Stitched With Love...

Dear son,

I have been working on this quilt to send to you in your Christmas box. As I have been working on it...memories of you have been flooding my mind and touching my heart. I wish you could be here for all of our traditions and festive fun...but I know you are where you are suppose to be and that you will participate in new traditions and spend it with new friends and families that you will come to love in Columbia Falls.

After shedding many tears & missing you...I have decided that my gift this year to give is - YOU! I know that you will touch many peoples hearts and lives with your great personality, love of family, sweet testimony of the gospel, and the knowledge that families can be together forever.

You know that I dread/panic at the thought of getting near a sewing machine...but this was something I WANTED to do for you. Yes - I faced that fear head on (only after I procrastinated as long as I could) and began the process. 

So as you cover yourself with this quilt...I want you to think on a few things;

• First is - The squares on the quilt are made from different material that come together to form a pattern...which represents the pattern of our lives...which are your talents, the love you have for others, family & friends, your character.
• Second is - The batting is for the warmth we need to protect us from the elements of the world...our scripture study, prayer, being honest with your fellow men, your personal righteousness.
• Third is - The thread used to sew the pieces together and bind all the layers together...these are the values that you have been raised with, have learned from others, and have experienced in your life...service, faith, your divine nature, and the integrity you have. 
• Fourth is - The love of labor that went into making the quilt for you. I hope it will keep you warm on those chilly and cold Montana days, and that it will also give you comfort as you curl up under it on those more difficult, hard, and lonely days. Read the messages often that family and friends wrote to you and heed their messages, advice, and love.  

Be a valiant servant my son and know just how much you are loved,

mom