Sunday, July 25, 2010

A Sad Story


A dear friend of mine has been battling her third bought with non-hodgkins lymphoma in 8 years. She'd tried an experimental treatment at Stanford 2 years ago and it destroyed her lungs. Her long list of friends have been watching her suffer ever since. Last week her lungs colapsed and she refused further treatment.

Three days ago, with a great deal of effort, she asked if I would do her "an enormous favor". She asked if I would finish 2 quilts she'd started, one for her daughter and one for her niece. I've been madly appliquing these hearts, hoping to get the top done for her to see it. Lee passed away last night and we're all devastated. Lee was a happy, kind, wonderful human being, only 61 years old.

I'm honored that she asked me to finish her quilts and I'll be working on them with love in my heart for her, her lovely daughter and loyal husband.

12 comments:

Judy D in WA said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you can work through your grief as you work on her treasures.

Barbara said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. My mother died from lymphoma and so I know it is a devastating illness. What a lovely gift for both of you that she has asked you to finish those quilts. Even at the end she was thinking of others rather than herself. She must have been a wonderful woman. Take care.

Chris said...

Oh I am so sorry for your loss. Her family is blessed that you can give them this piece of her to wrap in like a sweet hug.

Jennifer Woo said...

I am so sorry Diane! My best friend died from lymphoma at age 44 in 2007. I am planning on visiting her grave when I go to Chicago this August. Her sister said she kept the handmade quilt I made her in 2001 when she underwent her bone marrow transplant. Bless you for finishing up her projects for her!! What a wonderful thing to do.

Rabid Quilter from California said...

When Lee was at death's door 2 years ago, myself and another quilter friend rushed to make her a cuddle quilt. We had everyone in our movie group (husbands too) sign it and draw pictures from all the movies we'd seen. She always said it saved her and she cuddled with it every day.

~~DIane~~

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

My heart is with you . How wonderful that you are getting to work on the quilts she lovingly made for her family. A piece of you will always be with pieces of her.

glen in Louisiana (who is g today on the list)

sophie said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. I'm glad you will be able to finish her last quilts and I know it must have given her some peace to know that you would carry these quilting projects for her.

Vivian said...

So sorry to hear about your friend. I'm sure you have mixed emotions finishing these quilts for her. God Bless.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and her family.

Quilter Kathy said...

I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm sure her family will appreciate your efforts to finish her projects. This one is gorgeous!

Beth said...

I'm so sorry about your friend. What a wonderful present to her daughter and niece. Something for THEM to cuddle with.

Angie in SoCal said...

So sad. Glad you were there to be able to work on the quilts. I know that was a comfort to her.