We are back from Chicago now, and I can say it was a nice visit. My kids were good during 4 days of driving and everyone was happy to see us when we arrived and sad to see us leave. We were lucky to have beautiful weather while we were there and we got to spend a lot of time outdoors, smelling the suburban spring air that immediately brings me back to my childhood. I'm glad my boys could experience that too.
The main purpose of the trip was to see my family, especially my mother, whose long-term illness took a bad turn earlier this month after a lengthy plateau. Many of you contributed both quilts and funds to the benefit held for her in 2012 (past posts are here and here), and I wanted to give a sort of update, as well as show off the quilt I made for her.
Earlier this month my mother went into the hospital for several days. I was told that low sodium was causing her to become confused and disoriented. Several times she would wake up in the morning and not know why she was in a wheelchair. She began having problems with memory and though she has good days and bad, it was a shock to have her ask me what my children's names were, or where we lived. I was happy I could see her, but now that I'm home again, I'm silently aching for the loss of the mother I knew. I'm not writing this for anyone's sympathy, just to tell the story of the quilt I made, that I clung to, pouring my love, regret, and grief into each stitch. That binding took forever! And I was sad to leave the quilt, knowing that it gave me comfort these past few weeks. I hope it also brightens her days, helps her remember me, and at the very least keeps her warm in the too-cold air-conditioned house.
Mom, I don't know if you get on your laptop much anymore, but if you do, I hope you can read this, and if not, I hope someone reads it to you. I love you so much. Thank you for believing in me and for letting me follow my dreams. I hope we can come see you again soon.
