Why I am a Quilter

This is a roundabout story that doesn't have to do with an actual quilt. But, It made me realize why I truly love making quilts and giving them away. It has to do with a cheap blanket.
Husband and I had been camping for 3 days with our kids and all of my family (mom and dad, 8 kids, 6 spouses and 14 of the grandkids!) Husband and I were hmm'ing and haw'ing trying to decide when we wanted to make the 4-5 hour drive back home. Monday morning? As we were cleaning up breakfast Saturday morning my husband came to me and declared; we need to leave this morning, like right now. I was thinking the same thing so we quickly loaded up our tent and all our gear and started to head down the canyon. Just then in front of us a cyclist hit a deer. It was a bad wreck and the cyclist didn't look to be in very good shape. We quickly jumped out to asses and see if we could be of any comfort or help --- even with no first aid kit in our car. Uh, I have a bandaid, I think? Anywho, my husband grabbed this ratty old green fleece blanket that has always been in our car for the past 9 years. As he draped it around the gentleman's shoulders I had a flashback as I realized, this isn't the first time that blanket has comforted someone in need. Besides my own kids who have been wrapped in it countless times for various reasons; there was another time, another state, when an older gentleman passed out in the street as we were driving by. It was a hot sunny day. My husband jumped out, grabbed the blanket and used it to shield the gentleman from the sun while we waited for medical help. As we were no longer useful we drove away from the accident, leaving that blanket around the cyclists shoulders. I looked at it one last time in the rearview mirror and smiled. This is why I make quilts. They bring comfort to a broken heart, or perhaps a lost or wondering soul. They dry a child's tears, they keep a parent and child warm as the parent comforts a sick or lonely child in the wee hours of the night. One quilt I gave to a friend was used to wrap their stillborn baby as she was laid to rest. Quilts serve a much needed purpose of comfort, hope, love, and so much more.
All from a ratty old yucky fleece blanket ... this is why I love putting my heart and soul into quilts and giving them away. In the hopes that I am bringing a bit more comfort, love, and hope into this world that so desperately needs it.

I love this, thanks for sharing.

Beautiful.

This was beautiful and touched my heart. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, what a treasured memory, and an anthem to the very heart of the quilters and nurturers within us. Hugs ~Sheri

Love your story and agree with you 100%....that's why I quilt and give most of them away...have sold a few but most go to various charities...two within the forum....and I love the response when you get one although it isn't necessary.

Sweet! Thank you for sharing that!

Amen....beautiful analysis!

it always touches deep inside, when somebody Shares his Story, thanks a lot for that

Wonderful story...thanks for sharing it with us!

What a beautiful story....brought tears to my eyes. I am still a beginner. Started out thinking that I "need" something to do--a hobby. Now that I have read your story, I aspire to be the quilter that you are. Thank you!

Wonderful story to start the day! It made me smile.......thanks for sharing!

A touching and moving story that can't help but make you want to reach for fabric. As your story unfolded, it played like a movie in my head.....I could see it all happening! Thank you for sharing it with us, I have printed it out and am going to put it on the wall in front of my sewing machine. Any time I get frustrated or furious with a piece, I am going to see your post so that only good thoughts and positive energy flow with the stitches. :icon_hug:

You made me cry.. Happy tears. Thank you for sharing your story!! Happy Monday to you!

What a wonderful story :)

Your story brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing all of this. We on this forum often talk about how important quilting is to us (our addiction), but you have made clear why it's important to others.

What a lovely and inspiring sentiment! Thanks for posting.

I could not agree with you more! That is a beautiful story that truly touches on the hearts of those that love to make quilts and give them away. I give lap quilts to my oncology patients...it is a way to show them that I care about them, that they have touched my heart and in return they can consider one of my quilts as a hug from me. I think most quilters have a very similar story.