When the word “Space” was given to us I had no clue where I was going with it. Well, the month of June has been a thought provoking month. It has been one of thinking how much I love my family and friends. It started with my oldest son coming home so that he could have surgery on his ankle at the VA and recuperate at our house. Next my husband had a kidney stone get stuck and it was ER, surgery and in office surgery. During that session our first grandbaby was born! Oliver is precious! His parents are on cloud nine. Also my other daughter-in-law in Kentucky fell and had major surgery on her knee. So many highs and lows, but we are now all on the mend and the little Steward family is perking right along.
I’m someone who wants to protect my family and friends and take care of them as much as possible. There was a lot to do in the month of June. I enjoyed being able to feed my son good meals and give him a safe, comfortable home to recuperate in and keep his dog and cat here. I know that helped with his healing. I was happy that I could take my husband to the ER and be the one who kept track of everything that was going on there. I’m happy I can help when my daughter-in-law needs help going to the doctor with the little one and I love being able to do his laundry, especially folding those tiny little outfits. I wish I was closer so that I could have helped my son and his wife in Kentucky, but they know I would be there if I could.
In July I spoke at the Quilter’s Guild of Arlington and gave a workshop too. My heart is filled a little bit more with the wonderful comments and stories the ladies at the workshop shared with me and those who came up after the lecture to talk. My quilting is all about stories. There is a reason that I make a quilt and when others enjoy the stories it just makes my heart sing!
In April at our Material Mavens retreat I loved making connections with the Arkansas mavens. I know everyone a little bit more and you each have a space in my heart. Today, I met a man who is 97 years old and was married on Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor day. Yes, another special spot for him now. I think my heart is even more open then it ever has. Maybe it’s because I’m older, but I think it is because I just really enjoy people and want to know them better.
My heart is full and the amazing part it can continue to be filled even more. I was going to make a heart and fill it with all kinds of things, but I felt like it just looked like a mess. This heart has other hearts in it to make it look like it is pulsing with great joy for all the love that is in it. The rays coming off of it are what is continually being added. May the space in your heart be filled with love too.
Beautiful quilt, and amazing stories about your family, your friends, and your new friends that make your quilt even more inspirational. Great job !
ReplyDeleteA lovely quilt and such a good accounting of the dramatic events in your life of late. Thanks for sharing with us. You are such s gift to the world of quilting, to your family, to our Mavens group, and to me personally as one of my very first quilter friends!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story. We are so lucky to help our families. We have also had a month of helping heal family members. Love your heart!
ReplyDeleteJudy, what a month! I had a year like that in 2016, don't think I could have handled it in 4 weeks. Some how miraculously we summon the strength to care for others, it's the wonderful gift of being a woman. The heart knows no bounds. Reminds me of the Grinch, "that day his small heart grew three times". I enjoyed my week with you, hope to do it again soon. Mavens have made my heart grow three times. Thank you all!!
ReplyDeleteI always liked the part where the Grinch's heart grew. I did think about that when I was making this yet I made sure my heart wasn't boxed in:)
DeleteBeautifully done - amazing how love grows the more its given - always room for more space in the heart. I hope everyone stays healthy and you also always make room for taking good care of Judy too!
ReplyDeleteJudy, this quilt is sooooooooo pretty and hearing the story behind it makes it so special. I agree with Sara in that you must be sure to take of yourself as well. Buches of Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteJudy, your heart will continue growing because all that love has to have more and more room. As the others said love yourself!
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