Sunday, March 24, 2013

Aunt Annette

This is my Aunt Annette.

My Aunt Annette is my Mother's only sister. She was the one who gave us books every birthday, who brought us to museums and to special events.  She was a college professor who lived five hours away, so we didn't see her very often. She married late in life, and then retired to sunny Florida.

Annette had cancer which spread to her liver. Three weeks ago she asked if my sister and I could make her a quilt. My sister and I went to work quickly. I had a top already sewn together.

My sister made a wonderful scrappy top with her usual bright happy colors and uniquely wonky style.


My sister and nephew put the two quilts together with a puffy batting between them, then tied the quilt.
My Mother and I added the binding. This is my Mother, wrapped in the quilt, arranged so both sides are visible. We sent it to Annette via overnight delivery. Annette loved the quilt.

Annette died last night. She was 83 years old.

Her husband asked if he could keep the quilt, because there was so much love in it. Naturally we all said yes.

Quilts are love, and quilts are magical.  I make quilts for a lot of reasons, and I love the artsy quilts, but really, the best reason to make a quilt is to show love.

If you have a special Auntie, give her a call today and tell her how much she means to you. If you live close by, go over and give her a hug.

I'm going to miss my Aunt Annette.

16 comments:

Brenda said...

my condolences on your loss. That's a lovely quilt for a sad occasion.

Kathy said...

My condolences go to you and your family. I think it is wonderful that your uncle also got to be wrapped in your love. He realized what a treasure it is.

Just Ducky said...

My sympathies to your family. She died surrounded by love, partly in the form of a quilt.

Susan R said...

Oh Lynne I am so sorry. What a wonderful gift you all gave your sweet aunt. I'm sure that special quilt will bring warmth and love to your uncle now. It will be there like a warm hug when he needs it most.

I agree, a quilt is truly magical.

Susan

Helen said...

I'm very sorry for your loss. It's wonderful that you have so many memories of your Aunt Annette...they will live on in your heart forever.

Quilts DO mean love.

My prayers for you, your mother and your family as you grieve.

Camp Stanhope Happenings said...

We are very sorry for your loss. Quilts are wonderful for comfort, too!.

Terri said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Terri said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Lynne. I know how you feel. I lost my only Daughter in Jan. to the same disease.
Hugs and Prayers for you and yours.

Quiltdivajulie said...

Sending many many hugs for all of you.

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your loss hon. My favorite Aunt died several years ago before I was making quilts.

Poppy Q said...

So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful gift to give your aunty, and it is nice that her husband wants to keep it to remember her by.

Julie and Poppy Q
xxx

sewyouquilt2 said...

so sorry for your loss. she and your uncle realize the power of love through a quilt. that is nice that he wants to keep it.

lindaroo said...

I'm sorry for your loss. What a sweet memory to hold, the sight of your mom adding her love to your quilt, and knowing how it comforted your aunt, and continues to bless her husband.

Quilter Kathy said...

So sorry to hear about your wonderful Aunt. What a wonderful quilty gift you gave her. It reminds me that I must finish a quilt for my special Aunt. Hugs

Colleen G said...

So sorry for your loss. I'm sure your Uncle will remember the smiles that your quilt gave your Aunt and cherish those memories and the quilt.
~Blessings~

Queenie Believe said...

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. The quilt you made for your auntie is wonderful and truly full of love. I'm sure it was a big warm hug for her from her nothern family.
Take very good care.
Always, Queenie