A year ago, May, my dear friend, Cheryl, went home to be with the Lord after battling cancer. You can read our story here. Recently I had the privilege of creating a memory quilt for her oldest daughter, Leah.
I cannot say that this was an easy quilt for me to make. While I enjoyed the hand applique and piecing, I often found myself in tears. There were times when the pictures became overwhelming. Last week I picked up the quilt from my quilter/friend, Mary. Looking at the beautiful quilting she did brought me to tears again. With the exception of the yellow dot and some green, the beautiful fabric is "Celebration" by Brenda Riddle of Acorn Quilts. Her blog is here.
I was not able to see Cheryl at the end of her time on earth. We had talked about me flying out from Michigan to see her in Texas. I kept thinking I had time and allowed my schedule to get in the way. Whenever I thought I could go, something would come up and again I would tell myself that there was plenty of time.
Then one day the news came that she was gone. I could not believe it. I could not fathom that I allowed that time to pass and now it was too late. The guilt of this would eat me up for months. I had missed saying goodbye to one of the most cherished friends that the Lord has ever provided me.
It was during this time that Leah and I began corresponding. Leah was a balm for my soul and I offered to make a memory quilt for her. This has been such a healing process for me, one last thing that I could do for Cheryl. The most meaningful quilt I have ever made.
I urge you to not hesitate in telling the people you love how much they mean to you and to do so face to face if that is at all possible. I know that I will see Cheryl again and we will worship our Lord Jesus together as we did so many times before and this time we will see him face-to-face, but if I could go back to that time I would take the first plane out and run to her.
Thank you, Lord, for giving me this opportunity to make a quilt for Leah and thank you for Cheryl, and for her life that brought me to you.
With joy,
What a beautiful post and a stunning quilt. You are a wonderful friend to do this for her daughter. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteThe quilt is beautiful Renee. I am sure Leah will love it and cherish it. There is comfort in quilts. And this one, with pictures of her sweet wonderful mama, will no doubt bring her much comfort when she wraps herself up in it. :)
ReplyDeleteRenee, I hope you both have many happy memories to help ease the sad ones when you think about your friend and this quilt. Jenny
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful gesture! You're so right about not waiting. I tell my aging parents every day how much I love them! I don't want any regrets!
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is a beautiful way to commemorate the life of your friend for her daughter. It sounds like it helped the healing process for you too. Not only is it a beautiful quilt, but the love you put into it shines through.
ReplyDeleteThe work and love and tears that went into this beautiful quilt show in every stitch. Beautiful work and what a wonderful keepsake for your friends family.
ReplyDelete{ hand on heart. tears in eyes. }
ReplyDeleteOh Renee. This is the most beautiful quilt! You did a beautiful job and what a gift for Leah to wrap up in. It will be like a hug from her mom and bring her much comfort.
love ya, Trish
What a beautiful healing process this quilt symbolizes. Bringing two lives together to remember a very special person in a beautiful way. Priceless. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteI am moved by your post and thank you for sharing with us. The quilt is awesome and beautiful. Leah will treasure it all her life.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful quilt!! I just love all the details, how wonderful :) That is just something so neat and special to hold onto!
ReplyDeleteRenee, this is the most gorgeous quilt ever. i haven't seen on e like this before. May your friend rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteWould you be so kind to leave a comment on my BLOG ONLY (no emails), for the Miracle Makeover fund drive. Charlie, 8 yr. old, & his story are fabulous. Every comment brings us a $1 for the next person that will be sponsored. Please share this with your freinds.
Have a beautiful week.
Hugs,
TTFN ~
Marydon
Oh Renee, it is so beautiful! Thank you so much for telling me that you were making this. . . & it is even more beautiful that I imagined! . . . Mostly because of all the love & pieces of your heart that you used to make it. . . (& I'm so very honored that I got to play a small part in this gracious work-of-he'art'!)
ReplyDeletexo, Bren
Renee this is a remarkable memory. One that can be visited over and over. Wrapping yourself up in the warmth of friendship past. The colors and stitching...that's when you know you are doing God's work through your hands. Peace. How wonderful...Renee
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful labour of love! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post and absolutely beautiful, meaningful quilt. I know Leah will treasure it always. I had tears as you spoke of your dear friend as I have one that is battling cancer. Thank you for the reminder to take time! I know making this quilt brought healing to your heart.
ReplyDeleteThat was the most touching tribute you could have paid your friend, Renee. A gift from your heart to Leah no doubt impacted her in a way nothing else would, and it truly is a gift that will keep on giving for generations, the Lord willing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
What a precious gift to Cheryl's daughter. I'm heading to visit a friend in November that is battling cancer for the second time. I will cherish each moment. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI was very touched by this story - thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.