Honey

After our Mom passed, my sister and I were completely disowned by our 7 brothers. It came out of the blue and we still don't know why. I doubt that we ever will. We always thought we had a close family and never dreamed that this would happen. I was already a quilter and I talked my sister into starting. Quilting kept our minds and hands busy and gave us something else to share. When I look back, I know that quilting helped save our sanity. We have always been close, but now are even closer. We talk every day and at least part of our conversation centers on quilting.

prairiequeen

Gave me goosebumps reading the story. May God Bless you and all involved!

missionslady

Marcia, I remember that story well, as I grieved just imagining the horror and emotional pain for your church family. However hearing your personal story makes it all the more real. I had sewn clothing for my children when they were in school, but there just never seemed to be time to quilt back then. In 2002 I joined my local quilt guild excited to finally step into the world of quilting. I had barely gotten started when I became ill and underwent surgery (a colon re-section) followed by complications. Four months later I had to have a second colon resection. God gave me tremendous grace to walk through this time, and along with it, I found that my desire to quilt only increased. I subscribed to several quilting magazines, watched quilting shows on TV, and dreamed of the quilts I might one day make. As soon as I was well enough to get to my sewing room, I was in there quilting, and I've never stopped. I find it therapeutic to body and soul. I always have several projects in progress; hand quilting, machine quilting, and smaller projects such as pillows, table runners and tote bags. I began a sewing group at my church 13 years ago, over time it has grown substantially with quilting being our primary emphasis. We make charity quilts and also quilts for our missionaries to use in their ministries. Even now, quilting is a comfort to me as I grieve the loss of both my mother and grandson who passed away this summer in totally unrelated circumstances. Quilting is a blessing not only to the recipients of the quilts we make, but also for those of us who make them. Thank You Marcia for sharing your story and for helping us focus on the blessing quilting is in each of our lives.

May in Jersey

Glad that you find comfort from your friends here on the message board. I think this is a place that comforts most of us in time of need.

I have no big story to tell but have been touched by how many of the members have worked through bad times with their quilting. For me quilting helps me help others while helping myself. Running off a bunch of string blocks is the best stress reducer I know of. Planning a special quilt for a family member or friend makes me think of all the good times we had together, etc. Hugs to all of you, May in Jersey

cherryberry

Marcia, the same thing happened at my church in 1980. A school teacher came in the back door of the church yelling this is war and started shooting. 7 were killed, including my dad. The youngest killed was a little girl only 7 yrs old. Numerous members were injured. I believe members of our church made the trip to talk with members of your church when it happened there. It gets easier but it changes your life forever. God bless you!

missionslady

I'm amazed that there are two members of this group that have suffered such a horrible tragedy. We think of churches as being such safe places. But sadly, we live in such stressful times, things of this nature are becoming more common such as what happened today at Johns Hopkins. Quilting calms our spirit, and it brings women together, not just to have fun, but to share each others joys and sorrows. I'm thankful that we can do that on this message board too!