Words on Wednesday 11 January 17

Hi all

Not a very long post this week. I am up in Coffs Harbour staying with Judy and her husband, one of our quilters.

Went to the Coffs Hotel with Judy and Sandy (pictured) for a drink with Bill....actually, Bill's quilt. Bill was a much loved local and a 100 year old veteran. He received his quilt just before he passed away and his quilt now hangs in the pub where he used to sit. Such a beautiful way to make sure he is remembered.

A quiet night last night but a big sewing day today and a BBQ tonight... home tomorrow. 

Enjoy tonight's post....

Starting with a comment that is part of an email I received from my contact in South Sudan...

"Just to let you know, your quilts and laundry bags are very much talked about by everyone.  Everyone is proud to show them around and see all the creations.  They are very special and we all know they are made with love from home.”

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Hello Su,

I received your Quilt and I cannot say thank you enough! It great! As you guessed it is for my son, at the time of leaving he was only interested in trains. And Thomas the Tank was his favorite. I hope it is the same as I return. 

Either way this is keep sake I will hold onto to remember my time here and of the greatness of the Australian people. You went out of your way for me as well as many others serving overseas! 

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How are you Raeleen,

Sorry about the late response, it has been an extremely packed and busy year, one that I'm glad I go on holidays for now.

I would like to thank you so much for my hero blanket and Laundry bag, they were amazing and they got some really good use whilst I was on deployment. Although since I have been home my son has adopted it as his own. It helps him sleep at night because he says it was made by magic to help keep the pirates away from me, so it helps him keep any monsters away from him at night. And we both love the boxing kangaroo.

As for me, I have 3 boys, 8, 4 and 10 months old now also known as the Triple T Ranch,  with my partner.   We recently got married on the 17^th of this month.  I have been in the navy for nearly 10 years and have loved almost every minute of it.  It does get hard though for the triple T ranch but we get through it and the boys get some cool presents when I am overseas on deployment.  In my free time, I like to go snorkelling down near my house off the beach, we have some good blue swimmer crabs here too.  Sometimes I do go out in my mate’s boat where we target Pink Snapper and big gropers, otherwise I am usually outdoors with my little fellas doing bushwalks or we are along the beach collecting shells.

Well Raeleen, Once again thank you for taking the time to make me (and my son) a wonderful blanket, and I hope you are doing well. And feel free to keep in touch.

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Dear Debbie,

Thank you so much for my amazing and beautiful quilt. It took me by surprise when the Chaplain offered it to me and makes me smile every day. It can get quite cold in our tents so this has been perfect on a cold night, or when I manage to get a chance to read and want to stay warm. I’m looking forward to taking the quilt home – my kids and I will use it as our new reading blanket and I suspect if my son gets his way it will also be used over or in his numerous cubby houses. Perhaps not quite what you pictured for such a beautiful quilt, but it is and will be very well loved.

Your ”boring” life sounds perfect to me – I am also a “RAAFIE” and counting down the days until I get to see my husband and kids again. I suspect over the summer I will see way more cricket than I anticipate, but it will be nice to doing that with the family. ‘Dad’ already has the kids out with cricket bats (2 and 4 years old) and I gather the season has only just started.

The Tim Tams solved many of our problems – they were the perfect chocolate fix and I shared them with the girls in my tent – they did not last long at all! Thank you for the amazing quilt – I will treasure it and I feel so privileged to receive it. Have a wonderful Christmas.

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Dear Janet,

Thank you so much for the lovely quilt.  You absolutely nailed it with the cat empire logo, I love it!

Wow! 15 years making quilts, that is amazing!  I am up to my 34^th year in the Army, 6 years Army Reserves and now 28 years in the Regs.

I am a Mover, so I look after all AS/NZ flights into where I am, it’s a very busy role and the last 4 months have flown.

You sound like a kind and generous lady doing this good work and driving the bus.

Again a big thank you

P.S. Thanks for the book and choccies – ate them all J

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Hi Jan,

I have found myself in a strange place. I'm a little overwhelmed and speechless from your blanket, knowing that many hands were included in creating such a masterpiece. the thought, effort and time that has gone into creating such a meaningful and personalised quilt leaves me feeling unworthy of such an item.
I feel as though there are many men/women out there more deserving then myself. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of you. You are very talented people that demonstrate the true meaning of selflessness ,kindness and generosity.
I'm honoured to have received this gift and can assure you it will be treasured. I'd be happy for you to forward this message on to the angels that helped so you all can get a bit of an idea how much your work means to me and all the veterans receiving them.
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That is all the thank you messages for tonight. As for me I have a barbecue to get to and then I hit the road back to the big smoke and AHQ HQ tomorrow morning. 

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

Jan-Maree xx 

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