This month I knotted the last stitch on the quilt that I began 22 years ago. I was a young mom with a newborn son and was determined to be creative and productive in my new season of life. So, with the help of my Grandma Morris, I began a quilting project.
When I look at the stitching design that I chose, it’s obvious how naïve I was about how easy my new role as a mom would be. No wonder my Grandma kindly suggested I stitch a more simple pattern. I confess that I was clueless–and stubborn.
If being a mom were as easy as I anticipated, I would have finished the quilt years ago. But, life started to happen–we moved to Venezuela, adopted twins with special needs, and had a fourth one soon after. Granted, I have four kids and we’ve had a pretty adventurous journey along the way, but the quilt still serves as evidence that I had some unrealistic expectations for the new season I was embarking on.
So the quilt took a little longer than expected. It already has stains on it to show its age and I’m not even crazy about the colors I picked so long ago. Mauve and country blue paisley?! I should have stuck with the classic colors–Grandma was probably thinking the same.
But I love it. I love it because it reminds me of why it took me so long to finish—four good reasons. I love it because when I look at it I remember all the adventures we’ve shared with the kids.
And that makes me smile.
I think I’ll try knitting a scarf next.
