The 2016 Cross Roads Quilt-Along hosted by Fat Quarter Shop is starting soon and I am super excited to be a part of this quilting adventure.
Quilt-alongs ….. we have been seeing more and more of them over the past couple of years and as a quilter I find myself wanting to do all of them. Ok let’s face it, there’s not enough time in our day, week, month or lives to participate in ALL of the quilt alongs. And sometimes money is an issue as well.
So how do you choose?
You choose by loving the quilt …… that moment when you look at it and just know it belongs in your life.
Like the Wishes Quilt Along that the Fat Quarter Shop hosted in 2014 to benefit Make a Wish. I got started late in the game but this quilt-along had meaning to me since Emily is a wish kid.
#disneyworld2013 #emilymeetspooh #givekidstheworldvillage
So now the question…. why the Crossroads Quilt Along?
Because back in August 2006 when this sweet girl was born we were told “something was wrong”. I could feel also feel it as a mom but nobody could quite put their finger on it. Not at first anyway.
In February 2008, after an onslaught of seizures …. blood tests were taken, Cat Scans and MRIs done …. we had a diagnosis . Our daughter was born with a rare chromosome disorder. There is a small part of her 17th chromosome missing. A deletion.
She has Koolen Syndrome.
My husband and I walked out of that genetic appointment teary eyed and confused. We even broke down crying in the car. That moment when the emotion just floods you and you feel heartache because you have just been told your child will never lead a “normal” life {for lack of better words}. She may never talk, she will have to take medication to keep seizures at bay, she will be globally developmentally delayed ….. and struggle with a handful of other things during her life.
That was all a tough pill to swallow and a crossroads of sorts.
Do we let heartache overtake us?? Do we sit and question why this happened and become bitter? Become depressed and sad?
What good would that do us or our daughter?
We had a purpose. We would share Emily’s story and our journey of faith & hope.
That is why this website, my Instagram & Emily Ann’s Kloset was created. To inspire everyone willing to listen. To show all of you how to choose happiness in spite of daily struggles or challenges. It’s not always easy, trust me …. I have days that I struggle to keep it together but in the big picture we have a choice to be happy or to be sad.
Welcome to my inspiration for this Crossroads Quilt Along. I hope you will join us on this quilty adventure.
Taunja of Carried Away Quilting (@taunjalynn)
Brck says
You inspire me to choice happy….I’ve had a bump that I struggle for quite a while ….I wish I could have hopped on the happy wagon sooner….. But I’m on it now And your posts make me smile everyday….
Tina I look forward to getting to know you this year, and stitching this quilt too, thank you for sharing your story.
Amanda says
You are such an inspiration to others, Tina. Thank you so much for spreading happiness and kindness. Your reminders to choose happiness are a blessing to this world. ❤️❤️❤️
Such a powerful story and such a beautiful little girl. Thanks for sharing and for being a beacon to others. You’re right, you choose happy! You choose it every day. Can’t wait to see your version come to life!
Tina,
I truly was touched by your crossroads story, and this quilt will mean so much to so many. We all have kids and family members who struggle with certain aspects. Currently I am dealing with my parents. My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and my mom with a rare cancer, her 4 different type. Unfortunately with this one her time is cut short way too young. I will enjoy this quilt along and all the stories. Have a great week! chris in Texas
“To show all of you how to choose happiness in spite of daily struggles or challenges. ” Love this mission. Thank you! I look forward to getting to know you a bit better during this quilt along! Your daughter is blessed to have you.
pam says
Your story of Emily really hit home in my heart, I too have a special needs child/adult now. A wonderful young/older man who I adore and our family loves to pieces. Its been a journey of faith because when you have a situation like this you put all your trust and confidence in God and he hears us and helps us.
I like the crossroads quilt its beautiful and I’m thinking of joining this because I feel like I’m sewing with so many new friends.