Sometimes the universe has plans for us that aren't at all fair. One day, it seems, you wake up to find that nothing is going your way. So what's a girl to do?
Sew.
The last few weeks have been rough. My cousin passed away rather suddenly and without warning. Gordon was diagnosed with epilepsy after suffering two seizures. Someone I love very much, my step-mom, was diagnosed with cancer. I made a choice long ago to live in Toronto, more than 2,000 km away from family. Being so far away can be difficult at the best of times, but when the people you love aren't well, it's much, much worse.
We all sew for our own reasons. Some people are just too talented not to sew. Some people do it for the community. Some people sew because they've always done. Some people simply love all of the gorgeous fabric that can be found, and can't justify having it unless they sew. All perfectly wonderful reasons to be a sewist.
I sew because it keeps me healthy. Because it helps me say what I sometimes can't. Because making things inevitably leaves a bit of me behind, a physical reminder of me when I can't be there. Because the friends I've made inspire and amaze me every day. Because it carves out time to spend on me in a world that demands so much. Because it can help turn grief, anxiety, and worry into something special and beautiful and happy.
I started a quilt for my step-mom last week, a very special Dresden Plate in her favourite colour. Each blade I cut, every stitch, I'm thinking of her, of her recovery. I know that she'll enjoy this quilt for years to come, and I hope that every time she sees it, she knows I'm there with her, even when I'm 2000 km away.
Aw, what a lovely quilt! I know what you mean about living far from family. I'm very sorry to hear about your cousin, Gordon, and your step-mom. I hope Gordon will be ok and the epilepsy can be controlled. I hope your step-mom will get better real soon. I'm glad you have an outlet to help you cope with all of this chaos.
ReplyDeleteThat quilt is so beautiful, I am sure your step mother will love it. My mother was diagnosed with cancer about a year ago, and i too live far from her (1500 km) so i know how you feel. take care.
ReplyDeleteI'm not quite sure about your insistence that you're not a writer.
ReplyDeleteThis was a beautiful post.
Really liking the Dresden. Haven't done any in 20 years, when I did 2 in a sampler quilt. A friend on treatment 4 of 6 and another waiting a diagnosis. I like being too young to worry about this stuff..
ReplyDeletesewing makes it all better and so does every bit of love you pour into it. just know you have lots of friends who are also here for you when you need some of that love back.
ReplyDeleteOh Katherine! I am so sorry that you have been going through such a rough time! Let me know if you would like any more green fabrics for your step-mum's quilt and I will bring them to you. I am sending all my love and hugs to her, to you, and to Gordon too of course (I'm going to give that gorgeous boy an extra special hug the next time I see him)!
ReplyDelete