Hello, quilters. Here is a photo of me behind my dear friend and her "newish" Lily. She was so incredibly grateful and reduced to tears many times this weekend. She said that she had just recently said to her husband that someday when they retire, she would like a better sewing machine so she can actually put out something of quality. She is only 35, so that tells you she hadn't expected a new machine for many MANY years. Both her and her husband are teachers here in Wisconsin where there have been radical changes made by our state politicians in the last couple weeks to the many public service jobs in our state. Her and her husband are expecting rough times ahead and this joy was a very welcomed distraction from the stress and anxiety she has been dealing with lately.
She came Thursday night around 9:00, so it was too late to give her Lily then. I tossed and turned all night waiting for morning. After the kids went to school and we had quiet time, I took her to my sewing loft and told her she needed to meet Lily. I said "She's so important, there is a book written about her." ( I meant the manual of course.) She was really confused by that, and a little nervous. I took the cover off Lily and told her "This is what you will be sewing on." She said "Oh, my goodness. I'll probably break it, I'm so used to my junker." I told her she had plenty of time to figure her out because Lily was going home with her. Then I handed her the owner's manual with a bow on it. She was FLOORED. She thanked me a million times over and hugged me time and again, all teary. It was so touching. The next two days she spent many hours learning about and LOVING Lily. Everytime she tried something new (a new stitch, bobbin winding, etc.), she would say "Oh, my gosh!" and I would be scared something wasn't right. Then she would quickly follow it with "Lily I love YOU! I've never seen such a beautiful (fill in the blank)."
This has been an experience I will cherish all my life. Thank you all for sharing it with me and providing your best ideas for ways to surprise my dear friend with Lily. Many many of you have said I have a giving heart, but I know you do to. I can tell from the genuine excitement you've exuded in your replies while following this story. Blessings to you all.