In 2002 – almost ten years ago, we lost my grandmother to breast cancer. She fought and won the battle when I was in high school and when I was in my final year of college it took her from us forever. She was a fighter to the end, in a coma for the last week or so of her life, she held on through my Uncle’s birthday (November 14) and my Papa’s birthday (November 15) and died on November 17th. We are convinced she didn’t want them to remember their birthdays that way.
When she was re-diagnosed with Breast Cancer, my mom went out and bought a quilt kit to make as a chemo quilt. That was the plan. There is always a plan and then life happens. My grandmother’s cancer progressed quicker than anyone could have predicted and the quilt never got made before she passed. When I was pregnant with Anne – did I mention my grandmother’s name was Shirley Anne…I asked my mom if I could make the quilt. I made the top in no time, it is a very simple pattern, but it never got much further than that.
When I went home in December for Christmas, I brought the top home and we picked out border fabric. The next time I go home my mom and I will pick out backing and binding. This quilt is going to live in my mom’s sewing room, a little bit all three of us – my mom, my grandma and me
Have a wonderful weekend and remember today is the last day to enter the Fat Quarter Shop giveaway for Kona Modern Quilts!
Beautiful quilt in many ways. This quilt is a treasure, full of very special memories. Thank you for sharing this…xxx
It’s beautiful! I’m sure your Grandma is smiling down on you for all the hard work you are putting into it.
Beautiful quilt. What a wonderful way to keep her spirit with you. I have a quilt I made for my Grandfather that was with him until he left us. I made it with fabrics my mom helped to choose, a very special thing to keep forever.
How special AND beautiful!
What a beautiful quilt!! Sorry for the loss… but glad you you have the memories!
I’m touched by your story and I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mom to breast cancer. I’m 2.5 years out of treatment for the same scourge and I hope your story won’t be the story of my own kids. I have yet to make a quilt for myself yet, too.
I meant … Grandmom … not Mom.
It’s beautiful. My mom does not sew any longer but she enjoys going with me to quilt stores when I go to visit. I just gifted a baby quilt “we” picked out the fabric for and handing it over was like giving a way a little part of my heart. Cherish your memories!
What a special story, and a special quilt….it’s beautiful, Melissa!
Thanks for posting on my “test” linky party, too. I appreciate everyone who helped me out! 😉
Melissa,your story is as touching as the quilt is beautiful. Sorry for your loss,on the up side,your grandma is still bringing you and your mom together 🙂 Enjoy a wonderful weekend with Anne!
What a beautiful way to remember your Grandma. When my sister had a stroke, and passed away very suddenly 3 years ago, she had a quilt partially finished for her only granddaughter (who was a year old at the time). A close friend of hers finished it; all hand quilted & it now lives with the wee one. I inherited her “stash” (she was a fabric department manager), and I have literally thousands of dollars of fabrics, quilting, sewing & knitting supplies living with me and she lives on through my hands. Thanks for sharing your story.
Beautiful cheerful quilt, more celebration than grief. Something special about grandmas that nobody else has. I miss mine and wish she had lived to know my kids, she would have adored them.
the quilt is a sweet memorial to both your grandmother and your loving family.
What a beautiful quilt Melissa which will always remind you of your grandmother! I can see someday this quilt belonging to Anne. Thanks for sharing your story.
Oh my! Your story really touched me today. I am so glad you are finishing the quilt with your mom. May God bless you both during this process.