Thank you, Mom ...

On March 6th, I went to spend a few days with my Dad and Brother.  I brought home six of my Mother's lovely handcrafted quilts.  Quilts that she poured so much of her life in to - so much of her time and love. The blessing is that it feels as if I brought a little piece of her heart home but it was still very bittersweet.  In my mind, it was a step that meant she really was gone.  I've been able to avoid that truth for over 4 years because every time I went back to Michigan, everything was just as it was when Mom was here.   Thanks to my sweet Sister and some advice from friends, I was able to muddle through.  I must admit,  now that I am home, I am so glad that I did.  I have one more box to go through.  I'm taking it slow because it is just as hard to open the boxes as it was to pack them.   The quilts were the hardest because so much of her is wrapped in them. One of the quilts entitled "This One's For Me" has been my favorite for many years.  It is a Queen Size quilt that won Mom the honor of being chosen for the Smithsonian Institution Folk Art Exhibit.  When I pulled that one from the box, all I could do was hold on tight and weep.  I whispered to myself  "Now This One's For Me".  I know they are the selfish tears of a Daughter who misses her Mother but I am allowing the tears to flow freely.  I am grateful.  With her art, she left a beautiful reminder of who she was, a kind and gentle spirit filled with patience and love for life and for those who were blessed enough to share life with her.   Thank you, Mom.    

"This One's For Me" - Hand Quilted and Appliqued Queen Size

Center of "This One's For Me"

 Queen Size Baltimore Quilt

 My little one choosing to rest by the cat on the Baltimore Quilt!

 Very Miniature Baltimore Quilt

 Basket of Flowers created by Hammering Real Flowers on Silk

  Close up of Flowers