a tale of tails, tenacity, and tedium, as told by me, usually barefoot and bellowing

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

The Christmas Quilt

One Christmas, when the children were small, times were lean for us. I scrambled to make it a Christmas no different than others for the girls yet the effects could be seen in my gift giving and felt in my heart.

I hand made the adult's gifts.  For Mom and Dad, I pieced a Bear Claw quilt for their gift. I cried a lot that Christmas and felt I had failed my family.  Mother and Dad exclaimed how beautiful the quilt was but never used it on their bed.

 Mother died in'99 and Dad in '06.  The quilt came back to me.

I run my hands over it and wonder why they rarely displayed it.  It was made lovingly with Mom's favorite color through out the quilt...with flowers, she and Dad loved flowers.
I realize now Mom kept the quilt safe because, even then, Dad was entering the early stages of Alzheimer's and sometimes things were not safe from his busy work.  She would not talk about Dad's illness and covered for it many years before we knew.

I touch the quilt now and know that Mom loved the quilt and kept it safe for me...to know that family love is important.  To know, even when times are tough, we love family with all our heart and soul.  To remember, even when times are lean, the love is still there.

And I follow the tradition Mom began with her gift...it does not grace a bed but is displayed to remind me that love IS everything, not just THINGS.

20 comments:

Buttons Thoughts said...

Gail I love this post it is has a very powerful message. I miss my Dad too but am lucky enough to still have my 83 year old Mom. I think your gift was beautiful. B

the canned quilter said...

Quilts can be so special! I made my father a quilt that he used everyday until his death. It gave me great peace to know that my father passed wrapped in my love. I now treasure that quilt and will pass it to my son.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

It's a miracle....I can see it!!! I ended goin' deep into the guts of my settings to finally fix the problem but by~doggies I do believe it's fixed. I'm like a dog with a meaty bone with things like this!

What a wonderfully beautiful treasure you Mama gave to you and your family!!! Quilts are so very special and yours is no exception.

God bless you sweetie and have a terrific day!!! :o)

I'm happy, happy, happy!!! Dancin' here! :o)

Rudee said...

This is a beautiful post, Gail. Apparently, though out of sight, it was not far from your mother's heart. I'm glad she kept it safe to return to you.

Rae said...

It's a beautiful quilt and a very touching story. What a wonderful treasure to have that quilt now.

ellen abbott said...

wonderful post Gail.

Rusty said...

Amen...

LindaG said...

*Hugs* Gail. ♥
Very thoughtful post.

Country Gal said...

A beautiful post and quilt.
I love the hand made country quilts!
Have a good day !

Country Gal said...

I miss both of my parents, I lost my dad 15 years ago and my mum 3 years ago but I now they are always in my heart and my memories.

DesertHen said...

What a beautiful quilt and a beautiful post!

Susan Anderson said...

What a lovely symbol of a loving truth.

Thanks, Gail.

=)

Golden Eagle said...

What a beautiful post.

Carla said...

How beautiful, Gail. The handiwork, and the message.

B. WHITTINGTON said...

What an incredibly beautiful work of art, your quilt. Of course she protected that quilt. My mom was that way, she put everything pretty and nice away for use "someday." Which never came. She'd put her nice gowns and underwear we bought her away for if and when she had to go to the hospital. She eventually used them but that brings back memories of all that she saved for us girls.
Love you for sharing this. Many thanks.
Blessings. Barb
PS I love all the post about Ki-Anne and yes she's living up to her name!

dmraz said...

A Beautiful quilt for two beautiful people.

Far Side of Fifty said...

What a lovely gift from the heart..I am glad you have it back..I do not display or use any of my quilts..I have them packed away. I am like your Mom I guess I love them too much to use them:)

Irene said...

That's a lovely quilt, Gail. Made with love and treasured with love. It's nice that you have it now and can display it. It's a real work of art. I would not have the patience or the talent to make one. I hope it becomes an heirloom.

Carol Henrichs said...

Gail, what a lovely sentiment and a lovely quilt. When you touch it, I just know you can feel your parents' presence. Quilts are special that way.

MadSnapper said...

it is beautiful and you do the right thing showing it.

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