Common Sense Mainer's quilt, basted for quilting. I have begun to quilt it by hand.
JoanMar, the founder and moving force behind DK's Support the Dream Defenders and longtime, community member, activist and friend, suffered a sudden and unthinkable loss recently. JoanMar's daughter was in the hospital for what seemed to be a bleeding ulcer. She was due to come home when she suddenly died. It is said that one of the worst pains a human heart can ever bear is the loss of a child. It is a pain that JoanMar will carry as long as she lives. She will need her friends, not just now but for the future, because this is not a wound that will ever go away completely. Loving friendship is what will help her recover and carry on.
The Daily Kos community has lovingly given JoanMar financial support, to help defray the costs of the funeral and any incidental costs -- to relieve any immediate worry about money while she grieves. Now we will continue to give emotional support as well, with something tangible in which she can wrap herself -- a community quilt bearing your words of love and comfort. She will be able to cry into it, rest under it, read it over and over...believe me when I say that loving words, once uttered, continue to work healing magic. They are incredibly powerful -- and the best medicine we can give our friend.
Callie on WisePiper's quilt
What is a community quilt? It is a type of friendship quilt, containing your words of comfort and support, transcribed in archival ink on muslin. My sister and I integrate the muslin patches with colorful fabrics to make a design, unique to each recipient. These quilts have a lot of community love in them, something people can touch and feel. They buzz with it.
Close up of the center block of WisePiper's quilt. This designed specifically for him and there will never be another like it.
The making of these quilts is a living for me and my sister. It takes time and material to make one. If you would like to contribute toward the cost of JoanMar's quilt, here is a PayPal link -- or message me for an address should you prefer a check. $15/message is suggested -- but some give more to cover for the messages of community members who cannot afford to contribute more than their words. All messages are welcome!
Gordon20024's quilt
Here are three posts about the community quilt project:
KosAbility: A Virtual Quilt for Sara and Ann, from Community Quilt recipients
We Have Something to Say to YOU, Sara R and winglion!
Community Quilt FlashMob Brightens up NN13
Community Quilt Testimonial Videos
remembrance
ramara
paradise50
shanikka
cskendrick
peregrine kate
TrueBlueMajority's quilt
PAYPAL LINK FOR JOANMAR'S QUILT - THANK YOU!
Boots says, "Thank you for supporting community quilts!"
Namaste.