We are all yearning for a return to “Normal” but in our hearts we know that we are venturing into an unknown New Normal that will be spread out over an unknown amount of time. However as more people are vaccinated and some aspects of life begin to open up again, and as the possibility of activities without masks dangles tantalizingly just around the corner, it is a roller-coaster of conflicting emotions. Fear and hope get all mixed up and I don’t know about you, but I am bouncing back and forth between the two extremes like a ping pong ball.
It looks like our exhibit “For the Love of Gaia” will be traveling IN PERSON to the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham UK the end of July, but I don’t know if I will feel ok about traveling. I’ve reserved a hotel room as an act of faith, but it has a very flexible cancellation policy.
Big hugs and thanks to those of you who have already dropped off or shipped donated comfort quilts for the families and first responders event this weekend, to support those affected by the King Soopers mass shooting on March 22. My contact at the Boulder Emergency Taskforce has assured me that any quilts that arrive after this week will still be distributed to those who have suffered a loss or trauma.
I had a phone call from a quilter today, whose son-in-law is the commander of the 911 department. We had a long talk about the trauma experienced by this other group of first responders, and I agreed to also put out a call for additional quilts for this group. So far I have requests for about 175 quilts and I hope to have 25 by this weekend. I would also like to give to those who were inside the grocery store (115) and in the parking lot (25) when this happened. I assume the 115 who were in the building include the store workers who lost co-workers.
So this could easily add up to several hundred people, and if you send them, I will make sure they are personally distributed to those affected by the trauma of this dark day here in Boulder. My humble gratitude to all of you who feel called to contribute to this effort.
To ship a quilt to us:
eQuilter.com – 6201 Spine Rd. Suite A, Boulder Colo 80301
If you want confirmation that the quilt arrived, please choose a method of shipping with a tracking number. We will not have time to contact you to confirm receipt.
To drop off a quilt to us:
Call us at 303-527-0856 when you arrive. Be sure to bring your cell phone. Our front door is still locked and staff are still wearing masks and social distancing. Our phone number is also posted on the front door. We are open Monday – Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Please do share this blog link with anyone (or any group) who might wish to contribute.
I’d also like to remind you that we’d like to present memorial quilts to the community next year on the one year anniversary, listing all 10 victims, including police officer Eric Talley who rushed in first. He was the father of 7 young children. Please contact me if you are interested in making a community memorial quilt wall hanging.
Mothers Day is this Sunday, and I will have a special message for and about Moms, in the Saturday newsletter. Remember to scroll all the way down to the bottom to see my Saturday messages!
…with hope for the future,
Luana and Paul
