While She Was Sleeping

On my way out the door to meet Sara on Thursday, I was stopped by the site of a rather large parcel sticking out of my mailbox. It was addressed to me and had traveled quite a long way to find me--more than 11,000 miles (or 18,000 kilometers). While the sender of this package likely slept on the other side of the International Date Line, I opened her gift. I knew she was sending me something--after all, she had asked for my address. But what I thought she was sending and what she actually sent...well let's just say I never imagined opening up a package the likes of this.

Inside, was the most beautiful and unexpected treasure. Though it looks like a quilt, let me tell you, it feels like a hug. As I write this, I'm sitting here with a cup of tea in my hand and a work of art covering my lap. While there is still some winter chill here in Detroit, there's none in my heart, which is full to overflowing.

Ruth, who doesn't blog, is a fellow nurse in Perth, Australia, and has been reading and commenting here for a long time. We first became acquainted on a nurse's group on Ravelry and through emails. She belongs to another group on Ravelry of knitters who also quilt. She made this gift as part of a quilt-a-long with the intent to give it to someone whose life was indicating they needed something to cheer them. Several of the pieces of fabric she used have great meaning to her from previous quilts she's made for loved ones.


Included in the package were some Australian souvenirs including an apron, an oven mitt in the shape of my state of Michigan (like all oven mitts seem to be, but this one has famous places in Australia printed on it!), a koala key chain, cell phone charms and a package of chocolate biscuits called Tim Tams. I'm going to be breaking into that package of treats a little later.

Ruth, if your intent was to give comfort, you've succeeded. I'm so very thankful for your thoughtfulness and warm spirit.

Today, I feel particularly blessed to have such a friend as you.