Pieces of Love – Part 2

Almost thirty-two years ago, Mr. Legs and I embarked on a journey together with a wedding ceremony and celebration.  Family and friends joined us for that event.  Before that day, we weren’t the only ones preparing for it.  People who loved us were spending time making gifts for us.  We appreciated all of the gifts given to us, but the handmade ones stood out from the crock pots and candlesticks.  Here are some of the beautiful things we were given.

Two stitcheries and a stained glass display have graced the wall over our bed everywhere we’ve lived.

Also adorning our house is this framed stitchery made by my mother-in-law,

and these pretty mementos of our wedding invitation.

But best of all was a creation coordinated by my Mom.  Months before the wedding, she sent out squares of plain white cloth to many of our family, relatives and friends asking them to creatively personalize them for my husband and I.  When they were all returned, she had them put together into a beautiful quilt.

The above picture shows it when it was completed many years ago.  The pictures below show it is as beautiful today.

 

The quilt was given to us at a wedding shower for me.

 

It was unique and special enough to be included in a big city newspaper.

It was displayed at our wedding reception for all to see.

 

Fifty-four squares make up this magnificent masterpiece.  Each square, whether it represents one of our lives before marriage or the start of our life together, is a special remembrance and made by those we remember as special.  This one was made by my fifth grade Sunday school teacher who remains dear to me.

This is a reminder of my husband’s love of blueberries as a child (he does still love them today).

This one is a reminder of the flowers I loved to pick at my grandmother’s house.

These represent our boy scout and girl scout involvement.

  

These show one of the dogs I was crazy about.

 

These show our musical involvement.

 

This shows a memory of Christmas caroling together with high school friends.

And this square reminds me of the gingerbread men I made for many years.

This is the church we were married in.

These are enjoyed for their beauty.

 

 

With a total of fifty-four squares, the quilt has many more.

With a lot of years passing since the gift was given, the woman who pieced the quilt together and some of the contributors have passed.  But most are still here and we are connected today by email addresses and/or Facebook.  I hope to send them an updated thank you, along with pictures to remind them of what they made all those years ago.  It will be fun to let them know their artwork has been enjoyed through many anniversaries and still graces our home today, all these years later.

The biggest thanks goes to my Mom who not only thought of this idea, but dedicated love and countless hours of time to have it made.   This original gift adds warmth to our home and our hearts.  It is made up of many pieces of love all put together.