Sunday, August 16, 2015

What Cancer Cannot Do - A Quilt Finish

I hate cancer. Although I have never had it myself, and hope I never do, too many people I have known and loved - some gone, some still here - have suffered from this most evil of diseases.  My mother and my aunt, sisters, both died of lung cancer. My mother smoked for 40 years, then quit for 15. My aunt never smoked a day in her life.  My husband Bruce has had cancer twice and beat it both times.

This week, my dear friend Diane Matheson, whom I have known and loved for 10 years, passed away from complications due to chemo. Those dreaded complications. Cancer is such a coward; it forces other things, like infections and fungi, to do its dirty work.  Deflecting blame elsewhere. But it’s you, cancer, that allowed them in, that forced the administration of powerful drugs that destroy everything in their wake. That left our loved ones vulnerable to anything wanting to attack their bodies. We are not fooled. Damn you, cancer!


Another friend of ours (“C”) is suffering (and I do not use the word lightly) from cancer. Today he was hospitalized with breathing problems. Something is going on in his lungs and they have yet to identify it, let alone fight it.  But months ago, when he was still relatively healthy, I began gathering the materials and supplies needed for this quilt. Having seen one like it on a friend’s blog (Laura from Quokka Quilts), I knew I wanted to start one for C, who is a neighbor, fellow church member and friend.  And since his niece works as my part-time Etsy shop assistant, I invited her to help. We did add rows to the pattern on top and bottom and also columns on the sides of the pattern to enlarge it. It finished at 54 x 66”.


My intention was to finish it during the second quarter of this year, but it got put off until summer. And then C’s health took a bit of a turn, and we got busy on it right away. It is finished, and will be gifted to C the moment he returns from the hospital. It has been a sweltering week, weather-wise, so the most obvious use of this quilt, as a blanket or comforter, is not likely. But I hope it will be used in the other sense of the word - a comforter as in aiding or providing comfort. I found the messages thought provoking, and I hope the family does, too. I hope they will provide some comfort, much the same as certain scriptures or quotes do for people.

It was made with friendship, love, faith and hope, because in the end that is all I really have to give.

Cathy maroon

PS - I am linking up to the 2015 Finish Along with Adrienne of On the Windy Side.
And HERE is a link to my original 3rd quarter goals.

Also linking up to Blogger’s Quilt Festival with Amy.

6 comments:

  1. I only knew Diane through her blog and her tutorial for the flip and sew patch construction is the one that finally made sense to me on how to piece blocks. When I had my gall bladder removed they found a second one and removed it too. I was told it is rare to have a second one and that mostly they are only found once they have gone to cancer so I feel like I beat it before I got it. A miracle and a gift to me. My niece had severe complications from her cancer treatment. Finally we convinced her to seek another opinion on the treatment as one of the drugs they were giving her caused damage to her heart. Luckily the second doc took another path and her heart has healed and so far the cancer is gone. We can only hope for a happy ending...a long and healthy life.

    The quilt is wonderful and can only be a comfort to your friend and his family. It's a marvelous gesture.
    xx, Carol

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  2. The workmanship is great and the gift is extremely touching and wonderful, just like my sweet friend Cathy. Not only is the quilt beautiful to look at, but the words you wrote to describe it touched my soul. You are a class act, Cathy, and I am honored to call you Friend. Hugs, Bev

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  3. You have done something very special with this quilt and I know it will be so much appreciated. It's heartbreaking to know that we have to make such things and would that cancer could be cured.

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  4. What an amazing gift!!! Something like this gives people encouragement when they need most!! Thank you for doing that!! Great job on the quilt!!! Thanks for sharing and playing along in the FAL. Visiting as a member of the official 2015 Finish-Along cheerleading squad.

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  5. What a beautiful gift. I love quilts with meaning and love stitched into them. It is sure to be a comfort!

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  6. What a wonderful gift from you!
    Beautiful quilt & heart stitched into it.
    The story is touching my heart and mind.

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