A Gift of Remembrance to Hold On To....

As I have mentioned in a previous post, our family lost a very loved and important member of our family towards the end of 2009. My Grandpa, Cliff Chronabery. Each one of us is still mourning this loss. The holidays were especially hard this year, because they were the first where he wasn't celebrating with us. After the services were over, and I took my grandma back to the home they shared, I asked her if I could help her sort through my Grandpa's clothes, and that I would take them to be donated. The truth, really, was that I didn't plan to donate them at all. I planned on getting some help from some special friends and using his clothes to make my Grandma, my Mom, her 2 sisters, myself, and my children & cousins a special keepsake for Christmas. I was able to make 5 big throw quilts, along with some throw pillows to be able to keep my Grandpa's spirit alive. Each of the 5 quilts was made with his shirts and bath robes. The pillows were made the same way. Each one of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were able to take away a little piece of him. When I gave the gifts to my family, they were all surprised at what I had done. There were many smiles, and many more tears. And, I told them, that I knew how hard the hurt was for each one of us. And, that now, when the lonliness and missing him came, he would still be with us. We can curl up with our quilts and/or pillows and have him near to us always. For it's in our hearts that he will always remain. And, in the memories we cherish, his spirit is always vibrant and alive.

Double sided pillow for the grandchildren and Children

The 5 quilts, front and back.....mine, Mom's, Gran's, Patty's & Susan's

With each of the quilts, I put a quilt tag that read:

On the outside of the box, I found a sweet sentiment that pretty much helped to make a difficult holiday season a little more easy to bear. The poem went like this:

Merry Christmas From Heaven

I still hear the songs,
I still see the lights,

I still feel your love on cold wintery nights.

I still share your hopes,

And all of your cares,

I'll even remind you to please say your prayers.

I just want to tell you, you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders above all the crowd.

Keep trying each moment, to stay in His grace,

I came here before you to help set your place.

You don't have to be perfect,

All of the time.

He forgives you the slip, if you continue the climb.

To my family and friends,

Please be thankful today.

I'm still close beside you,

In a new special way.

I love you all dearly,

Now don't shed a tear.

Cause I'm spending my Christmas with Jesus this year.