Monday, August 26, 2013

Things I'm Loving

I wholeheartedly believe that no matter what is happening in your life, there is always something you can be thankful for..no matter how simple it is.



When you lose your loved one in a manner I lost my husband, through the deliberate violence of another person, you sort of lose faith in humanity. 
How can one person so cruelly take another persons life, and then not even care about how he has ruined the lives of so many people, and feel no remorse, and then repeat the same actions that took away that life, twice more.

I don't understand.

There is hope though.

Since Jason's death I have met the most AMAZING people ever. Selfless, caring, giving and loving people who have filled my life with HOPE. So many amazing people have done some amazing things for me over the last 3 years.
This story is one of the most special to me.

It started with a blog post and a quilt. My bloggy friend Cat from Catalina's Cottage made a beautiful quilt for her bed using the fabric from her daughters toddler clothes.
Sitting in the garage I had a whole suitcase of Jason's clothes that I had wanted to make a quilt out of for a long time. The thing is I don't sew!! I mentioned to Cat on that blog post that I wanted to do that to Jason's clothes and the next thing I get an email from Cat

I've been thinking about a comment you left on my blog re Jason's clothes 
And wanted to talk to you about using some to make you a quilt of love
I've spoken with some of the Whangarei girls over the weekend about the idea i had hatching 
But obviously due to the sensitivity i couldn't surprise you . . .
You mentioned having Jason's clothes still - 
I'd like to make you a quilt of love incorporating some if these - if you'd like ??
Similar to the one on my bed 
Similar to the one Deb made Cam
Similar to the one we made Sammy
I'll let you think it over - just know there are lots if us that want to do this for you if your ok with it - 
xxx
Lots of love precious 
xxx

 I was overwhelmed. Of course I said yes.

Boxing up those clothes and getting them to Cat was WAY harder than anticipated. 3 Months after that email I finally sent them off.


There were shorts, shirts, ties, PJs, Jeans and his Corrections uniform.

Then Cat got to work.

As far as I was aware the beautiful Cat and Leonie were the ones who were doing the work on the quilt. Little was I to know that behind the scenes there were A LOT more of my friends, family and people I had never met involved too.

Yesterday my Mum and I drove down to Auckland to have lunch with Cat and pick up the completed quilt.
I was blown away when not only Leonie arrived but a few other friends who had been secretly involved the whole time.

It was a wonderful catch up and lunch as the whole secret story of what was happening behind the scenes was revealed. I am not really someone who likes being the centre of attention so having this AMAZING thing all set up just for me was very overwhelming.

Then out came the quilt.



I was BLOWN away. It was more amazing and spectacular than I had ever imagined.



As soon as I got home I put it on my bed. I stretched out on it and cried.  Every piece of clothing on there has memories. I get to see these and cuddle with them every night, and knowing that it was made with so much love by so many amazing people makes it priceless.


Those of you involved (you know who you are, too many to mention you all!!) THANK YOU.  From the bottom of my heart. I will never be able to say thank you enough, ever.


To see more check out Cat's posts
Quilt of Love Pt1
Quilt of Love Pt2
Quilt of Love Pt3

Also Leeanne who did all the spectacular quilting
A Special Quilt

18 comments:

Neetz said...

Love you lots xx

Sima J said...

To be able to be a part of this was a blessing .. Cat and Leonie .. great job guys you did an amazing job xo

That'll do said...

Wow, this is amazing. What an incredible gift for you to treasure xx

Better Scrapbooking Ltd said...

What a wonderful treasure for both you and the children. So very special.
You will always be wrapped up in the love of your husband - literally.
Stunning work ladies.
(hugs)

Miriam said...

I'm crying too and I wasn't even involved. I love that these people surrounded you with their love in such a tangible way xxx

remaliah said...

Wow, what a precious, precious gift! And beautiful women to create this for you. Wow

Cat said...

I just want to thank you again and again for trusting in me with your precious memories and Jason's clothes.
This was such a wonderful project to be a part of
Thank you xxx

PaisleyJade said...

So loved being a part of this. You are super precious Tracy! xoxo

Leonie said...

Love you Tracy. I couldn't think of a more deserving person. Every petal is a reminder of your precious husband, quilted together with the love of your friends. xxx

Creative Mama said...

wow!

Unknown said...

This even brought my husband to tears. I'm so glad I got to witness this amazing love gift take shape. Love and hugs, special lady!

Simoney said...

Wow. Wow.
Absolutely wonderful.
Wow.

thid coull chick said...

Such awesome ppl!!! you guys rock!!

Miss Becky-Boo said...

Love you lots Tracy, was awesome being apart of something so special. xx

Leonie said...

Big big hugs - a wonderful gift to someone deserving x

Anthea said...

Hello Tracy - I have come to your blog from Leeanne's blog.
It's been a real privilege to read to story of how your quilt came to be... you sure are surrounded by family & friends who are right there beside you... I wish you peace in your life, this quilt is a wonderful way to honour life of your darling man Jason.

Bron said...

absolutely amazing for you and for having friends that were so clever and crafty filling your life with all that love. xxxx

mandyb said...

love it..just love it
well done team!!!
Cat you have a heart of GOLD...thank you

and tracy...you wrap that around you every night xxxx