During the last few weeks of my son's spring semester at college, we found out that he would be playing baseball in New York for the summer. I started praying right away for the family that he would live with. When word came that he would be living with Shirley, a recent widow and one other player, I felt at peace knowing God had a plan. I started thinking about a quilt for her as soon as I met her knowing that I would want to give her a special gift.
How do you thank someone who opens their home to a stranger? Who cares for and feeds your child? Who makes sure he has what he needs and waits up to see if he made it home safely? Who takes the time to pray for him and ask him about how he played that day?
Shirley cried when she unrolled the quilt. She cried again when she hugged Taylor goodbye. We said we would keep in touch and let her know the results of his testing. I don't know if we'll ever see Shirley again, but I so thank the Lord for her and all she gave this summer. Making and giving gifts to others is my way of expressing my love and thankfulness for them. The label on the quilt read "To Shirley, from deep within a Mother's heart I thank you".
With joy,
