Grati-Wednesday 28th January 2026

 

Happy Wednesday Friends!

There are, as always, some beautiful sentiments in the following gratitude letters. 

 Grab a cuppa, sit back and relax while you soak up some well-deserved gratitude!

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Hey Cath H!

I’m the lucky bugger who requested the Bluey quilt. I happened to be on duty today when it arrived and I’m honestly still buzzing. I wasn’t expecting it yet, so opening that parcel was such an incredible surprise. I just sat there staring at it for a good minute, smiling like an idiot.

Hand on heart, this the best present I’ve received this Christmas – and probably the best Navy has ever delivered me too.

The quilt is absolutely beautiful. The colours, the details, everything about it is spot on. You can genuinely feel the love and care that’s gone into it, and that means more to me that I can really put

into words. It’s not just a quilt- it’s comfort, warmth, and a reminder that someone out there cared enough to make something so special. I already know it’s going to be there with me on the tougher

days, and that alone means the world.

Your letter topped it all off. I loved reading it while on duty – it made the whole things feel so personal and heartfelt. I’m also very jealous you got to go to a KISS concert!

Growing up, I looked after a neighbour’s Golden, Bella, after school when I was younger. She was always there waiting, ready to run around or just hang out, and she became such a big part of my

days. Reading your letter brought all those memories back and gave me the biggest smile.

I honestly can’t than you enough, Cathy. This quilt isn’t just a gift- it’s joy, kindness, and love all wrapped up together, and I feel incredibly lucky to have received it. You’ve genuinely made my

week, and honestly made this Christmas even more special for me.

I’m sill grinning like a fool thinking about it all.

Thanks heaps, from the bottom of my heart.

***

Dear Ruth S,

I wanted to write to you and thank you for the laundry bag and your kind note. I am currently deployed and receiving something so thoughtful and personal so far from home truly meant more to me than I can put into words. It is a reminder of home, of kindness and of the incredible support back in Australia. 

Thank you again for taking the time to create something so special. 

***

Dear Beverly U, 

Thank you so much for your fabulous work on the quilt - I received it yesterday and I am incredibly thankful and yes it brought a smile to my face as soon as I saw it.

I was very moved by your message to me that accompanied the quilt. You must be very proud of your family members for their service.

Allow me to return the favour and tell you a little about myself.  I’m approaching 29 years old and I am entering my fifth year as a Reserve Musician in the Royal Australian Navy Band South Australia. I had joined the Navy at the behest of my former High School music teacher who is also in the band. I have been enjoying my time and have had numerous highlights - the highest being chosen to perform a ‘Freedom of Entry’ last year in Wellington, New Zealand.

I don’t have any other family members serving. The only other family member who served was my great-grandfather - he was a truck driver for the Army during WWII.

As a Reservist in the Navy, I rehearse with my team once a week and also participate in performances where required - sometimes we have multiple performances within the span of a week. Outside of Navy, I am a self-employed. I enjoy my work though it can be monotonous and tiresome. Right now, I’m working on a final recital of sorts for Navy which is to take place in May this year and I hope to use this as an audition to full-time employment with the Navy Band.

As you can imagine by your quilt design, I love playing drums. Funnily enough, I hated loud noise when I was a child. I can’t explain what gravitated me towards drums later in life but I’m thankful for it. I am grateful everyday that I get the chance to do what I love for a living.

Beverly, thank you again for your gift to me. Though I’ve spoken at length, I feel like words aren’t enough to describe how grateful I am for your work.

Please pass on my regards to your family and thanks for their service.

Thank you. God bless you, too.

***

Dear Joy H,

I have just received the beautiful quilt you made for me. My request was quite vague, just puffins and sunset, and I truly cannot express how much I love it. It is quirky, fun, and wonderfully different. I have it on my bed while I work, and it makes me so happy every time I see it.

Thank you so much for everything you do for Aussie Heroes. Your work is incredibly valuable, and it really does brighten the experience of being away from home.

With sincere thanks,

***

Dear Ruth S,

Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into making my

laundry bag. It is beautiful -nearly to good to be used.

I will be taking it with me on my deployment next month. I will be thinking of you on that deployment when I use it.

Thanks so much!!

***

Dear Robyn P,

A HUGE Thank you for my quilt.

 What a wonderful design! It has instantly become a cherished family heirloom. For now, it graces my side of the bed, providing extra warmth - especially since my wife 'sleeps hot'.

The effort and skill required to create such a magnificent piece are truly appreciated. I want to thank you both for the exceptional design and the superb quality of the workmanship. 

Kind Regards, 

***

Good Morning Bev F,

Just wanted to pass on my thanks for the quilt, my kids in particular where stoked to see their artwork, it’s a moment in time I’m glad you were  able to capture. 

Appreciate all your effort and thanks again. 

Kind Regards,

***

Hi Rachel B! 

I am the lucky recipient of your laundry bag. I was eager to email yourself to say a massive thank you. I absolutely love the design! I was lucky enough to have the first choice, and I fell in love with this one. 

 I have been in the Navy for just over 4 years. Like yourself, I love travelling. Receiving your LB has made my week! Thank you for what you do Rachel, we appreciate it. 

All the best,

***

Dear Philomena H, 

Thank you so much for the beautiful quilt and for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and generous letter. Receiving both while deployed has been incredibly special and I truly appreciate the time and effort that went into them.

Please pass on my deepest thanks to Joan B as well. I hope you are friends and can share just how appreciative I am of the work you have both done. I can only imagine how challenging this quilt would have been with all the embroideries and the finished result is amazing. It is something I will treasure for many years to come.

I also want to thank you for the time you spent writing your letter. It was a joy to read about where you come from and how much you have lived and experienced - from nursing and midwifery to travel and adventure, sewing and community.

I couldn't help but smile seeing your address. For the first 20 years of my life, before joining the Army, I grew up just a few suburbs over, so it felt like a small world moment reading that from the other side of the world.

Funnily enough on this deployment I've been lucky enough to snorkel in the Red Sea and see it from above while flying in a UH-60, both experiences have been amazing and something I'll never forget. I'm sure diving would be a whole other experience!

Thank you again for everything you do and for your continued support. Please know that your quilt brings real comfort and a welcome touch of home to my small room while deployed. 

It is truly appreciated.

***

Dear Bridget R,

I am writing to you to let you know that The beautiful quilt that you made has arrived.

I will let you know what he thinks of it when I present it to him. I love it and I am sure that he will like it too.

Thank you for making these quilts for our well deserving armed forces. 

Kind regards 

***

Cheers Catherine D

Until next week keep your letters, emails and photos coming in.  Wednesdays would be so totally boring without them!

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