STICHED TOGETHER BY MEMORIES

By Dr. Jane A Simington Ph.D.

Mother’s quilt provides a warmth

Beyond its fiber down

Each night I’m wrapped in love,

Our family history, and my wedding gown

Mother cut with care her patterns

Each scrap to trim and save.

Just as she did with the numerous fabric remnants

That to her others gave.

Each patterned square reveals a story

Of our family’s growth and change.

It is far better than an album, for this memento speaks to me

Of many precious moments the camera did not see.

Part of each marriage ceremony was mother’s quilt-gift to the bride.

It makes me smile just to recall the sparkles in their eyes.

Lambs and teddy bears announced each baby’s birth,

And pink and green pajama scraps retell of Christmas mirth

When winter days were turning cold and all the canning done

Daddy would set the frame up firm, for quilting time had begun.

I’m so glad I still can hear them today, as I am wrapped

Inside this priceless heirloom that warms me as I nap.

There you are mom, I see you…..among the colors bright,

In your kitchen dresses gingham aprons and your gowns for night.

They all remind of you and of the things that you’ve been through,

The smiles and tears, the strife, mostly of your teaching of the wrong and of the right.

My quilt would not have been the same without your understanding care,

My sorrow and joy are sewn in, and hemmed by time and prayer.

Our lives were joined by chance they say, I believe by choice – and this is my great pleasure,

For a quilter of love and story like you, is indeed a priceless treasure.

It matters not that my coverlet is frayed and has tiny little tears,

Years of life and warmth and time, have helped to put them there.

So I wrap myself inside your quilt and feel your love and care,

And dream of how I will impart, to those I leave behind, the strength and courage you have shared

with so many of humankind.