Sunday, September 12, 2021

In the Strangest Places

 



Many of you have asked – How do I find these Veterans that need a Quilted Hug?

Well – I have been doing this for a long time so many people know me, and know what I do – that helps. My name and number is out there. But here is an interesting one.

A friend of mine had to go to the dentist. She mentioned Quilts, and starting to stitch blocks for our Quilts ( for Military) , and the dental tech started talking about a friend she had, who had a son/soldier, who had just returned from Afghanistan, and he wasn’t having a good time. So my friend got the dental techs friends’ number and told me I needed to call….. did you follow all that?

So I called. I talked to this soldiers Mom and all she could say was – he’s in a bad place and I don’t know what to do. I made the date and time to come to her house …. And away I went.

When I arrived he was out in the yard doing some yard work. He knew a friend of his moms was coming, but didn’t know anything other than that. So imagine his surprise when I introduce myself to his mom. He thought we already knew each other – oops!

I introduced myself to him and of course asked if he had a minute.

Turns out life had been a little rough on him. When he was in country, his driver’s license expired. He was allowed to drive a HumVee in a foreign country, but when he came back here he couldn’t rent an apartment without a valid license. And the DMV was giving him a huge run around since it had expired over a year ago… shame right?

He had so much paperwork and protocol to go thru ( besides the Drivers License) , at the same time suffering from injuries, that it was truly overwhelming to him. I was beyond frustrated for him. But! I also came bearing phone numbers and people that could help get done what needed to be done. So he and I got to calling these people. I had decided that he had so many things that had to be done, and I am an organizer – I was just going to schedule it all.. poor kid… he didn’t know what hit him.

Anyways we had all the appointments set up for the next week. People were working on his list and there was a little light there for him. And then I remembered! I came to wrap him in hugs and love with a Quilt!!

I went back to my car and got the Quilt of Valor® out.  I proceeded to tell him all about it and how I came to his house that day. I told him all about this quilt, and why I thought he really needed it, and I wrapped him up in it. He might have had a little weepy eye going on, but you could tell, that quilt was NOT coming off for a while. I told him every time he thought he needed a little extra love, he needed to wrap himself in it.

Because I just can’t let things go, I called some of our contacts to make sure that he had arrived for his appointments. One of the folks said – Yes he did, and he came with his Quilt.

Now if that just doesn’t make a little ol’ me extremely happy.

And that! Is how I meet Veterans (active duty or not)


36 comments:

Julie in GA said...

That's an amazing and very touching story, Alycia! I got a little weepy eyed myself. It is so wonderful how much you do for the veterans, not just making and delivering quilts to them, but helping them out and listening to their stories. Thank goodness for you and all you do!

djquilting said...

Such a great story. Thank you for all you do for our veterans.

The Joyful Quilter said...

Oh, Alycia, I can barely see thru the tears that just escaped my eyes. This one was a special story. Thanks for sharing and thanks for being SEW sweet to our veterans!!

julieQ said...

OH Alycia! This is just perfect, and we are all so connected, as you so wonderfully described. I love it...thank you so very much for all you do, and I just love you!!!!

tealeafquilts said...

Thank you for sharing. I live in the panhandle of Florida which has a huge military presence. We regularly present QOV.

Kate said...

So glad you were able to give him a real hug and the longer laster quilty hug.

Becky said...

OH, my. He isn't the only one with weepy eye thing. Thanks for all you do for our vets.

Sherrill said...

You are a rare person to be able to do that for one of our vets!! It's a gift that many don't have. I'm glad you're here to work your magic with our heroes having problems. Thanks for taking care of them, Alycia!!

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Glad you knew some people who could help him. Every time I get to award a Quilt of Valor, I get chills. Each time is different, but always so rewarding. I taught my sons to tell a soldier, whenever/wherever they see them, "Thanks for your Service."

Donna said...

You are an angel in disguise as a quilter! Thanks for the heartwarming story but not the crybaby face! It’s amazing how you changed this one man’s life with a quilt and bu helping him contact the right people! Bless your big heart!

Mary Says Sew! said...

OMG, Alycia - he takes the QOV with him to his appointment(s)!!! That's amazing! It doesn't get much more tangible than that.

Do you think maybe somewhere down the road this veteran would be able to go with you when you award QOVs? Might be good for him and the recipient.

Linda said...

I'm weepy-eyed reading this!! What a WONDERFUL story, and it is so great that you were able to help him meet his needs and get him going. The quilt is icing on the cake, and for him to take it to his appointment is so heart-warming. Thank you for caring for this young man Alycia. Big, big hugs to you.

Rebecca said...

Oh you go Lady!!!!

Elle said...

THANK YOU! Thank you for being present for him, for helping him, for doing some calling for him. Thank you Thank you Thank you!

The Colorful Fabriholic said...

Isn't it amazing how people are placed in the right place at the right time to benefit someone in need. This young man was blessed to have you com into his world at just the right time to help him. You go, girl!

Deb S said...

Amazing story! Thanks for what you do and for sharing the story!

LizA. said...

This should have come with a tissue alert……what a great story, thank you for sharing it.

Quiltdivajulie said...

You are an angel on earth - truly you are. Thank you for sharing these stories - they make me weepy eyed, just like your soldier.

Sue Edberg said...

Oh Alycia, reading this brought tears to my eyes. You do amazing things for these soldiers. I am so glad that I found you years ago and have kept up making QOVs and reading your stories. The only thing I am missing is a picture of this soldier wrapped in his quilt. Keep up the good work you do. It is so desperately needed, especially now. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

GBailey said...

God bless you. ❤️

QuiltinLibraryLady said...

Great story! And so great that you could help him get going on all the things that had him so down. It makes that quilt mean all the more to him. Thank you!

phylklos said...

A wonderful story! Keep up your good work.

Rebecca Smith said...

I am always inspired when you share about giving quilts to our servicemen!

Sara said...

A wonderful story - thank you for sharing. It’s good to remind us all that a bit of quilty love is worth the time and effort.

Jeanne said...

you just made my day!!! thank you so much

Ellee said...

Thank you for sharing this.

Katy Sweigart said...

What a great story! This is what it’s all about.

Bernice said...

Bless you, my quilting sister! You were a blessing to that soldier and his mom. ❤️❤️❤️❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Gee said...

Your stories and quilty photos are so inspiring! I’m guilty of a bit of teary eyes, too! Thanks for all you do for our service members!

San said...

This is just the BEST news! All it takes is a strong link in the chain! Good for you. Good for us.

Thanks for sharing.

San / Gypsy Quilter Designs

Vicki W said...

Oh wow, I just love these stories!

Delighted Hands said...

Oh, my; you usually make me cry with your stories and this one really touched me. I'm so glad you could bring him a quilt-amazing.

Anonymous said...

Your story brought tears. Bless you for all you do.

Linda Swanekamp said...

You have the best stories, even if I have to use a kleenex. You inspire me and make me grateful.

Vicki in MN said...

That is a 'sad' happy story. I might have had some extra water in my eyes too as I imagined it all happening. You are such a blessing to so many people Alycia! And you made another life long friend in this young man. I love your stories and hope you keep sharing them.

Preeti said...

Oh Alycia, such a heart-warming story. It is frustrating to learn that folks who devote so much of themselves to the service of our country have to struggle so much for small things. AAARRGGGHHHH! Thank goodness for you. Big hugs to you. You are awesome.