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| Mother's Dream Quilt Block |
Our book to read and discuss during August 2013 is Between Heaven and Texas by Marie Bostwick. Back in March, we read her book A Single Thread, the first book of the Cobbled Court Quilts Series. Our new book is a prequel to that. Get the book from your local library or bookstore and join us!
If you'd like to create a block based on a theme from the book, here are some suggestions:
A Mother's Life:
Baby's Best Quilt Block
Mother's Life Quilt Block
Mother's Own Quilt Block
"The biggest hurdle that people with Down syndrome face isn't the syndrome itself but the ignorance of others. The minute you leave here and for the rest of his life, Howard is going to run into people who will tell you what he can't do. Don't you believe it," he said earnestly, looking Mary Dell squarely in the eye. "And don't you accept it, not for a second. When people tell your son he can't, it's your job to tell him he can and to show him how. You've got to lead by example. You're his mother, Mrs. Bebee. He'll believe you." (Dr. Tibbets to Mary Dell on page 93)
"Until a few weeks ago, if you had decided to turn into a great big selfish coward, to quit eating and drinking and sleeping, to worry your family half to death and be the guest of honor at your own pity party, then you could have gone right ahead and done it. But you gave up that right on the day Howard was born. You're a momma now, Mary Dell. Mommas don't lie down and die! You've got a child to care for, a job to do. So get your butt up out of that chair and start doing it." (Grandma Silky to Mary Dell, page 131)
Adjusted Hopes and Dreams:
Bright Hopes Quilt Block
Broken Path Quilt Block
Mother's Dream Quilt Block
"I know your heart's been broke and your dreams have too, and I'm sorry for it. But when your dreams turn to dust, well . . . maybe it's time to vacuum." (Grandma Silky to Mary Dell, page 132)
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| Bright Hopes Quilt Block |
Silky informs her granddaughter that upon becoming a mother, Mary Dell gave up her right to fall apart, that she has to stay strong for her child no matter what. Do you think that is true? Do you think it is fair? If you’re a mother, have you ever gone through a time when you felt you had to maintain a façade of strength for the sake of your family? If you’re a daughter, have you ever witnessed your mother doing the same? Inquiring minds want to know! Answer in the comment section below. If you are reading via email, you must first click on the blog title to be able to comment and read the comments of others.
By commenting, you are entering your name in a giveaway of a fabulous prize pack containing Wedding Ring, Endless Chain, Lover’s Knot (first three books of the Shenandoah Album Series) and Mountain Away, all by Emilie Richards - courtesy of Harlequin!
Heads Up: September book is The Goodbye Quilt by Susan Wiggs. You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post here.
when my 3 mo. old grand daughter Brandilynne passed away, it was the absolutely worst thing that had ever happened in our family. My son and his wife were beside themselves with grief and it was up to me to remain strong and clear headed to make sure that all arrangements were made well. It was one of the hardes things I have had to do in my life.
ReplyDeleteOne son dragged the family through some very trying times, being kicked out of school because he wouldn't rat on his friends so took the blame. With the family's support and encouragement, he took the GED and got into a community college where he did so well, the top universities in his field were wooing him. All of us came out stronger in the end and he is the kind of son anyone would be proud of. School administrators don't know everything about education.
ReplyDeleteYes! My mother died before our youngest daughter turned 2. It was horrible and I wasn't sure I would survive but having kids to look after helped but the best thing was that I rediscovered sewing a year later! After sewing came quilting! Now, I can't imagine my life without fabric and thread!
ReplyDeleteKnowing this book was scheduled for August, I requested it from my local library, It already had several requests by others so I was surprised when it arrived promptly. I generally don't care for "spin-offs" of series as much as the originals but I couldn't put this book down, I started reading it one evening, took it with me to a doctor appointment the next day, then finished it that night. I hope we hear more about Mary Dell's life before her friend moves to Connecticut.
ReplyDeleteYes. I think that becoming a mother means that you have to stay strong no matter what. I've found that every stage of my child's life has presented new challenges; not just for her but for me as well. As a family we've weathered some storms and that has given us strength for the future. Sometimes the fairness of the responsibility gives me pause for thought. I admit that sometimes I just want the resolution to the problem without the necessary effort. Just human nature, I guess.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to think about maintaining a façade of strength. I've done it and watched others do it. It was for different reasons but I think the thing to examine is why we do it. Are we doing it to protect the family member or trying to hide something about them that we don't want others to know about?
I fully believe that a parent must be strong for their kids. They can see the hurts and pains, but, a parent always needs to be there for their kids. Hubby lost his job 10 years ago. Our son's knew what was going on, and were encouraged to ask as many questions (financial and otherwise) that they wanted to, but, we also needed to stay strong for them, since they were scared. It was ok for them to know that we were also a bit scared, but, that we'd take care of them.
ReplyDeleteI think when we make the decision to become mothers that we take on the role of being the protector of our children. So, yes, it is true.
ReplyDeleteMy mom has taken on this role my entire life and still does and as a grandmother, she thinks she is to take care of the grandchildren too even though her quite capable children are doing it for their own children as well.
I too have had to be the strong one for my child and also for my mom even though mom was also being strong for her 3 surviving children.
Yeah, being mom is a big job and if someone isn't ready for it, then they need to think twice before bringing a child into this world.
Being strong is good, but during times when we have to grieve, we can show our kids how to do that in a healthy way as well.
ReplyDeleteWhen I separated from my ex husband when my children were only 1 and 3, I felt that I just had to get on with my life and try to keep their life as normal as possible. Difficult times were helped by the support of my friends and family.
ReplyDeleteOur family is going through a situation that has some similarities to the book. My grandson is a healthy 15 month old with no mental or physical challenges. However, during my daughter's pregnancy there were indicators he MIGHT have Downs. As soon as this information was received by my son-in-law, we noticed he became distant towards our daughter & the pregnancy. He abandoned them 1 week after our grandson was born. Terminated his rights & pays no child support. She knows she has to stay strong but it is a daily struggle which is heart-wrenching for me to witness. So my answer is yes to all of the above questions with the exception of the question about fairness.
ReplyDelete