So many blessings!

There are always so many things going on.

Almost six years ago, my husband was diagnosed with kidney failure. He was told he had 2 to 7 years to live.  It literally changed our lives.  About four months later, my husband was air lifted from Plymouth NH to Burlington MA in a medical emergency.  He started dialysis just after Christmas during this event.  We were forced into retirement because of his health and that seemed to be the beginning of one crisis after another for about two years, maybe a little longer.  I count it one of the most difficult times of my life.  Generally speaking,  I think I've had more difficult times in my life than those I would consider outstandingly good times.  Most day are fine, but great times are few.  This is not as negative a comment as it must seem.  I've had a great life overall, but it has not been easy.

I wrestled with the responsibilities that landed on me, I still do.  My hopes and dreams have been pushed aside for someone else's good.  My dreams postponed.  But one of the most satisfying days of my life was the day the Lord confronted me with an old vow I made before Him so many years ago.  That day I remembered that vow I took on my wedding day; for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health until death do us part.  What most of us do not understand is that Jesus will walk with us through anything that He has planned for us.  That day I stood in the back of the church and looked down the isle at the "boy" I was going to marry, I knew that this was for life and I wondered if I was going to make it.  Life is a long time when you are 24.  I was convinced when I took that first step down the isle that I would learn to love him.  Those were the days before I knew my Jesus.  His prodding on those days before and at the wedding show me how faithful He is.  It was four years and two baby boys before I came to know Him  personally.

This is today, over 46 years later from the day we married; 42 years from the day I met my Lord.  On March 21st, my husband received a kidney transplanted into his body.  Someone died so that he could live.  I'm still having trouble processing what just happened.  It is amazing to me.  And yet I keep thinking about and praying for the family that lost someone.  What a terrible day for them.

I am so grateful for the incredible gift that we have been given.  I will always be grateful for these days.  They are so special!

Enjoying my blessings!
dianne

P.S. to Quilt #4 Completed!

Yes, my granddaughter made the little lavender top for Linsay on her sewing machine.  She really is clever!!

Quilt # 4 Completed!

So much has been going on.  I will be journaling soon all that has happened and has slowed my quilting down.  It has been so worth it.

Meanwhile, this is quilt #4:
 

This is a quilt from a long time ago; I would say back in the early 2000s.  My intention was to use my Handi Quilter table frame and Juki setup and learn how to quilt.  There are twelve blocks and my original intention was to do each one differently.  So...that is what happened finally this year, only I'm using Phoebe, my Q'nique 15R that I received just a couple of days before Christmas.  This is again practice using Phoebe; how to handle her to get the results I want.  I already know how to free motion quilt on my sewing machine.  I have found that this is absolutely my favorite part of quilting.  I think it is because I'm seeing the end results to my hard work.  I'm working on finding a machine finished binding technique that I'm satisfied with.

 I love working with Phoebe!  Such a sense of satisfaction.  I think she was the best purchase I've made when it comes to quilting.  I would hurt moving my quilts under the sewing machine.  I wasn't sure how I would do standing, but I find it so much easier than sitting and moving the quilt around.

Now, I have to show off my granddaughter's work:

 My 12 year old granddaughter crocheted these hats for her little friend, Linsey, about three weeks ago.  She is particularly good with her hands and very creative at the same time.  I remember doing this kind of stuff when I was young.  I'm so proud of her!!  She also has a sewing machine and I know that she sews for her dolls as well.  I'm not sure whether or not she made this outfit.  I think I need to find out!!

Enjoying my blessings!
d