Wonderful Support from HMAS Darwin....

I wanted to publish this last night but had to wait to be able to upload the photo........

Sorry it has taken me so long to share this but as I have said, it has been a struggle to keep up with everything. Last night, Sunday, was the first night I spent madly catching up on email. At the time of writing this only 230 emails to go.  Please be patient. 

Time for some wonderful happy mail though......

I received this message from the Captain of HMAS Darwin and I can't tell you how it warmed my heart. 

....

Jan-Maree

I hope today has brought some hope after yesterdays terrible event.  We on Darwin saw the Daily Telegraph article in which there is a photo of you holding the framed photo from HMAS Darwin, from the last deployment up here.

We can never replace that, however today, all our ships company who have received a Quilt or Laundry Bag from you and your team, got out and had another photo taken for you, attached below.  We will, present you a framed version when we get home, but our team wanted to let you know they fully support you in your time of need.

In addition to the photo, we will be arranging to send your in excess of $6500, which the fantastic ships company that I have the pleasure to serve with, have donated, for you to use and re-establish Aussie Hero Quilts and the wonderful work you do.  

Anything we can do, please call/email.  Our thoughts are with you and your family.

....

Most of you have probably heard that the crew of HMAS Darwin suffered  their own tragic loss with the death of one of their own whilst in port in Muscat Oman you can read about it here

The Captain on HMAS Darwin has invited all those who sent quilts or laundry bags to his crew to attend their Welcome Home Ceremony on the wharf when the day comes.  A few quilters were a little worried that we might be intruding given the fact that they will be grieving one of their own. I emailed the captain to make sure he still felt it was appropriate for us to attend.

Here is his response in part....

.....

We would still love to have you and the quilters there, even more so!  You are part of our 'family' and we would want you there.

.....

If you are intending to attend on the day please can you email me with the names of those who will be attending and the rego details for your car if appropriate. 

Til next time...............keep spreading the word and happy stitching!

Jan-Maree  xx