Bringing comfort and warmth

A year ago my Dad passed away.  He was one of those people that never got sick - a good, strong, healthy man.  And yet in June last year he just 'didn't feel right'.  He wasn't: He had an aggressive form of brain cancer.  

In a matter of weeks this disease started to take away his ability to do the most basic things:  He could no longer walk, stand, or even keep himself propped upright in bed.  My Mum had done an amazing job of taking loving care of him at home, but when it reached the point that it was no longer possible to provide the care he needed at home they both agreed that he move to the local hospice to be lovingly cared for there.

Dad with Naomi, less than a year before his diagnosis

I cannot express enough thanks for the care, attention and love that my Dad (and our family and friends) received at Trinity Hospice.  There is comfort and warmth everywhere you turn.

One of the seemingly small details that added comfort and warmth to his stay was the cosy blankets and throws that were used there.  There were a couple of quilts and lap blankets that had been generously donated to bring a little comfort to those at the hospice.  On my Dad's bed there was a beautifully hand crafted quilt, in soothing, uplifting colours.  As most crafters know, there is something very special about an item that you know someone has spent time and effort creating.  

So, for the last year I've had this idea rattling around my head to create and donate blankets to local hospices.  Quilted, knit, crocheted, it doesn't matter.  Just as long as they are machine washable.  I figured if I started to put my thoughts to 'paper' that this might actually turn into something real (and not just an idea that rattles around my brain, keeping me awake in the middle of the night!).

My Dad's nickname was 'Bertie', and my first thought was to label the blankets as 'Bertie's Blankets' to honour his memory.  (I even have an image in my mind of what the label would look like... I'm just lacking the graphic design skills to make it a reality!)

I could start small with my own efforts.  But then started thinking about the power of the Internet to help bring awareness and interest in contributing to this worthy cause.  More to come on that topic.

For now it is bed time.  As my husband is telling me, I'll be a wreck at work tomorrow if I don't get some sleep :o)))

Night, night,

Sam xxx