Wednesday, December 3, 2014

When words come to life...

It's true what I said.  When the drawing was held for the online fundraiser, I prayed whoever received the beautiful quilt, would cherish it, as much as it deserved.  I wanted all of the pillows and baskets to be treasured.  But I didn't recognize the initials of the person who won the quilt.  So I asked Peggy.  She said she'd tell me, soon.  I just had to wait a bit.

You see where this is going, right?

It seems that the winner of the quilt, requested the quilt be given to someone else.  Still, when a big box arrived, I couldn't fathom what it contained. I was rushing through the house, back and forth, to the hospital, focused on making sure my mom wasn't alone for long.  I'd have to wait till later to open it. 

Later, my mom's sister came and gave me a reprieve and sat with my mom.  I scurried to get Nolan to his hockey game, then Nolan and I returned home.  There sat that box.  

Nolan helped me carefully cut through the tape on the box.  Oh. My.

Nolan just grinned, knowing, the tears that were falling, were sheer surprise and joy.  

It was me- the person who was the recipient of the quilt from the winner- was me!  

It's more beautiful, soft, and comforting, more than I can express.  

Growing up, I had a bedspread, made out of the same kind of fabrics so artfully worked into this quilt.  I'm filled with comfort every time I lay eyes on it.

I told Peggy I felt like Christmas came early!  

This morning, I got to read about the experience of Julie Garmon, who won one of the baskets- you can read her beautifully written words here: Life-changing love.





I was also gifted this book, that came with coffee and conversation with my friend, Roxane.  I'm excited to have something to look forward to reading, when things settle a bit.  I am smitten with the title right away- "The Grace of Yes."




A part of this one is a secret.  But, the part I'm sharing?  Is the part I get to fill in.  I think its a wonderful keepsake type of gift and I am craving to get started on it.  Thank you, Krystal! 


When my mother moved from observation to inpatient, this was the view out the window from the family room.  She got a really old room, with an old telephone with a cord.  It felt so familiar to me, I wonder if it was once the pediatric floor when I had my appendix out?  Even though it was a double, they moved out the other bed, and mom got the room all  to herself.  We were quite cozy in it.


As mom slept, I'd walk the halls, that are somewhat muted and dark at times, but loved when the sun shone brightly through the big old windows, casting light through the dark when it was needed the most.

I thought of these words from "Love Does."

“Grace works that way. It's a kind word from a gentle person with an impossible prayer. It's a force sometimes transmitted best hand to hand in a dark place.”   Bob Goff






Tuesday, Mom was discharged from the hospital.  Her doctors cautioned that with her spontaneous bacterial infection in the ascites throughout her stomach, that she could become infected at any time in the future again, and it could become difficult to treat.  

I appreciated his candor, he was optimistic, but also realistic.  

It was heartwarming to see the big send off she was given.  Lots of hugs, and lots of people expressing how much they would miss her "humor" and ability to laugh at things.  

Mom received lots of medicines, iv's, doctor's orders, stomach examinations and procedures.


But I think it was the compassion underneath it all that boosted her the most.

In turn, she was a magnet, with groups of aids and nurses stopping by in a steady stream of jokes, laughs, and conversations.

We all just want to feel like we matter.  As much as mom received good care, she gave good care right back.














28 comments:

  1. Oh, how fantastic you were gifted with the quilt - it is so beautiful and chic and cozy!

    Good news about your sweet mama coming home.

    This recent blog post about Bob Goff made me think of you - hope you enjoy reading git.
    http://www.flowerpatchfarmgirl.com/2014/11/i-hugged-bob-goff-at-jail.html

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    1. Thanks for the link- I am excited to go and see! Hope you are doing well today- you are on my mind!

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  2. Oh, how wonderful. There's nothing quite like Chenille bedspreads for comfort. And to have them worked into a quilt is genius.

    All my best to you and your family.

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    1. Thank you Kass- I clearly see how beautifully it would work with your decor- am so glad you got the beautiful pillows and love what you did with them!

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  3. Vicky! I've been thinking so much about you. I am thrilled you got the quilt! Troy's parents gifted us with some "old" bedding recently and we are so heartened to have the extra layers of warmth as winter settles in for good. I hope "The Grace of Yes" brings new possibilities your way! Initially I read your post on my phone, but when I wasn't able to comment easily I came to the laptop version and I'm glad. The photos are even more alluring. I love the hospital window shot looking out at our city. And to hear of the lively interplay between medical staff and your mom. Life continues to bear such beautiful fruit. Last night, I was reading a post from our time at Carmel, June 2013, and it brought back such lovely memories. I look forward to our next cup of java. Until then, "Be still and know that I am God." XXOO

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    1. I always look forward to those coffee dates and feel one will be due after the holidays perhaps. I reflect often on our Carmel trips, and feel the blessing of how much they have spiritually gifted me. I can't wait to dive into the book- have to make some progress on Christmas- but feel some leisure time coming as well!

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  4. Vicki thank you for sharing your experiences and most recently the flow of Love with your mom! She looks so great in pink and more comfortable!! Blessings to you and yours!

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    1. Thank you JP! She loves her pink hoodie, and was so happy to gain some warmth from being in her own clothes. Blessings to you!

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  5. "As much as mom received good care she gave good care right back." Sounds like someone else we all know and love dearly. I'm so sorry she's in such a tough place with her health.

    But it brings me much joy that you received the quilt. It's what I wanted for you as well and it's almost like I won it myself. :) And thank you for the great quote. I'm borrowing it. XOXO

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    1. I feel so loved when it comes to the quilt! It reminds me of all of you and that brings immense comfort to me. Yes- mom is at a critical juncture, but wisely stays in today and simply sees each one as a blessing. Yes- the quote was so good- one that stays with you! So great to see you Robynn- I pray you are well!

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  6. So glad your Mom is out of the hospital and on the road to recovery! And that quilt, I have no words. Awesome! My old, childhood bedspread was made out of that, too

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    1. I had forgotten about Chenille in a way- and now its popping up again and I love seeing it.

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  7. Love how grace weaves itself through your days and nights and thankful that your mom is feeling better once again.

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    1. It does, Susan, and I try to put it into words to make it tangible and memorable- or the fact that its there might elude me. I feel it through your words and photos as well :)

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  8. I am relieved everything went well with Mom and Boy what a nice Quilt!!
    You certainly deserve it. Was so nice of this lady to do this kindness.
    Goes to show there are many good people in this world.
    xoxoxoxox

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    1. Many good people- just like you, Vic! We are all deserving of that kindness, and I hope to be paying it forward as much as I can!

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  9. My dear friend, Vicky,
    It felt like anticipating Christmas morning as a small child as Peggy and I awaited the box coming to your home. A box filled with so much love, every stitch made to help a friend.
    We had a secret... and we had to smile as you hoped aloud that the quilt would find a home where it would be cherished. We almost giggled at that thought because we knew that statement was true.

    You, sweet Vicky, would get the quilt and cherish it forever. It just doesn't get any better than that.

    And to top it all off, a number of people signed up wanting to give the quilt to you or Colton, in case their name was drawn. Generosity tenfold.

    Peggy and I so wished we could be there to see you open that box. :) The best Christmas present ever. Your smile and glee.

    And if that wasn't enough, to read Julie's post and hear her delight and JOY and surprise in getting the basket I made...well, I still cannot stop crying. She seems so much like you.
    Soul sisters all of us...in different states, with the same Lord. Never having met in person, yet connected by heart strings and love and prayers for you. I thank God every day for how
    His grace brought us all together.

    And your dear Mom, looking so much better. What a relief that must be for your soul.
    Yes, we are all walking each other home.

    Merry Christmas early, sweet Vicky. Love you to the moon and back again!
    Linda

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    1. Peggy Sue said it so well- simply beautiful! I am so glad that you got to read Julie's beautiful words about how YOU touched her! The teacher you are, has gone out into the world and taught those near and far- and that is truly humbling to observe and be a part of, Linda. So many of us, so blessed by you!! All my love to you!

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  10. Beautiful! I am so thankful to have found your blog through Julie. Blessings...

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    1. Ditto! I signed up to follow yours as well! Love that Julie, helped us find each other :) Blessings to you!

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  11. I'm covered in Holy goose bumps.

    Vicky!!!! The quilt! Wow.......................................

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    1. Your post...gave me goose bump's! beautiful Julie!

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    2. Julie- yes- we were both blessed by this wonderful fund raiser. I love seeing the blessings from it all continue to flow! Thankful for you, friend!

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  12. I read your post...then ran to Julie's and then I just sat here....without words....Like linda said..there were other;s who wanted to donate what they had put there chances on...yet everyone who got involved with the drawing's were pricless to Linda and I...because this all ment so much! nd we truly wanted to say 'Thank you'...I think for me...there was so many gifts of just 'Love' for you...that is what struck me most.... Some I had to push into a drawing, some never wanted too...because they feared you wouldnt know it was out of love....Those that went into the drawing's never excpected to win..it was just fun! because in all truth..every single person who gave a donation...gave from the best sides of them....remember I was only a $10 donator..it was my best..all I could do...but that donation came from my heart..just like everyone else's...it has been so wonderful to meet...beautiful people...beautiful souls...in the end...i have been blessed the most..from this journey and all the kind words and love! Hang on to your sweet Mom...your boy's your man...life happens..when we are not paying attention...you know this...and I still pray every day..for all of you. Much love...this was a blessing that touched me..and many....how lucky we all are!

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    1. From start to finish this whole fundraiser has had immense reach, and blessed so many. I pray it multiplies back to you, Peggy Sue, as you are so worthy of so much! I have such gratitude for all you've done for me- so, so much! So happy that so many can share in the blessings and feel the reach of all the love branching out from all that you and Linda have done! Truly- I am the lucky one!! Much love to you!

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