Ruth’s Quilt (01/22/2026)

My husband’s mother, Ruth, accomplished many things in her lifetime. She raised four children, she became an EMT in the 60s after the death of her husband, she started a cake decorating business that served the community for weddings, showers, birthdays, and graduations for years, and she served as the director of the local senior citizen center, and she made hundreds of quilts. Her life and her loving efforts continue to contribute to the world.

When Ruth passed away, her children divided her things. My husband received several quilts. My favorite is folded and resting on the bed in our guest bedroom. Over the years, I saw the hundreds of quilts she made including the ones she made specifically for us and for each of our three children.   But the one on the guest bedroom bed is my favorite because of the detail. It is made of hundreds of oval shaped pieces of fabric hand sewn onto a background cloth to form a field of daisies. Every time I see it, it speaks to me of Ruth’s caring presence and her ability to give of herself to make a difference.

Ruth’s quilts were all hand-sewn. Her patchwork patterns were sewn by hand as she sat at her quilting loom. They weren’t machine sewn. Her quilts represents hours upon hours of loving labor. I treasure her quilts, but especially the daisy quilt.

Last evening at faith formation with the youth preparing for confirmation, we spoke about the way the LORD gifts each of us and calls each of us to make a difference, to contribute to His ongoing divine design of life for love of Him and one another. We spoke of discerning our gifts and where the LORD is calling us to use them. As I continue to pray for these young people daily by name and beg the LORD’s continued graces and guidance, I pray they find a way to use their time and talents as Ruth did. And I must admit it made me smile this morning when I prayed that and thought of Ruth’s quilt. Love is like that – it keeps giving and it keeps mattering. And I pray that my life will come together like Ruth’s quilt and continue to give joy and loving memory long after I am no longer here.

As we look out this day on our journey ahead, let us seek ways to bring all we have been given and all we are to our moments and be willing to share them generously with those with whom we journey. May we be willing to put in the long labors for love of our LORD and one another.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.