I don't even know how to start this post. Last week I received a phone call that changed my whole world. My Grandpa, my sweet, loving, wonderful Grandpa, passed away. I mentioned in my last post that he was going into the hospital for chemotherapy and how I was making a quilt as fast as I could to send to him for comfort. He got sick though and because of the chemo his body just couldn't fight it, he passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday morning. My whole family is at such a loss, he was truly a wonderful man and touched the lives of everybody who knew him.
His quilt didn't make it to him. As fast and as hard as I worked on it, he just got sick so fast and then was gone. And I think it will be too painful to keep around. I know I shouldn't feel this way, but part of me feels like a failure for not having gotten it to him fast enough. But it's a beautiful quilt (if I may say so myself) and it needs to be enjoyed by someone.
Fortunately, I happen to be in the middle of helping Val over at PinkPlease! with her Heroes Helping Heroes quilt. This is the second year that she has called for people to help her create a quilt to sell at the annual fundraising auction for the Heroes Foundation. From their website: The mission of the Heroes Foundation is to serve the cancer community through the funding of support, education, and awareness programs, as well as through the funding for medical and scientific research.
I contacted Val and asked if I could send Grandpa's quilt for the auction along with the blocks I was making for her quilt. I explained to her the circumstances and told her that I felt like this was the best way to honor my Grandpa's memory. Val very graciously said yes!!
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| blocks for Val for this year's quilt |
Tonight I will hug it tight and tomorrow it will be off, along with the blocks, to a cause that is helping to fight the very thing that took my Grandpa from us.
27 comments:
Oh, I am so sorry to rad this. But, Julie, what a wonderful thing you are doing with a quilt into which you have poured so much love!
Thinking of you
Aww Julie, I am so very sorry for your loss. =*(
I am glad your special quilt will still go on to do something good.
Oh Julie, I am so sorry that your grandpa passed, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Cancer does SUCK...no doubt about it..the quilt is just beautiful and I think its going to the right place....you are a lovely person...your Grandpa would be very proud of you!
I'm so very sorry for your loss, Julie. The beautiful, BEAUTIFUL quilt you made your Grandpa is so full of love and hope, and it's a beautiful addition to the auction.
:( I'm so sorry Julie. The quilt is beautiful and you are not a failure.
so sad! :(
making me tear up! My grandpa is really sick right now in a rehab hospital...
The quilt is beautiful, and you are so sweet to send it!
A tough time for you and your family...I am sure your Grandpa would have liked the idea that the quilt is going to a good cause. Best wishes, hold onto the good memories.
oh Julie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am glad to hear that his quilt will raise money to fight this horrible disease. xxx
So sorry for your loss.
The quilt is lovely, and though maybe this is not very important for you right now: your blocks for Val are fantastic!
Julie so sorry to hear about your grandfather. I know he would be proud of your decision to honor his memory in this way. Your quilt is very lovely and I know that it will bring in many bids.
Oh Julie, I'm so sorry. Hubby lost his grandfather last year and I understand the loss. You're right; cancer really does stink and I hate that it took someone important to you. I am glad you found a way to honor your grandfather even though the quilt never made it to him.
Grandpa's are so special to their grand daughters, so I am so sorry for your loss. Your quilt was made with so much love, and will be appreciated by some lucky person. I'm sure your Grandpa will be so proud of you.
I am so sorry, I know you loved your Grandpa and he knew it too. The quilt is wonderful and your plan is perfect. And you are right, cancer sucks.
so sorry to hear about your grandpa, julie. my mu passed away from cancer last june and my sisters and I are currently doing the Cancer Research Uk Dryathlon (no booze for a month!) in her memory - we've raised nearly $3000 and still have a couple of days to go. Cancer does suck
So sorry for your loss. I had a similar thing happen to me over Christmas... a quilt made for a relative of a relative made it to the first relative, but not the intended recipient, as she passed away. So sorry your grandpa didn't get to see it, but it's a beautiful quilt and will be well loved.
I feel your pain. The same thing happened to me when I was making a quilt for my grandmother http://www.cascadequilts.com/2010/04/sock-monkeys-for-grandma.html - I have considered giving it away, but I just haven't been able to bring myself to do it.
Julie i'm so sorry to read this, my prayers and thoughts are with you, what a wonderful cause and a wonderful auction to help remember your grandfathers memory! It is a beautiful quilt!
I'm so sorry for your loss. I think donating the quilt is the perfect way to honor your grandfather.
So sorry for your loss. Your Grandpa, is smiling down on you for your generosity.
So sorry to hear about your Grandpa. I agree, Cancer SUCKS. Been there, done the Chemo/Radiation 3 times myself over the pass 11 years. Not fun. The quilt you made for him is beautiful and I am sure he is looking down smiling know it will be used for such a great cause. I will keep you and your family in our prayers and thoughts.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing loved ones sucks too. Your quilt and blocks for Val are beautiful.
Many HUGS and prayers to you and your family. The love you sewed into the quilt will be felt by whomever it finds a home with. What a wonderful tribute to your grandfather to be sending it to such a great cause.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I've got chills, Julie! Once again! Thanks so much for helping me with my quilt. I'm hoping both of them will raise tons of money to kick cancer's butt!
Oh Julie..........<3
I am so sorry for your loss. It took me a week to be able to write on this post as I lost my Dad to cancer a few years ago. When my Dad went through treatment he and his wife always bought the handmade items for the kids that were donated to cancer. I am sure you quilt will be much appreciated <3
Hi, Your quilt has such an amazing story, with a generous and heartfelt ending. It is the most beautiful quilt that I've seen for a long time and I think its because its been stitched with such love. I'm sure its recipient will treasure it just as your grandad would have done. The love and kindness contained in the stitches continues on its journey. Big hug to you at this sad time. x
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