Donations

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.

-Winston S. Churchill

At Thanksgiving time, grandson Griffin asked me why I make quilts to donate. I gave him an answer I thought a 6-year-old  could understand. However, to be honest, I'm really not sure how to explain why I donate. It is just what I do. It feels good. I want to give back. I enjoy giving. I want to help. I want to make a difference. It is my work at this point in my life. I am blessed to be in good health and blessed to have enough time and resources to share.  

“Happiness doesn't result from what we get, but from what we give.”  

-Ben Carson

A couple of weeks ago, the five local children who lost their home in a fire finally got their new quilts. We've been trying to get together for a couple of months. Sorry no pictures because I didn't have parental permission. The older three girls came and picked out quilts for themselves and their younger brother and sister. It was easy to tell when they saw quilts they loved. It was a fun time.

Yesterday we were in Madison, Wisconsin, at American Family Children's Hospital aka University of Wisconsin Children's Hospital. I think this now is an annual Christmas trip for us.

We delivered 15 quilts. As we entered the building carrying our pile of quilts, many people saw the quilts and gave us big smiles. The workers at the desk were so excited. As we were leaving, one of the valet guys came over to shake my hand and say thank you. It was fun. I felt like I was making a difference.

When I was hand quilting my very first quilt, our youngest son sat near me, covered with part of the quilt, and said he could feel the love and the hugs in that quilt. I pray that the recipients of my quilts can feel the love and hugs in their quilts.