My little buddy Sam passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at home with his parents. He was 14 years old. His death was sudden and unexpected. All of us are stunned by his death. I've had the honor of being Sam's quiltmaker and Prayer Warrior since his birth. My lovely DD#1 is his God Mother.
Sam's mommy and DD are 'tied at the heart' friends since girlhood. I was given the task of making Sam's baby quilt, bright and happy, please. And I did. It was sawtooth stars with the VIP jungle print centers. He drooled on it happily. A couple of years later, in my "bug bottles" stage, I made Sam his very own Bug Bottles complete with his pieced letters name on one shelf. The next quilt was a big one, again very bright with reds and yellows, for his big boy bed. The last quilt I made Sam was about 3(or 4, I'm never sure) Christmases ago. DD#1 wanted a bright happy "I Spy" type quilt to cover him in his wheelchair as he rode the special van to school. Sam's mom picked out royal blue flannel with wonderful gold stars to be the backing. I have scraps of all Sam's quilts in my scrapbag. That one that holds the bits, old and new, the memories that linger, and the photographs both bright and faded. It is all in there, that scrapbag of mine, all those parts and pieces of my life. I cannot grieve for Sam, only for those of us who loved him so much. He is free at last to run and play and chase a new puppy. I am the Quiltmaker, I share the Quiltmakers gift. And what I have received in return is priceless.
.JPG)
32 comments:
Your love was sewn in each and every stitch. May God help you, also other friends as well as the family as you go through this grieving process.
What a gift to have given him my friend. Safe in the arms of Jesus, yet he leaves those who mourn him here on earth. Sending sympathy to his family and those he touched in his short life. Hugs
As far as I know, this is my first visit to your blog, but your touching words and the way you expressed your feelings have made me a follower. Thanks for making my burdens seem lighter. Lane
Hope you go ahead and you remember him in each stitch and quilt you make.
Warm wishes
It is never easy when someone passes away. When it is a child, it is doubly hard. My thoughts are with you, my friend, and with Sam's family and friends.
I am so sorry, Finn...and I am glad he had part of your heart to keep him warm.
Oh my, I am so very sorry for this confusing sadness for so many people.
You are such a beautiful heart and soul. Sending tightest of hugs, Finnie.
I'm sorry, Finn. Your comment about not grieving for him but grieving for those left behind is especially poignant. You got to share a lot with him and his family. Those memories will always be with you.
Oh, the thing about love is it breaks our hearts. And then more love can come in through the cracks. But the breaking sure hurts!
I'm so very sorry to hear about your young friend.
Rest in peace, Sam!
My thoughts and prayers going out to all who are grieving...
Oh, my own tears are flowing. I can feel your heart connection in every word and imagine them in every stitch. Blessings, prayers, and hugs.
my condolences to you and your family. thanks for sharing how your quiltmaking enriched his life.
My heart goes out to all his loved ones. How sad. I'm sure your quilts brought love and comfort to his wonderful but short life.
What a fabulous touching post. The picture of Sam is great!
I'm sorry, it really hurts when those little heroes leave.
Oh Finn. So so sorry.
Sending you lots of hugs.
Finn, my prayers are with you and your family.
My eyes are so filled with unshed tears at your loss I can hardly see to type this. Imagine how much joy you brought to this youngster and how lucky you are that he was a part of your life. ~karen
My deepest sympathy. Such nice quilty memories of touching this boy and his family during his journey through this life. Tell your DD that your blogger friends are thinking of her too.
My love to you Finn and Sam's family.
You are right Finn - always hardest on those left behind. And my heart goes out to those who were left behind. The loss of a child is heartbreaking to be sure. I will be thinking of you all. Hugs, Evelyn
A beautiful post of memories on this sad occasion.
Thinking of you all.
You have blessed and been blessed. thank you for sharing.
My thoughts are with you, your daughter and Sam's family at this very difficult time. (hugs)
Sorry to hear of your loss. He must have loved all those quilts, and I hope that warms your heart now when you need it.
what a wonderful post Finn, your love shines right through the tears.
Such a touching post. I am sorry for your loss, and for Sam's family. It is wonderful that you were able to be a part of his short life. Bless you
Finn,
So sorry to hear of Sam's sudden passing- it sounds like he was so well loved. It is so true that we help the love ones grieve for the one that they have lost. My heart goes out to all of you.
The Quiltmaker's Gift is one of my favorite children's stories. It is so beautiful to look at and the story is wonderful.
Warmest regards,
Anna
So sorry for your loss. What a darling smile he had! May his memory be a blessing.
Oh Finn. How lucky he was to have you making quilts for him. My sympathies to everyone who loved him who now has to bear the pain of his absence.
Post a Comment