Originally Posted by starshine

When I was younger I would put my treasured items away so they wouldn't get broken or ruined. I guess to me they were too precious for every day. Then I read an article by Erma Bombeck (after she was diagnosed with cancer) about how she saved the good china for special celebrations, and her special perfume bottle was still full because she was saving it for special occasions...etc. and she suggested we use our "special" things in our living every day so we could enjoy them rather than pass them on unused or hardly used after we die. So then I started useing things more often. But when my aunt died and one of the things I received was a bowl that she always put the mashed potatoes in for holiday and family gatherings (she took care of grandma so all the aunts & uncles would gather at grandma's house) when I was a child growing up. And I liked having it as a memento of that time. My husband and I were so far away from there that we had never spent a holiday there. When telling a friend I had gotten this bowl and a few other items, she said 'and use it often yourself-that's how memories are made. And if it breaks, you and your family will have memories of using it too. But what memories will your kids have of it and her if it is in the cupboard and never used?'. These lessons taught me to use my "special" things. When I have read on this board of quilters commenting someone is not quilt worthy because they put a quilt away on a shelf and never use it, I wonder how many of those folks are saving it because it is so special to them rather than not using it because they don't care to have it. If you find someone has put your quilt on a shelf or in a drawer, let them know you would like to see them use it so they can have memories.

Originally Posted by GloBug

She sure loved her quilt from grand ma.As she didn't want anything that would make it different, I think she knew how much love went into it. Just didn't know how to take care of it. You are a very loving GRANDMA. :thumbup:

Originally Posted by gramabiese

I would have to say most of my quilts I give away, go to a local dialysis center. They are very cold and they do not furnish blankets anymore, no laundry facilities. I know when I give these quilts, they can sometimes be blood stained, sometimes end up on the floor. But one I gave to a 5 yr old girl made me not care about any of it. this child was afraid to nap during her dialysis for fear she would die and never see her mom again. I made her a quilt with every Princess fabric I could find, and then I found a fleece to match and made her a small pillow. They can't use anything large there. Anyway, the first day she had it, she napped and her mom was so happy she cried. When she was given her quilt and pillow she just squealed with delight. She didn't make it to the transplant list and thus has passed away. But when she was very ill she asked, Mommy can I take my quilt and pillow with me to Heaven? She was buried with them and that makes my heart smile. No matter how small you think your effort is, to someone it is huge!