A nice bright "happy quilt" would be loved...bright & cheery. Food, spittle, urine, etc. will all land on this quilt, but you are making it with love...and respect. Ask your MIL to shop with you. You don't need to buy the most expensive fabric, just something soft and cuddly! And as hard as it may be, ask your MIL to help with the quilt. She sounds like a very lonely woman and is probably scared watching her mother in the nursing home...knowing she's next in line! She probably feels useless. Show us your quilt when you finish it! Good luck! My prayers are with you during this difficult time.