The Gift of Quilting
03-01-2011, 04:03 PM
#1
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Waukesha, WI
Posts: 61
My 89-year old mom has been in a nursing home the past two years. Dementia and Parkinson's have forced her to quit quilting--something that she has done all her life. At least one afternoon each weekend I visit mom and do some hand quilting. I've found it calms her when she is not having a good day. She seems to love that her daughter continues the tradition.
We sit in a public area in the home and other residents have started to join us. The nurses bring some of the Alzheimer's patients to join us. It all is very informal. Some people are able to talk about sewing, quilting, family,etc. while others just seem to enjoy watching my hands, touching the fabric or hearing about my plans for finishing a project. This has been my little way to add a little cheer to their lives. Actually, they are giving me the most precious gift--some wonderful memories with my mom and a chance to get to know some very special people.
My current project is finishing nine vintage dresden blocks that were given to my mom decades ago.
We sit in a public area in the home and other residents have started to join us. The nurses bring some of the Alzheimer's patients to join us. It all is very informal. Some people are able to talk about sewing, quilting, family,etc. while others just seem to enjoy watching my hands, touching the fabric or hearing about my plans for finishing a project. This has been my little way to add a little cheer to their lives. Actually, they are giving me the most precious gift--some wonderful memories with my mom and a chance to get to know some very special people.
My current project is finishing nine vintage dresden blocks that were given to my mom decades ago.
03-01-2011, 04:09 PM
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: NW Minnesota
Posts: 1,245
What special memories you are making!!! And you are so right that there are some wonderful people in retirement homes. I stayed with my mom for 6 weeks after my dad passed. I got to know so many of the residents....they became like extended family. I am so happy for you to be able to have this time with your mom, and all your new found "family".
Hugs to you and your mom.
Patti
Hugs to you and your mom.
Patti
03-01-2011, 04:46 PM
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: howell, Mi
Posts: 2,345
What a beautiful story. I'm sure that you bring a lot of joy to the residents there. I especially liked the comment that some just like to touch the fabric. Isn't that what we all do sometimes, just touch the fabric?
Sue
Sue
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