When you see a friend in pain, it hurts. It hurts so badly and you just wish you could
carry the load for them, or at least a portion in hopes that their burden is
more manageable.
Two months ago one of our guild sisters, Leandra (The Zombie Quilter), tragically
lost her 20 year old daughter to a motorcycle accident in the wee hours of September
19. Our hearts ached for her and we
wanted to do what we all do best; make
her a quilt. Time was of the essence and
our guild is quite large so we needed a quick and easy block that was on the
small side so all of them would fit. It
also needed to be scrappy so that virtually everyone could participate without
having to run to the store. We noticed
that Leandra had a Pinterest board called “For the Love of Purple” and we found
a simple and smallish heart block here
by Cluck Cluck Sew. So our plan was to create quilt of purple hearts! Our board members
approved the plan and information was sent out within 24 hours. Our goal was to have the quilt completed and
to give it to her at our next meeting on October 7. I knew our guild members would not
disappoint! We could do this!
Why did I know we could do this? First of all, our guild members, and quilters
in general, are such loving and caring people.
And we love to comfort people with our quilts! I also knew we could do this because in
October of 2012 Judy lost her life partner and we made her a beautiful quilt in
just a few weeks and without her knowing it.
We even swapped blocks right under her nose at one of our sew days!
The day after the email went out the blocks started
arriving. Every day blocks were being
dropped off or coming in the mail, many with sweet notes of sympathy. As the collector of the blocks, I have to say
that the sentiment of each and every block was so loving. I could just feel the love that was going to
envelop Leandra and her family when she would be presented with the quilt. It was such an honor to be the one to collect
the blocks!
All in all, we received 48 blocks, one short of a 7x7 grid,
but that was no obstacle as we felt that an empty block was symbolic of the
loss of Caitlyn. Beth embroidered her name
and three butterflies in the space so that it wasn’t entirely empty, just as we
are sure that while there is a huge hole in Leandra’s heart we also know that
it is filled with so much love at the same time.
I want to take a moment to publicly thank Leandra and the
opportunity to work on this quilt.
Caitlyn’s death touched me deeply and it has helped to create a
friendship with Leandra that I cherish.
Nothing will ever make up for Caitlyn’s loss but I know that many
beautiful things have resulted from it.
Caitlyn, may you spread your wings and fly with nothing
holding you back!
I find that quilters respond to losses such as this, quickly and with so much love. Losing a child is one of the true tragedies of life. I can only thank God that I have not had this experience. But I have gone through it with my sister, and a couple of friends.
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of our guild members for the friendship and help provided to Leandra during this time. I have always been proud to be a part of this group, and this is no exception!
Well said, Jodi. It is a spectacular group. I feel honored to be a part of it.
ReplyDeleteBoth quilts are beautiful and so sweet that guild members are there to give some comfort in a time of need like that. Quilters really are special people and the more I get to know everyone in the guild, the prouder I am to be a member.
ReplyDeleteWe have such a wonderful guild! Both quilts are beautiful and made with love. Thank you Jodi for organizing the quilts and sharing the details here.
ReplyDeleteI've been part of other quilt guilds, as have probably many of us. Never have I felt a sense of community and support as with this, our, group. I only wish that we had no reason to make these quilts. BUT, given the need, I am so proud of the help we may have given.
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