Monday, December 06, 2010

being heard

Today, as I was sewing some fabric that was gifted to me into a quilt top that I plan to give to Seattle Children's Hospital, R came and sat down next to me (I have been using the kitchen table, so she was sitting in her spot while I was sitting in mine with the machine) and asked who I was making the quilt for.

I answered simply "sick children who are in a hospital away from their bedrooms and favorite things."

She asked to go visit them to make them happy.

I told her when she's older she can volunteer for the hospital or organise a collection drive, but for now she can just pray for the children.

She said she wanted to make the kids happy NOW. And then she looked down at her crayon and paper and said "can I give them coloring?"

I thought she meant can she send them things she drew, so I said "no" and somehow was trying to explain that kids wouldn't want something she drew without hurting her feelings when she interrupted me...

"No mommy, I give them COLORS" (lifting up her crayon and shaking it at me.) "I use my "sharing" money to go to the store and give them colors. Please?"


Ahhhh, sometimes the lessons I am trying to teach are being heard!

(I have one quilt done to donate, one top done, one top that needs one more border but I can't decide yet, the one seam flying geese that I need to go buy more brown for, and one the one I just started today! I think I need to start quilting these things but all I know how to do is stitch in the ditch, and thats dull)

7 comments:

Marsha B said...

Isn't it fun when the little ones start to really understand! Good for R wanting to share.

Beth said...

Give that adorable girl a hug! That story brought tears to my eyes. You are doing such a wonderful job teaching the girls and you show them by providing a good example.

Katie said...

What a sweet little girl you have. As for quilting the quilts, you could try diagnonal lines instead of in the ditch? Or, if you have a "hopper" foot, you could give free motion a go. Try turning your machine sideways - it worked really well for me. It's a little scary to start, but just remember that noone is going to be more critical of your work than you and most people are so thrilled to get a quilt, the thought to inspect it for flaws never occurs to them!

Joanne Lendaro said...

aawww...what a sweetie!! Give her a big hug for me today...

Unknown said...

How cool is that?!? I love moments like that;) When we have drives for school supplies here, I always buy crayons to give...with all the cuts in school budgets, art seems to go first;) And the smell of crayons is wonderful...very soothing;)
Happy Quilting!!

Sandy said...

Isn't it nice to know that even at such a young age, she has empathy -- she gets it. You are doing an amazing job. Give yourself a big pat on the back, and then give each of your sweeties a hug and a kiss!

Sandy

Quiet Quilter said...

Aahhhh....Such a sweet child! Treasure these moments.....