Memories

My first memory of Calvin was when I came out to help for a few days after he was born. He was soft and cuddly. He seemed and was so perfect, especially being our first grandchild. He had 10 toes and 10 fingers and everything else he was supposed to have. At that time, I wasn't making quilts for our grandchildren yet. So, we went to Joann's Fabric and bought flannel. We made two blankets and we were very happy with them. I remember one was red on the back and white with dogs on the front. I think the red bleed to the front. My first experience with red and learning to not put red behind fabric with mostly white on the front. I know those blankets were used a lot. I remember the day he received his name and blessing. We went to the Hansen's across the street for a little celebration. I remember sitting for what seemed like hours holding and rocking him in the rocking chair in front of the fireplace. What enjoyment that was: Holding our first grandchild. It was a wonderful day. Several years later I made quilts for each of our grandchildren I hadn't made quilts for yet. Calvin's was a design of bottles with insects and bugs inside. I had so much fun making that quilt. We all have great memories of Calvin and he lives on in our hearts. We all love and miss him, just like Donna, Chris and the boys.

A few days after Calvin's passing, Cole asked me to make him a quilt about Calvin, so he would never forget him. I told him, of course I would. Then, Clayton asked if I would make him one also. Of course I would. Jeni was there and we decided I would make one quilt and she would make another quilt. We thought the quilts would help the boys heal. We had old pictures which she printed on cloth so we could include one picture of Calvin on each row of the quilts. These were really hard quilts to make for both Jeni and I. Now the boys have their quilts to remember Calvin, but I know they also have great memories in their minds that won't be forgotten ever.