Saturday Morning Message: Favorite Quilts and Blankets
Author: Carol Lane
Good morning,
Blankets and quilts are made to keep us warm and comfortable. Sometimes they are made after the death of a loved one by someone who cares for us. Others make these special coverings from their loved one’s clothes to ease the heartache. This week survivors share pictures of these special comforters. The opening picture comes from Perry, father of Christopher, whose response you will read below. I have also taken a variety of answers to this question from the TAPS Facebook page. You can go there to read even more.
Remember, you can write to me anytime — to contribute, subscribe or if you have thoughts on what could make the Saturday Morning Message more helpful. I look forward to hearing from you. My email address is online@taps.org.
Hugs,
Carol Lane
Mother of Bryon
Answers from Survivors
Responses from Survivors to last week's question: Do you have a special quilt or blanket that makes you think of your fallen hero?
From Perry, father of Christopher: The opening picture is a throw blanket that was made by a lady in Indiana. It was given to me at the funeral. Rather than have it on the chair or couch, I have it hanging in my living room. Everyday I see it and think that Chris is watching over me and the house.
From Andi, spouse of Christopher: I made him a quilt every year for Christmas. The last year’s quilt has been on my bed. Others hang or are folded on display. Fifteen years of quilts. Going to make the next ones with some of his Hawaiian shirts.
From Gail, mother of Courtney: This hangs in my living room window. The navy blue pieces are from Court's dress blues. I also had three quilts made from her shirts and stuff. The pink was her favorite South Carolina color.
From Nancy, mother of Brett: My quilt! Made from many of the T-shirts my son often wore. He lost his battle with PTS and chronic physical pain from combat wounds. He died by suicide, but is alive and well in my heart, soul and every fiber of my being.
If you would like to send a message thanking one or all of those who participated in this week’s Saturday Morning Message, send it to me at online@taps.org and I will make sure your thoughts are passed along to them.
Question for Next Week’s Saturday Morning Message
In this time of giving, it may be interesting to share with others a special gift that reminds us of our loved one, so the question is: Would you share a special item of your loved one that will help us get to know that person better? We look forward to your responses.
We can honor our loved ones by communicating with each other through writing. You never know how your words may touch the heart of another. I encourage you to reply to the Saturday Morning Message by emailing online@taps.org. I directly receive all responses that are sent to this address. In order to have your reply included in the week’s Saturday Morning Message, it is best to send it to me by Tuesday morning of the following week. Thank you to everyone responding this week and those who read this message.
♫ Song for the Week
This week’s song "I’m Alive Again" was sent by Cheryl, mother of Jack. Cheryl wrote, “After Jack died my daughters gave me some songs that helped me. They did not remind me of Jack, but help my grieving heart.
You can send me favorite songs for this song of the week section at online@taps.org and include a note about why the song is meaningful to you.
Other Items and Events of Interest
Join us on Memorial Day Weekend, May 28 to 30, for our 27th Annual National Military Survivor Seminar! We will be live streaming all of our general sessions with guest speakers.
Important Note: In-person registration is still open, but we are in a waitlist situation due to COVID occupancy restrictions in the State of Virginia.
If you have any questions, email seminarregistrations@taps.org or call our Helpline at 202.588.TAPS (8277).
▶▶ Connect With Your TAPS Family
You can discover all the opportunities to connect with your TAPS Family on our website at the TAPS Event Calendar.
About the Saturday Morning Message
The Saturday Morning Message (SMM) is a weekly communication contributed by survivors. The primary focus of the SMM is to foster peer-based connections for support and encouragement. It is the goal of this communication to foster a safe, supportive place where we can openly share in a nonjudgmental and caring manner. Read and contribute as you are comfortable. Content submitted for the SMM is edited for space considerations and may be used in other TAPS publications. The loving family at TAPS is available to you 24 hours a day. Please call 202-588-TAPS (8277).