Another Quilt Story

Early morning, making my bed, the thought I surely could crawl back in bed and watch movies all day attempted to override productive plans. 

I had things to do.  I was able, so I must.  Others counted on me.

Tossing that quilt, arranging it on the bed resurrected the usual, good memories, made me melancholy, happy too.

The quilt takes me back to the day I bought it.

My sister Sharon with husband Pete was driving out from Ohio to spend a long weekend with us.  My ‘us', two small children and a wonderful dog.  My ‘us’ once included a husband/father, who, half a decade before left 'us' for another love.  So welcoming Aunt Sharon and Uncle Pete was a fantastically happy diversion in our one-dimensional household.

It was already late Saturday morning.  I was rushing about transforming home into loving, visitors-coming comfortable. 

Pete and Sharon would get my room.  Everything was ready except I wanted to run to Sears for a new quilt.  For some time, I intended to improve my bed linen.  Their visit would be the catalyst ending my procrastination. 

Gathering my bag, heading to the back door, I heard a car come into the driveway.  They were out there! 

We ran to greet the broadly smiling, travel-tired couple unfolding themselves from their car.  They had left Ohio before sun up! 

Getting them inside, I casually let Sharon know I had to dash out for a bit, “I’ll be right back.”  She had to know what I was up to and, just as controlling, insisted on coming along when I told her I needed something from Sears.

She didn’t know the objective of my shopping; had no idea until I actually began considering which quilt to purchase.  Of course, she insisted I shouldn’t do that - just for them.  Then I saw it; the choice was an unwavering decision.

I adored Sharon and Pete’s loving relationship. Additionally, though, I’d always been a romantic.  The design was beautiful and comforting to my senses.

In 2003, Sharon died, suddenly.  She suffered a brain aneurysm.  It was many years after our hasty trip to Sears.  She and Pete were married until death parted them.

When the heart adorned quilt is part of my bed making, those memories flood my mind.                                     _____________________________

In the interest of transparency, I’ll tell you I did not do the tasks I felt I must get done as I began making my bed that morning.  The memories inspired me to sit down and write.  So I did.