'The true Soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because He loves what is behind him.' -G. K. Chesterton

10 December 2009

A Labor Of Love

This is a love story about a man, his wonderful wife and an incredible soldier.

Anyone who knows me knows how I feel about my wife Lu. 31 years ago I married so far over my head my nose bleeds. I only love 3 people more, my daughter and 2 grandchildren. She even approves of that. That's who she is. She's the most loving and giving person I have ever known. She is my life. Without her I'd be lost.

She's also supremely talented. When we got married we were poor as church mice. Our first Christmas together she stayed up after I went to work the night shift and sewed me a shirt. From scratch. From fabric she saved up to buy. Yeah, she's that woman.

She also just happens to be the best quilter on the face of the planet. I'm talking about blue ribbon quilts mind you. She's made quilts for just about everyone in the family. The one she made for The DO when she was in Basic is absolutely unbelievable. If you're interested you can see it here http://jjsewbeeit.blogspot.com/2009/04/ive-been-waiting-for-good-weather-to.html

I recently met a soldier returned from hell. In the interest of preserving his anonymity I'll only refer to him as T. T has suffered grevious wounds in the service of America and the preservation of Liberty. He has paid a price so deep it humbles me to be in his presence. Yet his spirit remains. I was touched and awed by this incredible young man. So much so that I asked for a very special favor.

I asked Lu if she'd make him a quilt.

Lu has been aware of the program to donate a quilt to a wounded Warrior for a while now. She'd been looking for the right opportunity and when it came knocking she was ready. She not only said yes she was thrilled to have the chance to give something back to a soldier who had given so much.

For the next three weeks she spent whatever spare time she had working on it. Sewing on her days off and even deep into the night. She fussed and fretted, wanting it to be just right. She poured her heart and soul into a gift of love for a young man she had never met.

This is the result:






I presented it to T today. Lu decided to let me give it to him. I think it's because she didn't want the moment to be about her but about T. Like I said. Yeah, she's that woman.

Because of his wounds T will never see it but he can touch it. He told me he would 'see' it with his hands. His touch. Every seam. Every stitch.

And in my heart I know he'll feel the love she put into it. Love for a soldier.

Because I asked her. Because she can. Because she loves. Because that's who she is.

A Labor of Love.

Has any man ever had so much?

I love you sweetheart. Thanks.

Six

8 comments:

nanc said...

Ohhhhh, now I need a hankie! What a woman and what a wonderful husband to recognize just how fortunate he is.

nanc said...

OOPS! Forgot to mention how beautiful the quilt is!

Right Truth said...

The quilt is beautiful, but the love you have for your wife is even more beautiful. It's a rare things these days. You two are truly blessed.

(I feel the same in my marriage. I too am extremely blessed. Thanks to nanc for sharing)

Debbie
Right Truth
http://www.righttruth.typepad.com

cube said...

What a lovely tribute to your wife, her lovely handiwork, and to our brave soldiers like T. God bless you all.

BTW I'm here via nanc and I'm glad she took the time to email me and let me know about this post.

Moogie P said...

Such a lovely love story, not only between you and your wife, but between your family and one of our valiant soldiers. All of you, unselfish to the Nth degree. Thank you!

The quilt is exquisite! T has a real treasure -- as do you.

(And thanks to nanc for sharing.)

Six said...

Thank you all for stopping by and commenting. nanc, you're a peach. Thanks.
eric

Spitfire said...

Six, Nanc also sent me (isn't she a dear also?!)...I love the quilt, the devotion you have for your wife, and the unselfishness of your wife. She sounds much like that Proverbs 31 woman so many of us hate...but I think I'd love your wife also. Now to get on with doing my best to be a similar wife to my Dodi. Thanks for sharing this with us. Shalom, Spitfire

RaDena said...

The quilt is almost as beautiful as your wonderful wife's heart. Thank you for sharing this, and thanks to Nanc for letting me know about it. Merry Christmas!