Hi, I am Sally. Some of you might know me already but for those of you who don’t, I am the gal that often packs up or unpacks boxes, gets your quilt tops to the quilter, organizes binding efforts or does the really boring stuff like data entry. I am a jack of all trades here at Maury Park Road, or more accurately an enthusiastic catch all. My favorite activity is definitely picture day; it is so fun to see all the quilts one after another before we box them all up to send them out. I would say that I have exponentially grown as a quilter just from this day alone. Getting to see so many quality quilts in such a short time frame would benefit any aspiring quilter. We take pictures of every quilt that we send and that is about 18,000 so far, so that is quite the education. I am so lucky to be privy to so many wonderful quilts. Remember that saying “it takes a village?” I am constantly reminded of that during my time here at American Hero Quilts. I have been involved for almost two and a half years, every second a pleasure. I wish that I could thank everyone who is involved, but I can’t even begin to imagine where to start. Being able to thank all the people that I have come across, who have helped us with American Hero Quilts, there are just too many! Not only do I wish that I could thank all the people that I have directly come into contact with, but also the countless many that have helped and never expected recognition for it. My heart swells with gratitude and admiration for what we, the collective American Hero Quilts volunteers have done. After having Captain Collins who a CO at Bagram military medical facility come and visit us here on Vashon, I am reminded that it’s not about us. It was a bit of a reality check for me, a reminder of the severity of the condition of some of the people receiving our quilts. Captain Collins recounted some stories about the wounded soldiers receiving the quilts and how much it affected them. It was at about this time that I realized I didn’t bring any tissues, a mistake I won’t make again. One story in particular that stuck with me was about a gentleman who was fleeting in and out of consciousness. He was not in a good way to say the least and every time he would stir, he kept asking “where is my quilt?” I, personally, am so glad to be able to comfort someone seas and oceans away, hugging them with a quilt. For me that is what it is all about, what we are here for, why we do what we do and don’t need “thanks.” The ability to help someone feel at home, feel safe, feel hope is all the gratitude I need. To “hug” the Heroes who are risking their lives on our behalf, trying to thank them in the best way that we know how. Whether that is sewing on a label, organizing a weekend by the ocean to piece together, quilting like crazy, making a quilt from start to finish, or just putting finishing binding on a quilt. There is so much effort put in by so many people. For me, getting to participate in such a wonderful effort is a blessing. To get to meet so many truly wonderful people who are involved is really icing on the cake. I am so touched to be part of this community and thankful for every facet. I am hoping that this blog will be a place that we can share our ideas, processes, and motivate each other. A place to keep the creative wheels greased. I am going to try to post once a month at the very least. Ideas are welcome if you want to see something in particular! Thank you all of your support and continued awesomeness!
It is a national shame that we weren’t grateful for Viet Nam vets’ service, and treated them so poorly.
Being part of this has been a very rewarding experience. Being able to feel like we can say “we are always thinking of your sacrifices for our country” a hug from a quilt seems like such a small thank you. I only regret is that I didn’t get involved sooner. Where were we back when our troops were in Viet Nam this should have started years sooner.