Friend (who passed at Christmas) raffle quilt
 

This is my friend Gail's NARF raffle quilt. She organized this from 5 states or region. She wanted it to be raffled off this summer at her NARF conference that her husband is president of. I believe it stands for National Association of Retired Fedral employees. She sent the blocks out and had people make the blocks for their state. Another one of my friends, Kim did many of them for her. Then on Dec. 23rd she was killed in an auto accident and her husband badly hurt. She died holding his hand at the scene. It is a long story of why I know this. She was a person that when you meet her she was your friend. A Volunteer in many areas and loved it. She was the head of our quilt guild. When she talked to you she never looked away, you were the only person in the room then. How special is that. Well I had told her I would quilt it for her. Then my Mom became ill and I traveled to Nebr. 3 times but the last time was 2 weeks ago for her funeral. It was so hard to come back and think of quilting but I needed to do this for Gail. So I dug in and finished in time to take to our quilt retreat this week. I did a lot of it on my long arm but around each block with all the raised work I used my small bernia. I have weeped alot lately but as I did this quilt I cried for my Mother and for Gail. So I hope you enjoy her quilt. She was not as you would say the best quilter in matching seams for cutting things straight if it was close that was good enough. She was a great artist quilter. All of my sister quilters in the guild were very happy with it. I hope she is looking down and saying thanks.

Very Beautiful quilting. So sorry for your losses-it helps to keep busy and your mind occupied. I still cry for my mom and she has been gone almost 19 years, just not as often. It does get easier. Treasure her memories and she will always be in your heart!

So sorry for the loss of your Mother and your friend, Gail. How precious you are for staying true to your word and quilting this on Gail's behalf. God bless your heart and may you find great comfort in the days ahead. :)

So sorry for your losses - you did Gail proud with your quilting I am sure she is smiling down. The quilt looks wonderful :)

I am sorry for your loss of your Mother and your friend Gail. You did an awesome job of finishing the quilt in Gail's memory.

That is so beautiful. I know Gail is pleased. I'm sorry for your loss of a friend and now your mother. I wept while I read, my mother has been gone two years this summer and it's hard. Everytime I sew I think of her though. Mom was a wonderful seamstress. My girls and I all have very nice vickings in mom's honor. <3

Beautiful quilt and quilting. Sorry for the double loss.

So sorry for your loss. Beautiful quilting.

Wow - That is beautiful, great job and thank you for sharing, your are a special lady
Have a Blessed day
Ellen

You are awesome..
You have not had an easy couple of months.. Hopefully time will make things easier..
I am very lucky to have my mom two towns away, and stop over every day.. Mom is 84, and is still able to run around, and go to the gym a couple of times a week.. I drop the dog off in the a.m. on the way to work, and pick him up in the pm.. I am able to spend quality time with her, and acess her needs..

Hugs... for your wounded heart.

I gave my Mom her quilt on December 9 2007. She passed away 10 days later. I am so glad she was able to enjoy it for as long as she did. Everyone will cherish all of the memories that come with this quilt. Hang in there, you did a beautiful job finishing the quilt!

Thank you so much for your thought of prayer and hope for me. It has been a hard year. We lost my husband's mother 6 months ago, and 5 weeks before my Mom died we lost my Dad's best friend Bob and one week after my Mom, Bob's wife died. They were like my 2nd set of parents. So close to my parents. I know my Mom is enjoying time with them again. My Dad is spending Easter with my son and his family. So he is enjoying himself. My Mom got to enjoy her cross quilt for 3 weeks before she died. I miss her everyday but sure you all understand. My Mom taught me to sew so I can feel her with me everyday. Thank you all again.

So sorry for your loss of your mother and friend. Beautiful job on putting the quilt together and quilting is fabulous. I know Gail is smiling down at you!

Very nice. So sorry to hear of your friend and your mothers passing.

sorry for your loss the quilt is beautiful

Beautiful Quilt and Beautiful memories of a wonderful lady.

So sorry for all of your loses. I know that you have wonderful memories of your loved ones. The quilt is beautiful because of the people who worked on it. Your quilting is great. May GOD help you find peace in your heart. Hugs to you and yours. BrendaK

What a beautifully sad story but what a great ribute to Gail and your mother. The quilting is absolutely stunning. God bless you and lift you up in this sad hour.

First I am so very sorry for the losses you have experienced so very close together. You did a wonderful job completing the quilt for Gail. I am sure she was looking down at you and is very thankful for such a dear friend. Hang in there and thank you for completing this project for her.

Kat

You have certainly had a bad time, I hope things get easier for you. Beautiful quilt and staying busy will keep your mind off ot things.

So very sorry for your losses. They say that time heals all. It may not truly heal all the way but it sure does help. You cannot erase a memory but you can make it joyful in time because it does turn into the joy you spent and happiness, the sorrow fades is all. What a lovely job you have done for Gail. God loves you and it is already showing what can be done through this quilt. God Bless You!

I mourn for your losses. But you have a wonderful testament to show for life & love!

I am so sorry for the loss of your mother and friend. I know you shed lots of tears while quilting this one. But, what a legacy. It is beautiful. I know it will bring in lots of funds for NARF. Hope it does well in the raffle. Thanks for sharing this story.

I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. I know what it is like to feel the way you do as I too lost my mom not long ago. It may be 5-6 months ago but the hurt still feels raw. Like you, quilting is something I love to do but have not been able to get back into the swing of things yet. Good for you completing the quilting and finishing off the quilt! Well done. God bless.

Beautiful!!!!

Your friend's quilt is a treasure, as you are for finishing it. Prayers and blessings to you!

Very nice! :)