Quilting with Mom

It's been two weeks today since my Mom died.  And while there is sadness that she is no longer here, I am focusing on being grateful.  Grateful that she lived a long, and mostly healthy, life.  Grateful that the process of her dying was, although sometimes painful, not protracted.  Grateful for my many friends, some who knew Mom, some who didn't, who have offered shoulders, food, conversation, silence.  Whatever I've needed, they have provided.  Grateful for all those who came to share their remembrances of Mom and helped my brothers and I realize that she did indeed, have a life well-lived.

But one of the things I am most grateful for is learning to craft from Mom.  Until her stroke seven years ago, she was always doing something, crocheting, sewing, quilting, stained glass, ceramics, even the crazy punch card wreaths.  She enjoyed it all, and today I have a connection with her that will always be with me.  

 Mom, working on a stained glass piece.

When I returned from the funeral in Ohio, I realized that I had made a commitment to have two quilt blocks completed by March 1st.  The blocks would go into a quilt that will be auctioned off to provide funds to help our community school.  I wasn't sure I could do it. I wrestled with my dilemma (Mom was also big on keeping commitments) and talked with the organizer. Finally, I decided to try.  Making quilt blocks is a logical, mathematic endeavor that when done correctly, step-by-step, creates something beautiful and is very satisfying.  Once I began, the process was calming and provided just the right amount of distraction for my grieving mind.  It felt good to complete something and a part of my Mom will live on in that quilt.

Wall-hanging I made for Mom.

Triple Irish Chain, hand-pieced by Mom.

Enjoying Tucson Botanical Gardens, Fall, 2009