Grati-Tuesday 2nd July 2024

 

Happy Tuesday Friends!

Welcome to July!

We have another lot of beautiful messages from far and wide and some awesome images, so grab a cuppa, sit back and relax while you soak up some well deserved gratitude. 

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Hello Bobbie S and Mystery BoMers,

I am sending this on behalf of my dad. 

He has just received the beautiful quilt you made and would like to express his sincere thanks to you and the Aussie Hero Quilts team for this wonderful gift. We can see just how much time and care that has gone into making this quilt and wanted to let you know it will be very treasured by dad. 

Please pass on our heartfelt thanks to the team.

 This recipient is a Vietnam Veteran . His quilt was made by Bobbie S and the Mystery BoMers.  It was quilted by Alison and the embroidery was done by Joan B.

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Good morning Janis K,

I hope this email finds you well. I would just like to reach out and thank you for the fine quilt and laundry bag.

I know that I made some unusual requests, but I think you hit the nail on the head with the Japanese and Libertarian themes. I did laugh at the comment that you are no wiser to understanding Libertarianism, as most libertarians argue amongst ourselves exactly what the meaning of the philosophy is haha. You are correct I have travelled to Japan previously and cannot wait to go again I’ve been intrigued by the country and people since I was a small child.

 

I have heard of the politician by the same name and have had some amusing conversations about it, my understanding is he is/was not a very honest politician which amuses many people as to my political leanings/ideals.

 

I’m very impressed with the skills you have as the quality of both the quilt and bag is fantastic, and the timing of the package is perfect as I have just returned from a deployment from a much warmer environment and have the quilt draped over my knees as I type in this cold, wet Sydney winter.

 

I enjoyed reading about your family and can tell you I have 2 children of my own close in age to your grandchildren. I also have a connection to Victoria through my wife who was born and raised in South Gippsland and who’s extended family is still there.

 

Thank you again Janis, it’s a very noble and worthwhile pursuit for you to do what you do for Aussie Hero Quilts, and I’m glad it keeps you busy in retirement. Rest assured I will use both the quilt and bag frequently.

 

Kind regards

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Good afternoon Ellen N,

A few months ago I received a laundry bag In Malaysia that you made. Thank you for that. It was much appreciated. 

I attended RCB143 in Malaysia. It was a rewarding experience. My position was to make maps. There was a lot to do!

Regards,

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Hi Kirsten (Bindy) O,

I am the recipient of one of your quilt tops and wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for your kindness.  I’m honoured and humbled that people take the time to do such amazing things for us.   The quilt you made is absolutely beautiful and I can’t believe you managed to add in all of my favourite things, even a bull terrier (that part brought tears to my eyes) I’ve attached a picture of Diesel, yes I know, not very original either.  No, he’s not supposed to be on the couch but he was too cute not to take a photo.

Your career looks like it has been varied, exciting and incredibly challenging.   Randomly, I enlisted later in life as a Queie and my first posting was to a Med unit in Darwin and I’m now with Sigs, also in Darwin.  Both groups of people are very unique with their own quirks.  

Thank you again and please know that the quilts and washing bags bring smiles to even the toughest soldier, it’s a bit like a hug from home.

Kind regards

(From editor - we don't normally add photos of pets if the requests aren't in the photo but talk about 'Life imitating Art'.  Checkout the bottom right of Bindy's quilt and the photo the recipient sent in!

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Hi Colleen S & Ruth S,

My husbands quilt and laundry bag arrived recently. We are so grateful. They are beautiful beyond words - and fit the requests perfectly.

We love and appreciate your efforts.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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Dear Belinda P, 

I hope this letter finds you well. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the beautiful custom quilt you made for me. The craftmanship and attention to detail are truly remarkable, and it is clear that a lot of love and effort went into its making.

The choice of the main panel, patterns and the intricate stitching all came together to create a piece that I will cherish for years to come and it matches my laundry bag perfectly!

I am especially touched by the personal touches you included, which make the quilt uniquely mine..  Its not just a beautiful piece of art but also a meaningful keepsake that I will treasure forever.

Thank you once again for your hard work and dedication. I am incredibly grateful for this wonderful gift.

Yours Aye, 

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Good morning Kirsten (Bindy) O,

 

This morning (1Jul24) I received the quilt that you made for me, and I just wanted to reach out and say thank you. The quilt is absolutely amazing – as someone who has zero talent for sewing, I always appreciate those who do!

 

I can’t wait to show my husband and children, I am sure that my kiddos will love having it out during our movie nights.

 

Regards,

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Good Evening Cath H,

 

The Quilt is very special indeed and oh so me, the colours, the research, intricate stitching of camera's and snippets of my life - I wouldn't have believed someone could fit 43 years onto a biography let alone a quilt, but you have. I had a good cry on the way home in the truck, it certainly hit a nerve in an extremely nice way.

 

I grew up in Cornwall, UK. I had an awesome upbringing. Mum and Dads house was always full, the front door open, the Tea pot with a cosy ready for visitors - at one point we had the only phone in the street and people would come in drop a coin in a pot and use the phone

 

I left school at 16 and started a Youth Training scheme with an Ex Royal Marine (who remained my mentor for many years). The 12 months or so working with him taught me so many life skills all of which I took in the Navy with me at 17.  He taught me that life is an adventure, to enjoy every aspect and to endure hardships with a smile

 

As you saw on the quilt I spent many years travelling the world with the Royal Navy, Wars, disaster relief, hearts and minds visits and during that time mentored hundreds of young men and women who are now the future of the Royal Navy and we did it all while working crazily hard and laughing.

 

My wife has been my rock throughout, we've lived in flats, caravans, built our first house, updated the second one - resigned from the Royal Navy in 2006 after achieving the rank of Warrant Officer (my dream since I was 17) joining the Royal Australian Navy the very next day. After 17 years I left in January this year.

 

In 1996 we had twin boys, both of whom have handled the move to Australia and various postings around the country very well. 

 

In 2013 after a long emotional 2 years on HMAS Toowoomba my good lady wife realised my spirit was a little broken and bought me a camera, she was already a very accomplished photographer and our journey as photographers started. We tried everything from surf photography, wild life, landscape and even attaching steel wool to a whisk, igniting it with a battery and spinning it on the beach in the dark (not to be tried under the influence of gin haha).

 

Aussie Hero Quilts and the quilters are dear to my heart, myself and Jan-Maree became lifelong friends after Michele  sent me a quilt in 2013 on Toowoomba, the smiles the quilts and Laundry bags bring to the Service Personnel is amazing and I love being and advocate and telling ships and bases about the service you all provide.

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Until next week keep your letters, emails and photos coming in.  

Tuesday's would be so totally boring without them!

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