Quilt #69 Terina Holmes

Quilt #69 was presented to Terina Holmes. Terina is soon to leave the island (against her will). Hers is a military family so they go where they are required and she will be moving to Washington soon. I started a quilt for Terina with fabric reminescent of France (where she served her mission) but I just kept feeling that she needed fabric to remind her of her time here in Hawaii

.

There are so many things to love about Terina. She is a loyal friend and is fearless in defense of those who need her help. She is open and loving and does not shy away from the hard discussions. I personally think she has a gift to stand with those who can't stand for themselves. She openly shares her struggles and makes others feel free to do the same. 

Terina has been a great supporter of The Duncan Project. She has donated fabric. In addition, she provided me with names of people who could really use a quilt. She is aware of others and their needs and I have personally witnessed her serving in quiet ways. A key lime tart or a text message to check in and let others know they are loved.

Terina seems so at home at the beach. She is an expert at beach combing and makes her own jewelry with the treasures she has collected.

This quilt is one of my favorites and there is lots of love in the stitches for this wonderful friend and the child she has generously shared with me (Jacob).

Quilt # 66 Darci and Jared Jensen

Quilt #66 was given to Darci and Jared Jensen as a wedding present.

Darci is Duncan's aunt and so much more. She lived in the same home with him from the beginning to his passing at 2.5 years. Darci would often post pictures and videos of the nieces and nephews and it was clear that she cherished the relationships with these amazing and funny little children.

Opening the box.

Reading the card

Smiles and tears

Duncan's parents, grandparents and siblings were together when the quilt was opened. They sent a wonderful video and these still photos. Darci knew from the address on the box that it likely contained a Duncan Quilt. Her tears touch me greatly as they show me that she understands the love sewn into this quilt and Duncan's presence in the process. Also noteworthy is the look on her new husbands face. He was unaware of the project and was likely taken aback by all the tears in the room.

I worked with Darci when she served as a leader for the YCL's at Girls Camp. She has such a loving, generous, and inclusive spirit and she draws people in so easily. I have also heard her bear a powerful testimony and I know that she understands Duncan's current mission. Darci sent me a thank you and shared with me another tender mercy as Duncan's influence continues to be felt on this earth.

Darci and Duncan wearing crowns

This quilt just feels joyful and echoes both Darci and Duncan. Love in the stitches...

Wrapped in love. This quilt
has a minky back and was
long armed using the bubbles
pattern.

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.

Quilt #67 Hess Family and Baby Joshua

Hess Family

In January my friend Karen Anderton contacted me and let me know that she had been following The Duncan Project and wanted to suggest a wonderful family for a quilt.

Last Christmas Micaela and Travis Hess were expecting their 5th child. The due date was approaching and Michaela noticed that baby Joshua didn't seem to be moving.

In the coming days the Hess family experienced one of the most difficult trials in their life, the devastating news that their much anticipated baby boy Joshua would not take a breath in this life.

Baby Joshua

Travis shared with me a blog post that so tenderly explained their journey. He has allowed me to share the post here:

:https://travishess.wordpress.com/2018/01/20/christmas-miracles-in-the-midst-of-a-tragedy/

There is a beautiful miracle and tender mercy in the post where Heavenly Father gave his assurance to Travis and Micaela, through a trusted temple worker who had previously been Micaela's OB-GYN, that Joshua was part of their eternal family. There would be no need for a sealing for their precious stillborn son. The post is so touching and the  faith and testimony of this family and the many acts of perfect service are truly inspiring.

Travis ends his post with these words:

All this has given us hope. Hope that we will see Joshua again in the next life. Hope that we will get to know him. Get to raise him. To love him.

I wanted to share one other thing from Travis's email. He wrote:  Thank you so much for the quilt. It is spending its first night with our youngest, four-year-old Peter, who has always had an affinity for Joshua. He keeps it and other objects to remind him of the younger brother he almost had (on this earth). He was so excited to be a big brother, and though he hasn't shed any tears, he is the child most impacted by Joshua's passing. He has prayed for his resurrection so many times. It is amazing to see how much Peter understands.

I am so grateful that Karen Andertun was prompted to propose the Hess Family for a Duncan quilt. I felt the Spirit so strongly as I learned about Joshua's brief journey on this earth.

Much aloha and love in the stitches....

Quilt #65 Jodi and Willow Peterson

Jodi and her miracle baby Willow

Willow with brother Dallin

Quilt #65 was presented to Jodi and Willow Peterson on August 29th. Theirs is a very happy story. Roughly 18 months ago my dear friend Jodi started to received spiritual impressions that their family was not complete. She has had other instances where those spirits that were to be part of her family made their presence known and she listens carefully to these feelings. Only one problem, after 4 children, she and her husband had decided their family was complete and she had her tubes tied.
Jodi continued receiving the strong feeling that they were to add another child to their family, so she pursued what it would take to reverse the previous surgery. She decided to undergo surgery to reverse the tubal ligation. The surgery was a success and one of her fallopian tubes was reconnected and functional.
A few months Jodi and Dave received the miraculous news that Jodi was pregnant. Jodi had some serious health concerns during the pregnancy but she moved forward, knowing that this baby was destined to be a part of their family.
They named this beautiful baby girl Willow Kalei Peterson. I love that Willow has a middle name that celebrates Hawaii, the place of her birth. I looked up the meaning of her name and there were a couple of meanings listed, my favorite being: The beloved. On my first visit to see Willow it was obvious that she will bring such joy and depth to the Peterson family. There is love in the stitches of this  baby blanket for this incredible little Willow Kalei.

Love the pineapples and hibiscus in the fabric

Quilt #64 Barbara Holt donated by Book Club

All members of book club participated in this quilt. We are the lucky six that got to be there while it was presented.

Oh how we love a good surprise!

Quilt #64 was presented to Barbara Holt on August 14th by members of our book club. Barbara is an inspiration to all of us. We have had the benefit of her wisdom, kindness and love for decades. Our dear Barbara has been in a "divine storm" the past couple of years with a series of very difficult trials that would bring anyone to their knees. And yet, when we are troubled, we often turn to her for guidance and understanding. She knows how to listen without judgement and is uniquely gifted at helping each of us bear our burdens.
At a recent lunch, our wise Barbara shared some incredible insight with me about our role as mothers on this earth. She quoted a line from a William Blake poem that speaks to the weight we feel as mothers and nurturers when
It is interested to note that while Barbara has been in the midst of her own difficulties, she has sewn and donated 6 quilts to The Duncan Project. Barbara's son, Parker is recipient #34.


This quilt is just one tangible token of our love for her. From the card that accompanied the quilt, "The carpenter's star on this quilt, to us, represents the pure love of the Savior. The Savior said he would not leave us comfortless. He lovingly gave us the Holy Ghost. He has also given us friends as "comforters."

Barbara's home is decorated in neutrals. 

There is love, hope, prayers and hugs in each stitch of this quilt from the women of our group who feel honored to walk this road with our beloved Barbara.

Quilt #63 Allison Chase donated by Cherie Johnson and Stacey Tate

Just a few of the many sisters who have blessed by Allison Chase

Quilt #63 was gifted to Allison Chase by Cherie Johnson and Stacey Tate.

Allison and her family are leaving the island and once again we say Aloha Oe to a beautiful woman who has touched our lives and inspired us with her selflessness.

During her few years here on the island, she has shown us how to serve others. Always willing to prepare a meal, help clean a home and most important of all, watch a very special four legged friend.

Allison served as the Young Women's President during her time here. I was always impressed with her desire to love and foster inclusion. She deeply cared for the young women in our ward and they loved and respected her for her caring and powerful testimony.

We wish her and her family the best on their next duty assignment and wanted to send her with a tangible reminder of Hawaii.  The love is in the stitches....

The beautiful card drawn by Cherie

I think Keiko knew where this was
going.  She wouldn't stay off.