I can finally share with you a special quilt that I finished in October, for a special friend of mine.
We've been friends for many years, and met while we and our husbands were all working at the BLM. All but my husband worked doing wildlife biology. We both have 2 boys, about the same age as well, so shared baby clothes and gear, and went to each others baby showers. Our husbands still hunt together when they can.
During the summer of 2000, when we were both in our early 30's, she was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, a very aggressive, malignant brain tumor, and given less than a year to live by her doctors, when her boys were just toddlers.
Miraculously, now, over 13 years later, she's had multiple surgeries, and been through years of various treatment therapies, and is still fighting hard, despite the very grim prognosis. In 2004, she climbed Mt Shasta (elevation 14,167 ft), and wrote a book, called "Life's Mountains" about her experience.
Her last surgery was in the Spring. We found out that her most recent MRI did not come back clean, and we're all hoping that the next one, in just a few days, will show no growth in the suspicious "spot".
Watching this wonderful, strong, amazing woman go through this journey over the last several years has taught me so much about what's important in life. Her spirit, knowledge, hope, courage and determination is a guide for many. I made this simply to show I care, and to help give her warmth and comfort in the months and years to come.
What a good friend you are, and what a great gift !
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and your friends! What a source of strength and comfort your couple friendship is! We developed a friendship like that early in our marriage (1977 -- 2 years in)...and the husband of the other couple was a strong speaker of comfort and joy when my DH died in 2006 (Type 1 Diabetes -- terminal, but much slower than cancer, generally), I still see and hear from this couple; they were godparents to our children and guardians (now no longer needed). Such people are a life-long blessing as you and your hubby are for them...Many hugs!! You may never really know how important you are to them.
ReplyDeletesuch a wonderful friendship and I am sure you and your husband must be a great support to your dear friend. I know she will love the quilt and pray that her next scan will be good news
ReplyDeleteThis is really lovely and I'm sure it will be a blessing to your friend!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to give her strength, especially if she reads the blog too. Now you can hold her hand and heart, even when you can't be there. A treasure for sure.
ReplyDeleteGreat goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff before and you are just too great. I really like what you have acquired here, certainly like what youre saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it wise. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is definitely a great site.
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I happened across your site because I was looking for Pendleton scrap for a lampshade... but then saw this. What a touching story. I can't imagine what it would be like to raise two kids and spend the ENTIRE time also fighting an aggressive disease. You are a lovely friend to create such a lovely quilt. My best to your friend. I hope she finds herself here in another 13 years.
ReplyDeleteI happened across your site because I was looking for Pendleton scrap for a lampshade... but then saw this. What a touching story. I can't imagine what it would be like to raise two kids and spend the ENTIRE time also fighting an aggressive disease. You are a lovely friend to create such a lovely quilt. My best to your friend. I hope she finds herself here in another 13 years.
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