Threads of Love

When my dad passed away, my mom (who is a beautiful seamstress and quilt maker) was thoughtful enough to make me a quilt with some of his favorite t-shirts. I use the quilt when it's cold and rainy or when I'm feeling blue. It's like my dad is wrapping me in one of his big hugs.

When Connor died and we cleaned out his apartment, I took some of his t-shirts that I remember him always wearing and put them in a duffel bag. That bag has been siting in my bedroom for a year. I move it from time to time, but haven't once opened it. Why? I haven't been ready to smell him. I haven't been ready to hold something that he once wore. I just haven't been ready.

Once I passed the one year mark, my mom was visiting. She asked if I wanted to do a quilt for Connor. I immediately said yes. So, we opened the bag and I was flooded with so many memories. But, I held it together and picked out 12 shirts that we could use to make a quilt. I had to wash them, which was hard because it meant washing away any scent of him. That said, it was also reminiscent of when he lived at home and I would do his laundry. I never minded it and treated it as an act of (necessary) love.

I took the shirts to my mom's and we started to lay them out and cut. With great precision, the shirts were cut and prepped and laid out in anticipation of sewing them all together. I thought I might get emotional when we were cutting them, but I actually found it cathartic. I am looking forward to having something of him to hold.

I am grateful to have a talented mom who is willing and capable of helping me create something so meaningful. I hope she finds some healing power in it too. ∞

Have you done anything special with your loved ones clothing?