I bought a raffle ticket for a beautiful quilt back in February. Either I didn't win, or they haven't had the drawing yet, I don't even remember. I just know that it was a good cause and it was pretty. Even though there are no quilts actually covering any of the beds in my house, I really love them. The designs, the fine stitching, the stories of how quilting served a social and practical purpose in history; all of that is fascinating to me.
I personally have only ever made one quilt square. The ladies of the church each constructed a square. The squares were then sewn together and quilted with batting and backing as a gift for the departing preacher's wife. I don't know if my square held up or not, but the final product was very nice - especially when I compared it in my mind to my one raw-edged square.
Since I have lived in a few different places, I think and reminisce about friends all over the world quite often. Certain people are just strongholds to me. Others are acquaintances with whom it is fun to laugh and joke. Many of my friends were my students at one time. I still feel that I have the role of encourager to them - even though they are well-grown with families of their own. The way that everyone you know is connected to you is unique - like a quilt.
Imagine a weekend morning where you stayed in bed a little longer, all cozy. You know the comforting weight of the covers that keep your body warm? That is your daily network - everyone that is a part of your routine. Co-workers, teachers, students, the same worker where you buy your coffee every day.....they hold us in place and keep us steady.
The beautiful, spread-out, cool section of the quilt - you know, you kick out and run your foot under it every now and then - is the part of our network that remains with us even though we have moved on. The cousins, friends from school, the ones from our first job, the former students, the other parents from when your own children were young; they remain a part of our covering even years later.
What about the corners of the quilt? You know that there are the people that you knew, spent time with and laughed with, yet you are only in contact with them if you there is a tragedy or a need. They are beautiful, helpful members of your quilt - they just don't receive as much wear from you.
Finally - that part of the covers that you pull up next to your face to snuggle? That is the part of your quilt that you need daily - your family, your best friends, the ones that help you with problems ranging from running out of eggs to serious illness or job struggles. All of us need those who are the always-there, constant people in our lives, and we feel cold and uncomfortable without them.
My quilt is beautiful. It's also unique. Everyone's is unique! I am thankful for all the friends and influences I have had in my life - and I am going to keep trying to smooth and take care of the snugly part of my quilt - as well as to straighten and appreciate the corners and everyone in-between.
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