Quilt #117 Lori Bunnell

 Quilt #117 was given to Lori Bunnell. 

Sometimes we get to give a happy quilt. This is one of those. This quilt was given in honor of a very special birthday.

Lori Bunnell has been a force for good in my life for nearly 22 years. She is an amazing mother, grandmother and friend and has taught me so much over the years.

We  had the good fortune to move next door to the Bunnell's back in 2001. She became a dear friend and listening ear. I still remember her wise and supportive parenting advice. My kids are better for it.

 And though we have moved several times since, we have had the ability to stay in close contact.

There is so much love in the stitches for my wonderful friend, Lori.

Quilt #116 Marilyn Dexter donated by Mary Duke

 

Quilt #116 was presented to Marilyn Dexter. Last year Marilyn lost the love of her life to Covid, which is heartbreaking in and of itself, but on top of that , within just a few months all of her children were diagnosed with awful diseases. Her daughter was hit very hard with MS and her sons were diagnosed with Crohn's disease and Colitis.

Marilyn is also the main caregiver to her 95 year old father (although he is pretty independent). 

We chose bright colors for her quilt to cheer her up. We chose the heart pattern for two reasons. First, because we love her so much, but mostly because her heart is so big and full of love.

There is love in the stitches for dear Marilyn....

Quilt #115 Cindy Vernon donated by member of Book Club

 

Quilt #115 was given to Cindy Vernon by members of her (our) book club. Cindy is such an example of giving to all of us. She constantly seeks to cheer and connect. Just this week I was the recipient of chocolate and flowers. But better than chocolate is the way she listens with compassion, humor and encouragement. 

These last few months she has had a few challenges of her own.  Multiple wrecked vehicles, a case of Covid and family members needing additional nursing care.

This quilt was given to let her know, she is seen and appreciated by so many.

The note that accompanied the quilt written by one of the members, says exactly how we feel:

This is a belated birthday-friendship-you've been through a rough patch gift (quilt). We love you! We think the world of you. You are a constant in our lives we appreciate your calm, loving spirit. You enjoy beauty and you have helped us look at the world and seek out the beauty found in the arts.

We have learned to be more "family first" because of you. Your gracious spirit is the epitome of GRACE. You are a true disciple of Jesus Christ and we want to be more like you.

I recently read a quote from Donna Ashworth that applies especially to Cindy and frankly to all the members of Book Club, a group of women filled with gracious givers and receivers.

If every single person who has liked you in your lifetime, were to light up on a map, it would create the most glitteringly beautiful network you could imagine. Throw in the stranger you've been kind to, the people you've made laugh, or inspired along the way and that star-bright network of YOU would be an impressive sight to behold. You're so much more than you think you are. You have done so much more than you realize. You're trailing a bright pathway that you don't even know about. What a thing. What a thing indeed.

A bucketful of love is in these stitches...

Quilt #113 Wes Brown donated by Mary Duke

 

Quilt #113 was donated to Wes Brown by Mary Duke. Wes Brown had a very close call with an aneurysm a few months back. He was very blessed to beat the odds.

There is love in the stitches for this miracle man.

Quilt #112 Gabby MacConaghy donated by Esther Russell and Mary Duke

Quilt #112 was created and donated to Gabby MacConaghy by her friends Esther Russell and Mary Duke. Gabby has had diabetes for several years. She has had all kinds of struggles with it since she was diagnosed. She moved to an assisted living facility a few years ago with her husband and often feels completely overwhelmed by her health problems.

This quilt was given to her to remind her that she is missed in the old neighborhood. These ward sisters  think of her often and love her dearly. 

We add our love in the stitches for sweet Gabby.

 

Quilt #111 KayCee Sawyer donated by Kelly Chinn

Quilt #111 was presented to Kaycee Sawyer by her friend Kelly Chinn. 

Kelly writes:

My dear friend KayCee Sawyer's family was forever changed on July 25, 2021. Six family members were involved in a horrible dust storm accident on !-15. Five of the six family members did not survive the accident. KayCee lost a son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren.

KayCee is a wonderful example of selfless service, charity and has a genuine love for everyone she meets.

The pattern for this gifted quilt is called, "Layers of Love." In the middle of the quilt are the names of the precious loved ones lost. There are so many people who love and adore KayCee. I hope this quilt will help her feel the "Layers of Love" and comfort from all those who do.

The names were embroidered by Leanne and the quilting was done by Donna.

It is interesting to note that this quilt was donated by Kelly Chinn, the sister in law of one of my dearest friends Toni Martin. Toni passed in 2019 and at her funeral the pews were covered with the many quilts Toni had gifted in her life.  The memory of her service continues to inspire.

There is such love in the stitches for KayCee and her loved ones.

 

Quilt #110 Denny Gunderson donated by Mary Duke

Quilt #110 was presented to Denny Gunderson by Mary Duke.

Mary writes:

 Denny and his wife Jerry have had a really rough couple of years with health concerns. This quilt was going to go to Jerry who was in the hospital and a rehab center for a couple of months. The quilt was almost finished when suddenly Jerry passed away. So it was given to Denny instead. I hope it brings some comfort. The quilt is done in Jerry's favorite colors of blue and white (Jerry was Dutch). It's quilted with circles, the symbol of eternal love.

There is love in the stitches for this couple who were married by nearly 60 years. Their loving relationship lives on.