Wedding ring gift...

Every day Rachel, her fiance, and I are stunned by the kindness and generosity of people in regards to the upcoming wedding.  Kind, thoughtful, generous gifts have been flowing in, some from very unexpected sources. Customers have added $50-100 to their checks with a little note, "Congratulations!" and never said a word. We gasp when we see what they have done, and more than a few happy tears have squeaked out of our amazed eyes.  Some of the gifts have been home made with great care and love. Things destined to be family heirlooms. Here is one example.

Months ago my sister-in-law, Brenda, and her daughter, Lisa, asked if Rachel and Evans might like a quilt as a wedding gift. They are talented quilters, and of course the answer was a gratitude filled, "YES." Some sample quilt pictures were sent, both of beautiful patterns.  Rachel said, "I wonder if they could make a wedding ring quilt?"  I passed that thought along and was told that wedding ring quilts are very challenging.  I said, "OK, forget that plan," but was told that if the bride wanted a wedding ring quilt, she should have one.  Months went by and I heard bits and pieces of just how tricky this quilt was turning out to be.  They had never made one before, and all the pieces are cut with curved edges, and there are thousands of them.  It sounded grim and I felt quite awful that they were having to undertake such a challenging project. But at the same time, we were very excited to see what their creative efforts would produce.

Last week a large box was delivered by our lovely mail lady.

We could hardly wait to open it.

Big enough for a queen sized bed, it was a serious armful. The soft, vintage colors of the fabric delighted us both.

And the precious binding on the scalloped edges was just too perfect.

The love and care and artistry that went into this gift looks and feels like pure love.  What a wonderful thing to give to celebrate a lifelong union. 

(Another hand-made wonder was delivered the same week... but I will write about that one after the wedding when I have photos of it doing what it is meant to do.  Here is a tease, it's stunning!)

The outpouring of love and kindness around this wedding has made the planning for the event such a joy for all of us. We feel most blessed.