Oh my Goodness ! This theme presented itself at one of the most critical “times” in our lives.
Starting in January 2015, my husband Greg and I began a journey that’s lead us into worlds we never knew about, and into what has been a time-warp of doctors, clinics, surgeons, hospitals, surgical and cardio re-habilitation, pain management... The endless challenges of two major life altering surgeries within 4 months of each other.
Total knee replacement surgery occurred in February. Recovery from that surgery, and re-hab to get the new Titanium knee in synch with the rest of Greg’s leg structure was well under way.
In May, Greg had a significant cardio ‘incident’ that lead us into “Triple By-Pass” and “Valve Replacement” surgery. We’re just now getting ready to enter the Cardio Re-hab program, Greg’s starting to drive again, and he’s able to do ‘light’ work around the house, but isn’t supposed to lift anything over 10 pounds.
My quilt focuses on this journey. The background is composed of strips of fabric that have hand-written words & phrases that describe some of the things we experienced during these past several months. The background is overlayed with a dark purple ‘veil’ representing the incredibly deep, solemn times we’ve experienced.
The main focus of the quilt, of course, is Greg’s “Broken” / “Mended” heart. During surgery, the ribs are separated from the sternum so the surgical team can access the heart. Following this, the ribs and sternum are “wired” back together (yes... with real wire !) and the chest is stitched back together. Eventually, the bones and tissue heal; however, the wires remain in place forever. I try to imagine what Greg’s chest X-Rays look like !
The fabric I used for the back of the quilt reminded me of all the EKG's Greg's had to have.
I’ve been very, very grateful for this theme. It’s lead me to great soul-searching, and continues to help as Greg and I work our way through these extremely challenging times.
Kathy, what a perfect quilt for the stage you find yourself in at this time. We have all been thinking of the two of you. Your depicted of a broken heart and how time heals wounds is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you found comfort and time to reflect while working on this theme and quilt. It is a beautiful representation of a very difficut time in your lives. The inclusion of so many details, including the purple shroud over your lives, is so powerful!!
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ReplyDeleteKathy, this is one of my favorites among your quilts! You put your heart and soul into it, and it shows! The mended heart--brilliant! I clicked to enlarge to see some of the words you wrote in the background strips. I cannot imagine a theme that is so right for you in terms what is going on in your life right now and in the immediate past! Yes, we can all pray that, indeed, "time will heal all wounds" for you and for Greg!
ReplyDeleteSo perfect! May you both heal quickly!
ReplyDeleteIt's perfect for the theme! Stunning as always Kathy!
How very pertinent this quilt is in interpreting this time in your life. We are all so glad that Greg is recovering. I hope to meet you sometime this year.
ReplyDeleteWonderful symbolism in your quilt. Well done!
Absolutely perfect interpretation of theme. No detail has been overlooked from the purple shroud to the wires. Only someone who has witnessed this life altering event can relate to this. Hope it brought you all some comfort. It's truly inspirational!!!!!
ReplyDeleteQuite powerful!! and that backing fabric is perfect!!!
ReplyDeleteKathy, this is so meaningful, not only to you and Greg but to all of us that may face life altering situations.
ReplyDeleteWow! So much went into this quilt and it's story is something else! I'm glad you were able to create such a beautiful quilt at this trying time.
ReplyDeleteGreat job Kathy - so impressed that you were able to get it done and that Greg's condition was found before it was too late. I hope and pray that recovery will progress and all wounds heal. I sure admire your great attentio to symbolism and detail in this quilt
ReplyDeleteWow Kathy, you have managed to make such a powerful and stunning "tribute" to such a difficult time in your life. I love that you have used wire as the doctors used to repair Greg's heart.
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