Frustrations. . .

I'm not sure that I've ever written a post sharing frustrations...I will apologize up front.  Time always seems to slip away from me and I fall behind on updating and posting. 

On September 11th, Steve & Ronda and I had the privilege of joining with several of the families the project has allowed us to meet, for a picnic and time of reflection.  We gathered at the pavilion near the War Memorial and enjoyed a fantastic cookout.  We were treated to a bagpipe serenade (very unexpected and humbling), by a man who came on his own, to pay tribute to our heroes.  In the afternoon our local Cub Scouts had a special ceremony at the Memorial and we all participated.  I cannot even begin to explain the gamut of emotions that flowed that day...so hard to believe that 10 years have passed already.

On Veteran's Day weekend, we were again privileged to be joined by several of Travis' buddies for a ceremony honoring vets past and present and those who gave their lives.  It was held at the University of Notre Dame during the men's basketball game.  Again, a very humbling and emotional experience.

In late October, through Facebook and a very dear friend, I learned of a unit who had suffered not only several casualties, but severe injuries as well.  Ronda and I were in agreement that we wanted the project to reach out to these men as well.  One of the young men is a native of Indiana.  We shipped quilts to three of these amazing heroes.  There are many days that I feel very unworthy of the task at hand.  I am in the company of men and woman who have sacrificed SO MUCH!!!

And now for my major frustration. . . On December 13th I shipped, as usual, by Priority Mail, a quilt to a 4th injured warrior in Maryland.  It has not yet been received.  Through tracking I have learned it made it to a nearby mail facility, but that's as far as it goes.  My heart wants to believe it is lost...my mind tells me it has been stolen.  That is a first for this project, either way.  I will re-ship through a connection I have in that area who will personally deliver this quilt.  What frustrates and angers me, is that whoever opened that box (if indeed that's what has happened), read the brochure and card, the label on the quilt, even just the address on the box!  To think that someone would deter this gift from reaching it's destination is beyond my comprehension.  The women who willingly and lovingly donate their time, talents,and resources to this project have been cheated.  The soldier who was to receive the quilt has been cheated.  My prayer is that whatever hands it fell into, guilt will win out at some point and it will be used for it's intended purpose.  I know that person may never read this post unless they go to it from the brochure.  If they do...no hard feelings, I guess you needed it more than the hero who has sacrificed his health and future for you and me. . .

With sadness in my heart I read of the four Indiana National Guardsmen lost in Afghanistan this past week.  Please remember the families and friends of these brave men in the coming days and months. . . We will do our best to reach them with our quilts.

I've never been good at soliciting funds, but the account is running low again.  We have been able to accomplish SO MUCH because of the generosity of so many.  I am at a loss of words to explain just what it means to Steve & Ronda and their family, and to me, to have the support of you all!  From the families we've met comes gratitude as well.  I have gained some precious, lifelong friends because of Quilts of Honor...Travis would be pleased. 

Please consider how you may help us continue to serve in gratitude and love for 2012.