One of my dearest friends was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer. She has always been one of the most generous and strong women around. She takes care of people: her mom, her girlfriends, her neighbors, and especially her husband and three children. So just days after her oldest left for her freshman year of college (a very emotional event all by itself!) she started her treatments.
“L” opted for a double mastectomy to be as aggressive as possible in getting the nasty stuff out of her body. Then the chemo started. Then the hair fell out. She didn’t think she would let herself be seen in public without the wig. But within a couple of days, she started going out with a cute “beanie” covering her ever thinning pate. She has always been a beautiful woman. That part hasn’t changed. It’s just that now her inner strength and beauty are being allowed to show even more, along with a whole lot of bravery and determination. Quite frankly, she blows me away.
My sister made a rag quilt for me a few years ago, and every member of my family hopes to grab it before anyone else on a cold winter night. I made “L” a rag quilt from pink and brown flannels. It was my first. It’s not a difficult quilt to make, but it does take a fair amount of time. It’s pink because pink is her favorite color. She doesn’t care for all the pink ribbon stuff, and believe me there is a ton of it out there, even in the fabric store. She takes it with her to chemo, and it warms her up in the cold treatment room.
I don’t know how all this makes me feel. I’m glad my gift for her is a source of comfort. 
It came out soft and pretty and warm. There really is nothing quite like a handmade quilt. And making it for her was a time filled with prayer for my friend’s heart and health, for her family, and for recovery. There is a certain amount of emotion in every quilt I make, but this one probably takes the cake so far. Get well L. Love you.
