Tribute to Mom

I wrote the below for Mom's memorial service (held Monday, May 11). I asked my long-time friend and quilting buddy Kate to read it on my behalf, since I didn't think I'd make it through it. Sure enough, she had just barely finished reading the title when I broke down, so I'm forever grateful for her being willing to "be me" for those few minutes that day!

What I Learned about Life, I Learned from My Mom—
Especially When She Taught Me How to Quilt

Mom taught me that while having perfectly matching points is a nice thing, it’s better to know when good enough is good enough.

Mom taught me that sometimes a little tough love is needed—that something that won’t cooperate often just needs a bunch of pins, a really hot steam iron, and a stack of heavy books. Mom also taught me that, like in quilting where colored markers can be my best friend—it is, indeed, often possible to cover up mistakes so no one is ever the wiser.

Mom taught me to see the possibilities in everyone and everything—that even the most difficult fabric can be a thing of beauty when it’s given the right opportunity.

Mom taught me that, while following the pattern and following the rules can be helpful when it suits my purpose, I should feel free to put my own unique spin on it, tweak the pattern to my own ends, throw out the rules if necessary, and sometimes just make it up as I go along.

Mom taught me that not knowing how something would turn out should never stop me from starting it anyway.

Mom taught me that I can always learn something from other quilters—even if it’s just a little thing. So she taught me to enjoy meeting new people and to be insatiably curious—to always keep my ears, eyes, and mind open.

On the other hand, Mom taught me that the most beautiful quilts are the well-used ones; that while meeting new people is good, making them a part of my life is better; that life-long friendships have a depth and breadth that can’t be matched.

Mom taught me that eclectic is good—fabric, techniques, and styles can come from all over the world and should all be part of my repertoire.

Mom taught me about the importance of hospitality—from making teachers and participants at quilt conferences feel welcome and appreciated, to making anyone who came by the house, expected or unexpected, feel immediately at home. Plus, Mom taught me that one must always have a boatload of Christmas and Easter decorations.

Mom taught me to see the whole as the sum of the parts—that random bits and pieces can be pulled together into a cohesive unit and achieve a single goal. Scrap quilts and committees share a whole lot in common.

Mom taught me—much to my husband’s chagrin—that you can never have too much fabric or too many books. The girl with the most gadgets wins!

Finally, Mom taught me that while striving for show-worthy perfection is admirable, what’s more important is surrounding the people I care for with beauty, warmth, comfort when they’re sick, and love they can wrap themselves up in.