Family Quilt

The families who come to stay at the Ronald McDonald House are all unique in some way. Whether it's their family story, their job, their location, or their talents. They all bring something special to the houses. Perhaps that's why it feels so much like a home instead of just a place to stay. This week, I had the pleasure of meeting one of these extraordinarily talented parents.

She was staying at the house while her infant daughter spent time in the NICU. One night, she came into the office and asked if we had a ruler. As we began talking, she told me she was making a star quilt for her new daughter and needed the ruler for measuring fabric and cutting straight edges. I didn't realize, at the time, that this conversation would be the start of something so incredible!

The quilt was beautiful—almost breathtaking. Every stitch was done by hand. She would sit in the dining room at night with the quilt spread across the tables pinning and stitching while her husband watched TV. Amazingly, it only took two days before it was deemed done. I was awestruck, especially since I struggle to sew a straight line! The colors were so vibrant and the stitching was impeccable.

The story behind this beauty was more incredible, however. As she worked and I sat watching, she told me how she had never made a quilt until her mother died. Her mom had taught her to sew at eight-years-old, but she had never attempted a quilt. Her mom gave her the name of an elder who could teach her the trade. Her first attempt came when her mother passed away. She made quilts for her brothers and sisters. She was so unsure of her work that she wouldn't give the quilts to them. Her husband had to do it. And as the old saying goes, the rest is history.

She also told me the signifigance of the star quilt to Native Americans. She said they are used as a way to honor loved ones—those who have died, or are recently married, or have graduated, or are just born. She said that the quilts are a symbol of recognition and respect and are a sign of a new beginning. As I watched her delicately work, I couldn't help but think how appropriate it was to have a star quilt in the house. I also felt honored to know such an amazing woman with so much pride, strength, and talent!

Finishing the quilt was the end of the project for the seamstress. But for the quilt, it was just the beginning of a journey. I hope everyone who sees the star so brilliant with color and full of life will be as touched as I was with its humble beginnings – a piece of fabric and a spool of thread.

Jamie Martinson

House Manager