Dear Quilting Friends,
I recently had a visit from a childhood friend. She normally calls White Lake home, but has been called to serve at Ft. Hood, Texas, in a medical part of the military. Sally, who is Major, (aka Major Mom) was home on leave, so I was very happy that she made the time to visit me. We, of course, had to discuss the old days and the fun we had.
Once, my family was about to move to Wyoming...this was very traumatic for best friends...so we decided we would become "Blood Sisters". We would always be together, no matter how far the miles. Do you remember how you were when you were thirteen? Well, we went out into the woods and had this big "Blood Sister Ceremony" of sorts. We cut our fingers and put blood and locks of our hair into an old jar lid. The idea was to burn the hair and blood together...all going up in a cloud of smoke..Blood Sisters forever. I am not sure where we came up with this ritual, but it worked. Sally then went home on her pony Pepper...a couple of hours later my brothers ran into the house yelling "The woods is on fire!" Naturally, I was in big trouble because my brothers had also seen Sally and me over there earlier, and sqealed on me...and so the story goes...
During Sally's recent visit, I talked about quilting, and she talked about being away from her husband and children. She told me about how she liked to watch the "homecomings" at Ft. Hood....it was nice to watch the new dads seeing their babies for the first time. Unfortunatly, most of the injured soldiers also come home through Ft. Hood.
That got me to thinking about my President’s Challenge, and I asked her if they could use quilts for the wounded. Sally checked with the hospital chaplin and a lady who works in the medivac dept. They would be happy to have quilts, and I quote: "They give the quilts to patients. Patriotic prints are nice, but patients are thrilled with anything. They really think it's cool that people made them to donate."
I would like to challenge the Pine Needle Quilters to make forty (40) lap quilts, preferably with a patriotic theme. They should be throw size, about 60" by 45", big enough for a man to put around his shoulders. My goal would be to have them finished by Memorial Day.
As you are surrounded by family and friends this holiday season, I ask you to remember those families who have someone serving in the military. Please honor the sacrifices made by many, and get to planning your patriotic quilt! I plan to do mine to honor my "Blood Sister", in appreciation for the time she must be away from her family.
Have a Blessed Christmas,
Your President,
Laurie Schoenebeck
