In
the Face of Adversity
In 2007, it had been
three years since my illness began leaving me unable to speak, many health
issues, and days left without creating something to keep my hands busy. As I began to prepare for a two-week stent of
treatments away from home, I pondered what would be suitable to fill the hours
keeping my hands busy and my body at rest.
I had had a quilt pattern book for many years that I just had not had
time to create the quilts due to my busy work schedule and now this illness of
mega portions with no end in sight… it was time and I began to pray for the
strength to accomplish this project. I
mustered up the energy to pull the book out and began gathering cotton fabrics
that I had on hand to fit the color scheme.
Trying hard to focus on one-step at a time and the finish line of having
the piecing done before I was to leave in a few days I pressed on. I found the directions simple enough for my
mentally exhausted mind and body to comprehend.
I am not quilter by any means but one has to start somewhere. I had it all pieced however, no backing or
batting on hand. When my husband asked
what he could do to help me get ready I asked him to get my backing and
batting. I am grateful for his help and
patience with me. I was able to finish
pinning the three together before we left for the treatments that day.
Each day after a treatment, I hand stitch until sleep overtook
me and then back at it when I was rested and ready to begin again. This quilt encouraged me keep my focus on
something other than myself and my health issues giving me a goal to
accomplish, a sweet reward, and a reminder of where we were at that time and now how far we have come. It is a beautiful reminder of learning
endurance and accomplishment in the tough times of life. It is an amazing reminder of all the prayers
offered to my heavenly father during those years were not in vein, looking back
to see how resilient we are when faced with adversity and feeling blessed to
face yet another day, week and years since those early days.
Still dealing with life as its been handed to me with a hopeful heart and courage to face everyday as a gift. Thankful for stages of recovery looking forward to more.
Be still and know that I am God ---Psalm 46:10
A Debbie Mumm pattern
By Char Hosea
Primitive Doll Artist
La Junta
To see my quilt in Person visit
Quilt Histories ... Voices Past and Present Presentation
August 16- September 27, 2014
John W Rawlings Heritage Center and Museum
560 Bent Ave, Las Animas , Colorado