Grati-Tuesday 17th December 2024

 

Happy Tuesday Friends!

Only a few sleeps till the Jolly Old Man climbs down the chimney!  I hope you get what you ask for and that you have been nice and not naughty!!

Another great bunch of messages and photos from near and far,  so grab a cuppa or very cool beverage, sit back and relax while you soak up some well-deserved gratitude.

Only 7 sleeps until Christmas Day. 

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Hi Ellen N, 

I am the lucky recipient of a beautiful quilt that you recently made for Aussie Quilt Heros. 

I love that you were able to write a letter so I know a little bit about you and your family and also know about the thought process behind the beautiful quilt! 

I received my quilt this weekend and I was absolutely blown away! I love that you used to dive and thought to do the colour shift down the quilt. I also love the style of the prints you picked, it's so much better than I could have imagined! 

I feel particularly lucky to have received a quilt because I am not actually a serving member of the ADF. I am a lawyer who specialises in inquiry and public interest law and I was lucky enough to assist with the recent Royal commission into veterans suicide. I believe I am one of the few "civilians" to have the honour of being nominated for one of these special quilts. 

My grandfather was a spitfire pilot in WWII and was shot down and detained in a POW camp. We are lucky enough to have his journal of this time and I read it often. I know his time in the war had a profound impact on him as it does many men and women who serve so I hope that the work I did goes some way in improving the mental health of those that serve for our great country. 

Thank you very much for the care and time you put into making my quilt. I will cherish it! I hope you continue to enjoy retirement exploring in your caravan. 

Best wishes, 

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Good morning Gail McQ,

I hope this email find you well - I’ve received your lovely laundry bag recently and am taking it out on the ships with me today for the Operation. I appreciate the details and effort put into this as my mum does cross-stitching and I can see the time put into these crafting projects. My fellow comrades appreciated the other laundry bags they received too from other members of the charity, so on behalf of them and from me to you, we thank you for your consideration and gifts as it provides us a good morale for our long endeavour.

Kind regards

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Dear Ruth S, 

I just wanted to take the time to say a MASSIVE thank you for the AMAZING laundry bag you sent me!  I am seriously blown away with it!! I can't describe how happy I was when I opened the box and saw what you had created! Not only that, but the packet of Tim Tams.. If you only knew how big my smile was!

In your letter you mentioned that you were unable to find fabric with Harleys on it, but please understand that what you send me far exceeded my hopes and or expectations... you have gone above and beyond what I ever thought I would receive!  I am so grateful that you took the time and put in the effort you did to produce such an amazing laundry bag., You have an amazing talent and I am so very grateful that you put in so much thought for me.

I think it is VERY safe to say, not only did I like it, I LOVE IT! It will be a staple part of my fly away kit for the remainder of my career in the ADF.

Once again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything you do for the soldieirs who go on deployment. These tokens of appreciation make it all the more enjoyable for us, and makes the time away from our families that little bit easier. This will be treasured by me for a very long time.

You certainly brightened my day! It is definitely a highlight of this trip for me!

Warm regards,

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Dear Marianne R, 

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for the beautiful Aussie Hero Quilt you made for me, It is an incredible honour to receive such a thoughtful and meaningful gift in recognition of my service.  In fact, I would say that your quilt is not only a beautiful piece of craftsmanship but also the most amazing article of memorabilia I have ever received as part of my service with the RAAF.

My great-grandmother, who passed away two years ago, was a very devoted quilter herself. She woudl often make a special quilt for each of her family members in recognition of their various milestones, so even though she is no longer with us, receiving your quilt upon my retirement from the RAAF is immensly meaningful. It is a gesture that truly means a great deal to me.

Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity, your quilt will be treasured and showcased in my home for years to come.

Kind regards,

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Good Morning Jan-Maree,

I was one of the WRANS who received a beautiful quilt recently. It was a very emotional time for us.

I did write to Elaine H, the lady who made my quilt to thank her.  I am very grateful. After reading the letter that came with it again, I realized that I should write to you also.

I just love my quilt, and I am going to put it in my motor home and take it with me on my trips away.

Thankyou very much, you all do such a beautiful job.

Cheers!

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Hi Penny

I just wanted to reach out and say a MASSIVE thank you for the AMAZING quilt you sent me! I have to admit, I wasn't sure what to expect when I asked for the Canberra Raiders themed quilt, and I wasn't sure how you would even begin to attempt it.  I can say that I was blown away with how awesome it turned out!  I am absolutely stoked with it and I seriously cannot thank you enough, nor can I express just how happy I am with what you have created!

To think that you did that all by hand and the detail in the Raiders logo, is amazing!! You have such an amazing talent and I am so grateful that you took the time to make it for me!  Especially considering that you don't follow the NRL (also known as real football!) - The work you have done is extremely special to me and I can't wai to show my 3 year old son when I get home - he is going to love it as well.

I'm glad you have the chance to watch a Raiders game, and at the Kingston Hotel (commonly referred to as 'The Kingo') to boot! That pub is quite well known to us Canberrans, it has been around for a very long time!  In fact, it's also where Bob Hawke famously set the record for the fastest to consume a yard glass of beer!  There is quite a lot of history in that little pub! Your son took you to one of the many highlights that Canberra has to offer!

Once again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything you do for the soldiers who go on deployment!  These tokens of appreciation make it all the more enjoyable for us, and makes the time away from our families that little bit easier.  It will be treasured by myself and my family for a very long time!  I have no doubt there will by many fights as to who gets to snuggle up in it on the couch

Warm regards

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Dear Deirdre B-L, 

Thank you so much for your beautiful letter and even more special the quilt. I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the beautiful quilt you made while I serve on Operation Mazurka. 

The quilt is absolutely stunning and I cannot tell you how much it means to me. The colours of pastel yellow and purple are my favourites, and the design you used, especially the addition of the camel and tassels are both charming and very thoughtful. I love how it has elements of Egypt woven throughout- such a wonderful touch. I also enjoyed reading about your time in Israel. Pomegranate juice and dates are such a treat, and have to say, I share your appreciation for them! I was fortunate enough to travel to Israel myself during this tour, and the experiences, like yours, were unforgettable. 

A little about me. I have served in the military for 12 years of them the past 5 have been with the Navy beforehand as an Army Clerk. I did serve on ships with the Army where I saw the light to transfer to the Navy. I have never looked back. I love keeping fit, participating in triathlons, crossfit and all racquet sports. Receiving your hand-made quilt was incredibly special and I love that the laundry bag has my name in hieroglyphics. It is such a beautiful reminder of my time on operation and helps me feel connected to something personal while I am away from my family and loved ones. I am doing my best to stay safe and your kindness and generosity really lifted my spirits. 

Thank you again for this thoughtful gift. It is something I will treasure always. May God bless you abundantly for your thoughtfulness and generosity, with gratitude and blessings 

These are the tassels the recipient mentioned.

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Good evening Shirley D,

 First of all, I love my dobey bag and the huge white bunny logo. I used a black texta and went around the thick outer edge to make it more contrasting and it now really pops. It’s awesome and easily recognisable amongst the many other bags usually down by the laundry waiting to be collected. It also starts many arguments with non-followers, more so for the Essendon side of it. I really like the first explanation of the term ‘Rabbitohs’ and I’ve been running with it. I also think it’s the most likely, to be honest.

Quite the story of your dad and his two shot legs. Nice that you still have that bullet with you. I’m sure it’ll be passed down. Perhaps it’ll make a necklace pendant sometime? There are so many intriguing and fascinating stories that stem down from our previous generations that fought the wars.  My grandfather, who’s now 91, was in the Army and made it to Sergeant. I remember him telling me a story when he became a runner during the second world war, relaying messages across a battlefield. I don’t think he ever got shot but he did say he came close multiple times with bullets whizzing about fiercely. He has dementia now and doesn’t even remember his wife. She’s about 75 herself and is struggling with it daily. I talk to her on occasions still and it makes me sad to hear about him and for her. She has some support but she also just lost one of her own children just this year, my auntie. She was only 60. Tough times ahead for us all.

But anyway, thank you very much again for my beautiful bag. I hope you enjoyed the recent golf Vic Open that was just played, I did have a good watch as I socially play myself, but I’m more about the carts and beers than the actual game play. And I did just Google Joe Zapp and his ‘We Salute You’ project and he looks like he does very good work. Congratulations on that and I’m sure the family will cherish that for years to come.

Take care Shirley and keep up the great work you do in your own spare time. It makes us all smile and we’re all appreciative. 

 P.s. Yes, I am still on operation, off the north coast off Australia. Get back to Sydney just in time for Christmas. Can’t wait to get back to my 8 yo daughter.

 Regards,

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Hi Angie T,

A big thank you for making my laundry bag, its amazing and I've started using it already and have gotten a lot of compliments on it! 

Also, we appreciate everything you guys over at Aussie Hero Quilts do for us and supporting us by making quilts and laundry bags.

Thank you for sharing your background with me about your son who is still serving, I am sure you are very proud of him. And also both yours and your husbands grandfathers serving in WWI and WWII. 

Sounds like you and your husband have achieved a lot in both your personal life and career! And you also give a lot back to others which is incredibly admirable. 

I grew up on the Gold Coast as well and it is so beautiful. We are very lucky to have such a beautiful country. I definitely am missing Brisbane and the Gold Coast a bit! 

Once again, thank you for everything you do and you definitely make our lives a little easier!

Kind regards,

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Dear Sonia J,

 

I have just returned from deployment on a Navy ship and was lucky enough to be given the laundry bag you made while deployed.  I, like your son was absolutely thrilled to receive it.  I think they are a wonderful idea and feel so privileged to be included in this lovely yet practical Navy tradition.  I will take this with me on all my future deployments, no doubt to the envy of my fellow RAAFies.

 

Thank you again for your thoughtfulness and care.  Wishing you, your family and son a safe and happy Christmas.

 

Kind regards,

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Good Afternoon Bobbie S, 

I write to you say, thank you for the wonderful quilt that you have made for me and a letter of appreciation for my service and well wishes with my retirement.

It was a huge surprise to receive such a special quilt.  I have mentioned to my Chain of Command not to go to such lengths for going away gifts. But they all did.

It is a privilege to serve the Australian Defence Force and I am proud to have completed my 24 years of service.

I am currently staying in Victoria with my four beautiful dogs. My family is living in Western Australia.

My three children have all grown up and have plans of their own.

I consider myself fortunate to have served in Australia and overseas, and have no regrets about my career.

Once again, your kind words and actions have made me feel appreciated.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

If you ever travel to Sale Victoria, please let me know as I would love to catch up .

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Good Evening Bobbie S,

 

Many thanks for the quilt, when I arrived in Hobart it was the first item I received and I must say it is perfect!

 

I appreciate the work you do as co-ordinator of the Mystery BOMers, it is so cool to hear about how it all came together. I would appreciate it if you passed on the thanks to all the members who contribute to such beautiful and personal quilts.

 

It was nice to read about your family, I’m sure you are very proud of them. I too have family scattered across this great country of ours so I understand the difficulties the distance can bring, but it also makes it so much better when you reunite with them.

 

After this deployment I will leave my home city of Cairns and spend a couple of years in Melbourne, where most of my immediate family live. I already know the quilt will be enjoyed by my nieces and nephews whenever they come and stay over!

 

Once again, thank you so much, it really put a smile on my face!

 

Kind regards,

 

Quilt made by Bobbie and the Mystery BOMers, quilted by Philomena; LB by Bridget.

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Good Morning Emma G, 

Just wanted to reach out and give a huge thanks to you for my laundry bag ! I utilise this on going away for trips while at home camping ! 

It is perfect and exactly how I wanted it to fit in with my home vibes. 

Keep doing amazing things and making that time at sea a little more special with our gifts  have yourself a great Christmas and a happy new year

Take care 

Kind regards, 

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Hello Colleen S,

 

Sorry it has taken so long for me to write to you. I have unfortunately only just received your Quilt and Laundry Bag due to an overseas postage mix up and so have only just got your letter to hand.

 

I want to personally thank you for all that you do for deployed service personnel.

Having the privilege to represent the nation and Army overseas on deployment multiple times has been the highlight of my career.

 

The Aussie Hero Quilts program has always been a source of excitement with all the troops and finding out what each other are asking for is one of the good times while away for so long!. Thank you so much for my quilt and laundry bag. They are lovely. My Wife and Mother in-law also quilt so I appreciate the level of effort and expertise that goes into crafting them.

 

This is the first quilt and bag I have received in 20 years of service and will be forever grateful to you and all the Aussie Hero Quilters!

 

Thank you once again and keep up the amazing work.

 

Yours very respectfully.

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Good Morning Beverly U,

 

Thank you for creating such a lovely product for my boss.

 

The package has arrived in Darwin at 5/7 RAR.

 

We will now forward it onto the family in Canberra.

 

Thank you again for all the amazing work that you and all the other quilters do for us.

 

Regards

 ...

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

Tuesday's would be so totally boring without them!

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