This is a story about Monica and the significance of this quilt.
Monica and Momcat met when they were in the seventh grade. After graduating from high school, Monica went on to study art in college, get married, have two terrific sons, and be very active in her church and community.
Unfortunately, kidney disease runs in Monica's family. Her mother, Therese, is herself a kidney recipient. When Monica's kidneys began to fail she went on dialysis and the search for a donor began. Her mom was ruled out, for obvious reasons. The rest of her large family was tested, but none were a match. The call then went out to the general public.. Her husband, John, decided that he should be tested on the off-chance that he could be of help.
He was a match!! Monica received John's kidney 11 years ago. She's beautiful and her artwork is full of blessings. She's won several awards, and will be receiving another honor tomorrow. Her artwork was selected for the Loveland, Ohio Valentine Card and will be unveiled tomorrow.
You can visit Monica's website here: www.MonicaAchberger.com.
When I think of all that she has done for the world thanks to the tremendous gift of her husband I am in awe. God's ways are wondrous.
The Tea Roses quilt is an original pattern from Best Friends Quilt Shoppe, designed by Katy Doench. I created it to represent the love between Monica and John, and the eternal love of our Savior Jesus Christ.
I had Cheryl at our shop do the quilting. Here's a couple of close-ups of the terrific loopy hearts that Cheryl did. I can hardly wait to give this to Monica tomorrow. She's already told me that this is going to grace the foot of her and John's bed.
Sadly, kidney disease runs in Monica's family. Her sister Ursula is herself on dialysis and on the transplant list. None of the family is a match. The ideal situation is a live donor, although the odds of a match are tremendous. I'm starting the first steps to see if I am a suitable match (Momcat, not Piwacket!!) Please pray for Ursula and all those who are in the position of waiting for organ donors.
If you haven't already signed your driver's license to donate your organs, please do so now. The world is a better place because my friend Monica still lives in it.
Linda and Piwacket
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8 comments:
The quilt is wonderful. Now.....I know of two families who had NO match for kidneys within their families BUT they and their loved ones went to one of the growing number of transplant hospitals that does multi-person transplants. My friend's husband needed a kidney...neither she nor anyone else was a match. SO....they went to a Philadelphia hospital and she was a match for someone there (a man) whose WIFE was a match for my friend's husband. Sometimes the matches are worked out between more than 4 people....but these multi-people transplants are becoming more frequent. I would hope Monica's sister is near enough to one of those places to see if that would work for her.
The quilt is beautiful! You are both very blessed to have each other as friends and as sisters-in-Christ!
What a wonderful gift - both the kidney and the quilt ; ) I've signed my donor card!
What a beautiful story along with the wonderful quilt. Thanks for sharing both.
What a beautiful story of hope. The quilt is just beautiful to.
Thanks for sharing such beautiful life story! The quilt is lovely.
Yes, I am also on a donor list...
I am simply overwhelmed at Linda's gracious generosity, immeasureble talent, detail and labor of love that "Momcat" put into this incredible quilt it is truly a work of art. She touched my heart as a friend many years ago and I am so blessed to have her in my life. I am brought to tears of happiness and joy. This quilt will have a place of honor in our home. Love you sister friend. Monica
What a wonderful story and a wonderful quilt!
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