quiltmonkey Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 This is a long story so bear with me. OK this past week, I was given a Sunbonnet Sue quilt. My customer, Verde, wanted custom work in the sashing, borders and background fill around the SBS in each "scene" The quilt top was made by her elderly mother, Carol, and Carol is terminally ill and has maybe a few months to live. Something to do with hernias in her abdomen that the doctors say are beyond repair and surgery is an extremely high risk. So sad... Hospice is starting now. Anyway, Carol's SBS quilt top was exquisitely done. I could tell it was made with so much love. Each piece of the applique was all finished with a beautiful blanket stitch done by hand. Each "scene" (there were 12 scenes in the quilt) were so cute... and lovingly done with great choices in fabrics. It was very personal, and was made as a special gift for her grand daughter. The woman that pieced it together, Carol (Verde's mom) hasn't much time left to live. When I finished it, I told Verde that I wanted to meet her mom (due to health, Carol is house bound and cannot travel). Well, Verde and Carol just live 2 miles away from me... so on Monday (yesterday), I picked up Verde and we drove over to her mom's house. I walked into their home where I immediately felt so much love. Have you ever walked into someone's house and you just felt the love that lived there? So. That is when I met Carol, and her loving, kind family. And she is so adorable. She has a beautiful face like sunshine and a radiating smile. And she talked my ear off the entire time. And she loved her quilt. Her in-home care nurse, Brenda, just happened to be there, too. And I also met her lovely daugher in law, Nancy. All of them happen to be quilters. And Carol's husband was there, too. His health is failing. But Carol and her hubby are hanging on so they can be around to celebrate their 70 year wedding anniversary in June. (I told Carol if I hear rock & roll music blaring from down the street I know it's her anniversary party) She laughed. So... After chatting, Carol brings me into her bedroom. There she has her sewing machine set up. On the walls, are posters of photos of her family. Up and down the hallway, posters made from photos of her extended family. It oozed with so much love. In Carol's room, she also has a computer. So she asked me for my email so she could write or call me with her next quilt she's making. That was on Monday. Well, today (Tuesday) I get an email from Carol. I wanted to share it with you. It's so cute. Here it is: Shana, I have actually been rejoicing to have found a quilter, and one who loves to put love into her work. Thank you very much. I have enough materials left over to made another Sun Bonnet Sue for Nancy’s daughters little girl named Molly. Brenda and I talked about it today what we would like to do. We finished the little black “Ask me if I care if the seams don’t match” quilt. It is very pretty actually. Have a happy day. With affection, Carol and Brenda and Nancy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LFQuilts Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 Shana, Thanks for sharing. This is indeed a lovely story. I hope that Carol and her husband make it to their 70th anniversary - what an accomplishment. The recipients of the SBS quilts will be covered in love - both from the piecer and the quilter. Sounds like you've met a quilter with as much love in her heart as you have in yours. Take care. Lynn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted February 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 Thanks. Oh and she has bins of fabric in her bedroom too. She also showed me a vintage 30's double wedding ring she's currently putting together. She's got quite a few projects going. And Carol told me that when she got the news about her terminal illness, she was pretty down about it. But then she figured she has to make the most of her remaining days so she has decided that no more down, only happy and good days are left for her. She's got quilts to finish!!! Attitude is indeed everything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 What a wonderful story, Shana! Prayers for Carol and family. And a big hug for you, my friend! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonnie H Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 What a beautiful person she sounds like! How lucky for you to be involved in helping her finish her SBS. Do you have pictures to share, too? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beachside Quilter Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 Aww, Shana, such a sweet story! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cblevins Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 Oh Shana that story touched me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoseCity Quilter Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 More tissue used..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathG Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 Shana , a wonderful story, thank you for sharing !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janette Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 you are probably the kindest person I have ever "never" met.... LOL.... such a touching story, and so good of you to make the time to go visit her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy G Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 Shana, what can one say to that!! obviously a higher authority decided that you two were destined to meet.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primitive1 Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 What a special person....both of you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Kuhlman Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 What a wonderful, touching story. Shana you are a very blessed soul. I felt the love of Carols family just reading your post. Please keep us posted on Carol. Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 God brought you together for a reason. I love stories like this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted February 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 Thank you. I think the same way about our destiny ---- and how things just happen the way they are supposed to happen---- You all are the sweetest and I knew you would completely understand where I am coming from. Thank you all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisae Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 What a wonderful story, Shana. Everything happens for a reason...like Heidi said! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kay Anderson Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 attitude is everything! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestieMom Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 Shana, I know what you mean about being in a house full of love...you just feel it. When I was growing up my best friends house was like that. I spent every minute I could with that family and have very fond memories of that time in my life. What a sweetie you are to want to meet Carol. She sounds like a dear with a great attitude. Those projects are keeping her going! Thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat C Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 What a sweet story (as I wipe tears from my eyes). I pray this couple surpass their 70th anniversary and beyond. Shana, I can only imagine how you touched their hearts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmkeindl1 Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 Thank you for sharing, let us know how she's doing (would sure love to see the SBS quilt?!) I just LOVE quilters! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted February 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 OK I will definitely get a photo of Carol with her SBS quilt. Thank you for the kind thoughts. I love you all too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisquilter Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 You know Shana, when I meet people like that.....I call them angels. What a privilege to have met her! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CindyT Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 Ahh. Heartwarming story and thanks for sharing. You've definitely made a precious connection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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