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.



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.