Saturday was my friend Ginny's memorial service. Her family had the service in person but also (very kindly) virtually. Ginny's daughter Lori wrote a lovely tribute poem for the service and she said I could share it with you. The back story - Ginny was a teacher for many years, then a wonderful quilter. She and her son Larry had a fabric hand dyeing business and they also sold a few special fabrics, including Australian fabrics.
Some of you will picture yourselves in some of the words. I hope you enjoy it.
MY MOTHER, THE QUILTER
By Lori Brubaker
I must work on my design today!”
Virginia Beth Keiser was known to say.
She’d iron and measure and then she’d cut
Circles, strips, and squares to construct.
Her fabrics were many, her ideas profuse
In brights and pastels and neutral hues.
Her stacks were neat and all color coded,
Her bolts were straight with ends nicely folded.
Her hair wasn’t combed, her bed wasn’t made.
She forgot to eat lunch on many a day.
Her texts went unanswered, her phone was upstairs
She was in the basement without any cares.
Her machines were singing, her audiobooks played
While she straight stitched, basted, and appliqued.
Creating memories and gifts for our beds, walls, and laps
Uncountable hours and, of course, the requisite naps.
Lo and behold, a foreign language broke through,
Words like fat quarters, scant quarters, fussy cuts, too.
Radiance and shibori and charms, squares, or pacts,
Jelly rolls and cake layers, the bulk fabrics, not the snacks.
Australians aren’t folks from the world down under
But aboriginal art work, a textile wonder!
And confusion was caused whenever she’d say ,
“Larry and I will be doing some dyeing today.”
Her favorite machine was her high tech long-arm,
Who knew that it cost as much as a car?
Custom-made cabinets, a large wall for hanging,
Threads and pins scattered, extension cords dangling.
When grandkids did visit, homemade treats were none.
But there were child sized projects for each and everyone.
Beanie babies, pot holders, place mats, and quilts, too.
They learned how to sew, design, and creatively choose.
“I must work on my quilting today!”
Grandma Ginny was frequently known to say.
Baby quilts, comforters, hand dyes, wall art,
All are reminders she lives in our hearts.
2 comments:
What a lovely way to be remembered. For what she loved doing.
So nice that you all got to partake in the service. Be there but also be safe.
I know you will think of her often and that would make Ginny happy.
Such a beautiful tribute! Thanks so much for sharing this with us.
Post a Comment