A Gift to Remeber

On June 7th I turned 40. This was tough for multiple reasons, but the biggest was that Kelly, Raji and I had BIG plans for our 40th's. We always do something super cool for each other , but this year was gonna be bigger and better. I knew those plans had changed when she passed, but was unprepared for the emptiness I felt having a birthday without her and Robynn. The excitement they both expressed over their loved ones birthdays, was truly something to be missed. I expressed my sadness and unwillingness to celebrate without her to Kelly's parents and I knew they understood. Enough self pity...here's the best part...
Remember Robynn's Prayer quilt? The one Kelly was frantic to get finished in a couple days because Robynn was gravely ill and we were unsure if she would be around to see this precious gift and be comforted by it? Yes, I know you know the one. Well, after Robynn's passing Brian had reiterated Aunt Robynn's wishes to give Cal all her beloved coats and jackets and anything out of her closet that she wanted. Cal said she wasn't ready to do that, but looked forward to a day when she was emotionally able. He then asked if there was anything I wanted and I replied, "all I want is the prayer quilt Kelly made for her". "It's yours" he said. I was thrilled and immediately asked where it was. It was not in the box Kelly had sent it in. We found the box, but no blanket. He assured me he would find it and get it to me. Weeks passed and I asked if he had run across it and he said, no. When packing up his house for their move back to Bakersfield, I figured he'd for sure find it, but now he wondered if it had been left behind in Texas. I was beside myself and whenever the thought of not finding it crossed my mind, I burst into tears. This reality was overwhelming and my sadness & despair was deep and dark. I was prepared to call every listed phone number for MD Andersen and track it down. The busyness of Alex, Cal and Roberts graduations helped relieve my obsession with it and their parties became a great distraction. Their graduation party was the day before my birthday and some had brought gifts for me. Gifts that I loved and would cherish because their sentiment was indescribable(thank you Mr and Mrs. Brown, Bill, Spencer, Mason, Starr family, Matt, Erin, Maddie and Raj:) However, none consisted of the colorful squares held together with brown satin ribbon that had been perfectly stitched together at the hands of my dear, sweet Kelly. The quilt that had come to Robynn's rescue and wrapped her in our love and prayers. The quilt that had caused Kelly sleepless nights, time away from her family and bloody fingers. Where could it be?
My pride in Kelly as my friend was always tremendous, but the pride I felt when I got to present this prayerful treasure to Robynn can never be put into words. Kelly, ONCE AGAIN used her God given talent to bring joy, peace, comfort and God's grace to Robynn. It was a miracle in itself and I was so honored that it came from MY FRIEND Kelly.
So now it's my birthday....I choose to want to lay in bed all day and Raji graciously accepts that fact and jumps right in bed with me:) Thanks Raj! We do however roll out of it around 5 to go to my parents for dinner. My dad BBQ's and it's just my 7, Raj, my parents, Brian, Brady and Hailey. Very simple and subdued, per my request.
Lastly, a present in one of the Christmas boxes we keep and recycle is brought to me by Brady. I open the card attached and it has a goofy looking dog in a wacky pair of glasses and Brian and the kids have written sweet things in their best handwriting. I open the box and remove the brown tissue paper and can't believe my eyes. I pick up Robynn's prayer quilt, press it against my face, hugging it tightly and sob. Brady is behind me and gently pats my back and tells me "it's ok Auntie". When I'm able to take it away from my face I see my brother sitting across from me on the fireplace with a red face and tears welling up. He knows he's given me what no one else could give and my day is now perfect!
Thank you again to all who wished me well!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN! WE LOVE YOU!

Pray On!
S
We are still praying Larry!!!!