Today I was able to see a project - a BIG project - come full circle. From inspiration to creation, from purpose and process to completion. And for a prolific starter like me this is no small milestone. The quilt that I have been working on for my late friend's wee daughter is done. I took it to the M.O.M.s group that Susan and I both attended, both served on leadership team, both loved, laughed and cried and in general did life together. With the help of these dear ladies the binding was joined to the back of the quilt and it was finally, at long last (insert heavy sigh of relief here) DONE.
I am ever mindful of the gift I've been given: these eyes that see in fabric and paint, these hands that are still willing to learn new skills, this brain that is capable of sorting out the how of this project. I spent long hours thinking about how to approach this one, the weight of it ever on my shoulders and in my heart. I simply didn't want to make a mess of this. And I thought of Susan every step of the way. Of her humour and her heart. Of her willingness to lend a hand. Of the pain - very real and often severe pain - that she bore without a single word never mind a complaint. Of her love for Carley, the miracle she never thought she'd have because of her illness. All this I thought of and never once touched this project without uttering a simple prayer God, you know who this is for and what it means. Guide me and guard it.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped take apart Susan's clothing and who sewed along with me today, who cheered me on every step of the way. Thank you for having faith in me even when I doubted I couldn't bring this home. And most of all thank you to Carley and Spencer who trusted me with Susan's most favorite outfits (those Ikeda overalls!!). I hope it was worth the wait.
