"Our lives are like quilts bits and pieces, joy and sorrow, stitched with love." I recently walked into my tv room, sat down on the couch, reached for my book on the coffee table and then noticed this beautiful table runner. My sweet mom's amazing sewing ability, beautiful hand and needlework, wool work expertise, mad quilting skills, fun touches of seasonal decor, and overall art and craft capabilities are endless. I treasure every handmade gift she's bestowed upon me. In fact, I still have the very first doll she made for me 40 years ago. It's a Raggedy Ann doll complete with a red, hand-stitched heart and the date of my heart operation. Although it is gently tucked away in my box of treasures, I find that my level of gratitude for such an intimate and heartwarming gift grows stronger as I age and become more aware and appreciative of family, love, and tender mercies. I'm not sure my mom will ever truly know how much her thoughtful gifts mean to me, especially because there is no end to her selfless love and service. She will quietly load and unload my dishwasher when I've had a hard time getting out of bed. She'll put the clothes I left in the washing machine into the dryer. She'll bring down a plate of warm cookies and leave them on my counter. She'll clean my bathroom when she knows I've been sick or am in pain or am struggling with both. She and my dad are angels who reside 12 steps above me. I think it's fairly evident to state that life isn't easy- it has never been and it never will be. Every single human being on this earth has adversity. Everyone hurts. Everyone has pain. Unfortunately, this is easily forgotten when anger, frustration and other forms of negativity slap, kick and punch us repeatedly. I, myself, am guilty of disregarding the need for humanity which is why I'm grateful I have parents who remind me to stay the course with their kind, patient, and compassionate service. If I am able to retain even the smallest portion of their goodness, I just might have a shot at surviving this gig. I may even go as far as becoming one of the angels living among us. #notsorryforthelength #writingisexcellenttherapy

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