt was presented to Christy Heywood in honor of her amazing husband David Heywood who suddenly left us in October of 2016. I have tried for several days to write something worthy of this amazing man. I have failed. However, his children and wife succeeded, and so I share with you some of their words used to pay tribute to him.

“There comes a point in every man’s life when the flame of his earthy existence expires. For some, that flame slowly wanes over time. For others, it b lazes brilliantly as they traverse life’s path, but suddenly ceases to burn. Such is the story of David, “Doc” Keith Heywood, Sr.

His heart, which beat not-so-regularly at around 22 and three-quarter time, decided that a grand pause would provide nice juxtaposition to the otherwise boisterous symphony it had hitherto written, thereby failing a willing body and an even more willing mind.

Dave and Christy

Family, friends, and even strangers knew that music was his passion, and that it filled every crag and corner of his life and ours. But perhaps at an even more fundamental level, his kindness, humor, love of family, and above all, his faith in our Father Above were the hallmarks that defined his life. Rarely do we come across someone so open and genuine.”

He was a great teacher because everyone he came in contact with knew they were, first, loved by him and secondly, respected without judgement.

Following are words of praise written by students, friends, and family

“Thank you for not making me feel like I was less than because I made mistakes.”

“I remember a time that Dave spoke about feeling like a rich man. I don’t recall the occasion that he humbly told the group that he had his wife, family, the gospel, a good job, and a fine roof over his head and that made him blessed with riches.”

“He made me laugh (and cry) with his wit and his writings and his passion for his music and his family!”

“His laughter was hearty and contagious. His words were sometimes lengthy, but well thought out and genuine. His love was unconditional and freely given.”

Heywood Family

“I remember when I was in high school; our group of friends would follow Tyler (Dave’s son) to Mr. Heywood’s house for lunch. Sometimes we wouldn’t bring lunch from home and Tyler would let us make whatever was in the fridge. Mr. Heywood would come home too and see his house full of teens eating is food, watching his TV, and sitting on his couches. I would get kind of nervous because my parents would have kicked everyone to the curb, but Mr. Heywood was different. He would sit with us and ask us about our day. He was like the uncle everyone wished they had, and the father that few were lucky to have. Mr. Heywood was an inspiration, a mentor, and above all a great friend.”

Lastly, Dave was a master with words and the following are words he wrote that reflect how he lived his life:

"I was recently at Chinn family reunion and renewed my love for my family and gratitude for each member.

I think this is a wonderful tradition, one well worth the effort. In the end it is the renewal of associations and memories built from years of experiences that make reunion a sacred time. I hope we continue.

 I am continually disheartened by the world events which seem so apocalyptically bent. Globally, there seems little hope, and the scourge touches every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.

That is until we stop to consider the small space we occupy, and the small orbits we affect, by which we are affected. Our reunion is an example. It is “peace where we stand.” Oh that every human would look within and be good there first, then to one other significant person, and learn to bring joy and plenty within that orbit, flowing outward was we go.

We will never force equality, purity, love or peace. But we can start purifying, loving, and finding the joyful one, “I.” We may then as we work, reach out and affect the orbiting others.”

Dave did the very thing he described here; he worked on himself first and then spread his love, wisdom, joy, and laughter to the many orbiting others. We are immensely better because of him.

tt seems to me that it is part of the Lord's plan for some families to orbit each other in this life. Another of his tender mercies.

There is "love in the stitches..." for the Heywood family.

Quilt Front

Quilt Back

Quilt #41 The Willis Family

Wonderful Willis Family minus Brian

Quilt #41 was given a couple weeks ago to the Willis Family.  They are leaving the island to move to Alabama.  Can''t you just see these beautiful children rocking seersucker? I will miss this family so much. Over two years ago. I was assigned to visit teach Melanie Willis. From the first visit, this family began to bless my life and bring me such joy.

Matthew and I at Gyu Kaku--Japanese Barbeque

Melanie and Brian are amazing parents.  I remember one early visit when I was invited to stay for dinner. The meal was yummy and then there was dancing complete with a disco ball.

I could write a page about each member of this family.  Mel is a spiritual giant. She was a huge support to me during some very dark days.  We have shared a lot of laughs and a few tears. Lasagne, chocolate covered macadamia nuts, chocolate chip cookies. and  flowers were just a few of her constant reminders of love. She always left me feeling better  about life just being in her presence.

Each time I would see their son Matthew, he would ask me when we were going on a date. We spent a few wonderful days together exploring bugs, nature and good food. There is nothing like the enthusiasm of this kid to brighten your day. He loves to open doors.  He would tell me to stay put so he could run around and open my car door for me. Brian (and Mel) have done a great job teaching him how to show love and respect.

The back of the quilt with Keiko

At the movies

Sweet Emmett is so kind to our Keiko. Each time he came over, he would always ask to walk her. Such a loving young man.

I feel like I watched Mackenna grow from a baby to a girl in just two years. She holds her own in this family of boys.

And Feenie, I forget that his name is Ethan. So adorable.

It is hard for me to write about this family without tears. They have been such an important part of my life here is Hawaii.

Aloha Oi dear ones. We will meet again.

Love in the stitches

Quilt #40 Malory Smith and Norah

Gorgeous Malory and Norah

Quilt #40 was given to Malory Smith for her adorable Norah. Malory is dear to our family. She grew up next door to us for many years and our family considers her one of our own. She is a couple of years older than Spencer and Michaela and they always looked up to her Malory is a kind, thoughtful. beautiful woman and I love watching her care for her first little one.
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While working on this quilt, I thought often of what it means to call a place "home." While we haven't lived in Utah since 2006, we always think of home as our house on Connor Ridge. Since we often return and are able to stay in the basement apartment of our house there, we have

maintained and strengthened a number of relationships in our laughingly named Celestial Circle.
This year is a year of change for Malory, her first baby, and her move to Texas, so far away from home. I know it is exciting and hard at the same time. And I can relate to the change for her mother Lori, my dear friend having her baby and her baby girl so far away. Thank goodness for technology that let's us watch our grandkids grow from afar.

Looks like Malory's house on Connor Ridge

One of my favorite fabrics in the quilt looks like Malory's childhood home.I hope when you wraps her sweet Norah in this quilt, she will be reminded of the love from home and from her Ohana here in Hawaii.

Love in the stitches...

Quilt #39 Shelly Gale

Shelly and her beloved dog Lana.  Jodi shared with me that Lana refuses to leave Shelly's
side since she started to feel ill. These loving companions have a sixth sense.

Quilt #39 was presented to Shelly Gale. Shelly is the sister of one of my ohana here, Jodi Peterson.

In March, Jodi got word that Shelly had been diagnosed with Stage 4B cancer. Jodi was able to fly to Washington to spend some time with her sister.

Shelly is amazing. I follow a FB group called the Shelly Gale Fan Club. So far she has completed 4 rounds of chemo and will have additional surgery.  What strikes me in all the photos is her incredible smile. She radiates strength and hope.

I hope she will forgive me for posting one of my favorite photos from the FB page See photo below. The caption reads "Waiting for the Relay of Life to Start."

Superhero

Quilt back

This got me thinking how we are all waiting for the Relay of Life.  I had two friends pass this week and it reminds us all to use our talents to make a difference.  We do not know the Lord's timing.  I have felt inspired to ask the Lord with more purpose how he would have me serve.

I know Shelly is serving and inspiring others in the midst of her trial.  I wish her well and want her to let her know that there is "love in the stitches," and there are so many praying for her and her comfort.

I love the fabrics in this quilt.  The vintage fabric reminds me of a quilt
we had when I was growing up

Quilt #38 Megan and Simon Walker donated by Kelly Jones and Stacey Tate

Photo credit Hannah Fine

A few weeks ago I got a message from Cassie Fryhoff, a relative  of mine by marriage.  She asked me to make a quilt for her friend Megan and her baby Simon.

It is interesting to note that I had a quilt top given to me by my dear friend Kelly Jones back in November. At the time I had no one on my project list that would be right for this quilt so I set it aside.

When I got Cassie's request, I knew this was meant for Simon.  The word "hope" is placed prominently throughout the blocks. I quickly quilted and bound the quilt and sent it to Cassie.  She presented it to the Walker family last Sunday.







Here are Cassie's words:

 After almost three weeks of bedrest in the hospital, Simon Walker was born a 1 pound 13 ounces and 26 weeks gestation.  Since his birth, he has endured more in his short life here on earth than anyone I've ever known.

Being in the NICU since December, feeding tubes, chronic lung disease, oxygen support changes, receiving a trach, x-ray after exary, antibiotics and more antibiotics, heart problems, undeveloped lungs and more.

Simon is a fighter! He is an incredible spirit with two fighters for parents and two older siblings that love him so much.

On a most recent update, Megan (his mother) posted on Facebook, "all of his doctors are coming together for a conference to discuss options for further care for Simon. Our reality right now is that his lungs are getting worse, not better, which was our biggest fear. Please pray for us, for clarity to know God's will for Simon and for comfort, love and peace.

I add my prayers for the beautiful family. Along with my gratitude for the knowledge that families are forever.

Love in the stitches....

#37 Na Lima Aloha donated by Shalair Jones

 Quilt # 37 was donated to Na Lima Aloha by Shalair Jones with quilting by Stacey Tate.

This reminds me of Peter Pan

When I was in Salt Lake City a month or so ago, my dear friend Shalair told me she had been working on a couple quilts for The Duncan Project.  A few days later she delivered two beautiful strip quilts.

I have been praying to know where they are supposed to go. One day while at a quilting bee, I got the impression that one of them was to go to Na Lima Aloha.  This is the second one to be donated to that organization. The second quilt will be given to an individual in the next few weeks.

There is something really unique about sending something beautiful out to the universe, not knowing who the recipient will be but trusting that Heavenly Father will help this quilt find its way to a little one who is in need of comfort.

I got to do a little free motion quilting on this one as well.  I love that my hands are added to Shalair's.

The name Na Lima Aloha means The Hands That Love. I am so grateful for the hands that are helping me with The Duncan Project and especially today for my dear Shalair.

Love in the stitches....

The colors are so bright and happy

Quilt #36 Monica Waitz

Monica with her quilt

Monica Waitz is the 36th recipient in The Duncan Project. A good friend here in Hawaii, Terina Holmes, recommended Monica. The two women met while the Holmes family was stationed in Colorado. One thing I have experienced here in Hawaii with these wonderful military wives is how they love, support and care for each other. These relationships, which by necessity are formed quickly, often last long after the family has moved to the next duty station.
Monica is battling breast cancer.

Terina writes:

Love this fabric

I met Monica when we were in the same ward in Colorado Springs. I was assigned to be her visiting teacher. We had both recently had our third baby. Over time, we became friends. I got to know a little about her past and discovered what a strong woman she was. Then, with 3 small ones at home, she started the BYU Pathways program. While going to school, her husband got a great job offer, and they moved to Oklahoma to their dream property. She kept up her school, as well as homeschooling her kids. A few months ago she discovered she had breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy and it now in the process of chemo therapy.

Monica seems to roll with whatever is thrown at her. She is realistic about how much it sucks, but she always has a positive attitude about whatever it is. Four babies back to back?? Great, she spent years unable to get pregnant, so she's grateful. Seven people in a tiny house? She's grateful to have a house that is all theirs. Two flat tires on the van? No big deal, she's glad to have a van to have the flat tires and a husband that will come home and take care of it. Breast cancer? Her trademark attitude doesn't fail. She gives herself a blue mohawk before her hair falls out.

I hoped Monica could receive one of these quilts to remind her that even though many of her friends and family are far away, we support and love her. A quilt is a physical reminder of not just me, but all those that love her from afar, and wish they could be closer to bring in a meal, watch her kids, or clean her house. Or hold her hand during chemo.

 I wish I knew this woman personally. I am grateful for Terina's inspiration. It is my hope that this lap quilt will provide a small measure of comfort. There is "love in the stitches" for this woman warrior.