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Thursday, October 16, 2008

Labor of Love


As many of you know, one of my good friends lost her husband just a little over a year ago. He had a TON of Wrangler jeans that she was not sure what to do with, so I offered her the idea of turning them, along with his flannel shirts, into memory quilts. So together we cut the jeans into squares, she and her children each picked out a flannel for the back that reminded them of him, and I sewed it all into 3 quilts. I finished one of them completely and let my friend put the finishing touches on the other two herself. It kind of turned into a family affair as Olivia and Eric stacked the jean squares as I cut them and Eric and I reminisced about the good times we had with our friend and guessed about the different stains and tears on the jeans. It was an honor to be able to do this for such a great family. As I put the quilts together I couldn't help but think about all the times their family had spent together, him wearing those Wranglers, and I wrote a little poem to keep with the quilts:

Behind the Squares

Behind the squares of this ratty ol’ quilt
The first time they met, the relationship they built
The love that they shared, how much he cared
Behind the squares of this ratty ol’ quilt

Behind the squares of this ratty ol’ quilt
The rodeos he rode, the ground that he hit
The ground in dirt and the ground in cow sh*!
Behind the squares of this ratty ol’ quilt

Behind the squares of this ratty ol’ quilt
The miles he drove, the chew that he spit
Behind 18 wheels - that bumpy old seat - her waiting for him, he tired and beat
Behind the squares of this ratty ol’ quilt

Behind the squares of this ratty ol’ quilt
A daddy and daughter - a love that is truly felt
A precious jewel in her daddy’s eyes - to her he’s and amazing hero on the rise
Behind the squares of this ratty ol’ quilt

Behind the squares of this ratty ol’ quilt
A dad and his boy - their Wranglers a perfect fit
He wants to be just like his dad - A father and husband, the best any ever had
Behind the squares of this ratty ol’ quilt

6 comments:

Stacy said...

What a cool idea! I'm sure your friend and her family love the quilts and it will always remind them of the good times they were able to have with their dad.

Sorensen Family said...

That brought tears to my eyes! That is a great quilt! It is a perfect tribute for a friend.

Amie said...

What a beautiful gift...and a sweet idea that their family will always treasure.

Erika said...

That's a great idea...and you're always so good writing poems, what a great keepsake! I'm sure those kids will forever treasure their quilts!

marostica-fam said...

you ave been very busy! great idea. i love the poem. that is so nice for the kids to have something they can cuddle up to and remember their dad.

Vanessa said...

melissa, that is so sweet.. What a great idea to make the quilt out of his old jeans. that is the nicest thing i've ever heard, the poem was so sweet, too, brought tears to my eyes!