Grati-Wednesday 6th May 2026

 

Happy Wednesday Friends!

There are, as always, some awesome letters which definitely pull at the heart strings.

I love hearing how special the letters included with the quilts and laundry bags mean so much to the recipients!!!

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

***

Good afternoon Anna C,

I wanted to say thank you for taking the time to make that quilt for me. When they advertised the service, they said make anything you want... Just a little background on the request, I have a couple of little ones running around and one of their favourite books is Diary of a Wombat. Combining that with my personal interest in history (and favourite superhero being Thor), Viking wombats were born.

Really like the design. I am a big fan of the Odin and wombat having a pint, misses favourite was the sleeping wombat. Will be a keepsake for years to come. Currently, my oldest has stolen it and it is now his main blanket on his bed. 

Your quilts all look amazing! Your work is truly one of a kind. 

Hope this upcoming year is a good one for you. 

Well wishes to you and yours,

***

Hi Hilary T,

Thank you so much for the laundry bag and, just as importantly, for the letter that came with it. It really meant a lot to sit down and read your story—there’s something special about hearing from someone who truly understands the military life and everything that comes with it.

I’m writing this from the Middle East during a fairly uncertain time, and small gestures like yours carry a lot of weight out here. It’s a reminder that we’re not forgotten and that there are people back home thinking of us.

Your connection to the RAAF really came through as well, with your husband’s service and your son’s career. It’s a small world in that sense, and it makes receiving something like this feel even more personal. Knowing the time and care you’ve put into supporting people like us doesn’t go unnoticed—it genuinely lifts morale out here.

The laundry bag is already getting plenty of use, but it’s the note that I’ll hold onto. It’s a reminder of the support behind us, even from afar.

Thanks again for what you do with Aussie Hero Quilts—it makes a real difference.

All the best to you and your family.

***

Hi Emma-Lee P,

 

I’m just writing to let you know I received my quilt and I absolutely love it!! For someone new to quilting, you have done an amazing job. I really liked the Barramundi.

 

After reading your letter, it sounds like you are somewhat a hero yourself.  

 

Although I now call Darwin home and have done so for a very long time. I grew up in FNQ, so I know how beautiful the Far North is and can imagine your little farm on the Atherton Tablelands would be a great place to live.

 

I also received the laundry bag and Lollies, thank you.

 

The quilt will be a great keepsake for my time here in Germany and I really appreciate you taking the time to make it.

 

Regards,

***

Hi Clarissa L!

Thankyou so much for my laundry bag! Its perfect! I love the teacups and the peacocks :)

You have such a big heart. The letter you write to serving members is so moving. I love how you write about your personal life, it makes it so much more personal. Thank you for sharing.  You sure seem busy with all your extra curricular activities - love this. Keeps your mind active - so important. You seem immensely proud of your three children. So beautiful.

I live in Bundaberg with my husband. We have two fur babies, labradoodles - Cosmo and Elaine, we are fans of the US Sitcom Seinfeld lol. My husband is ex serving and I still remain in the active reserves. We both transitioned in 2021, a decision we have not looked back on. I am still very active in the reserve workforce, which is how this deployment came about. I’ve always wanted to serve for the UN, its a dream come true, but it came with a lot of hard work to get here!

Thanks again Clarissa. Your efforts (and the AHQ team) really do put smiles on our faces. Thankyou for your service   

Regards,

***

The following was received in a hand written thank you card from the recipient.....

Hi Ellen N,

May you know you gifts will always be a proud treasure in our family.

Warme Regards, 

along with the following letter. Here is an exert of the letter.....

Hi Ellen N,

It's a pleasure to take time out and share a few words with you. Both my husband and myself are still in awe with these beautiful creations, you all do amazing work!

Wonderful to read you're enjoying retirement filling your days with the things you love.

It's awesome you've had the opportunity to travel gathering an abundance of terrific memories from your extensive adventures. Australia certainly has a diverse range of beauty, prior to meeting my husband, he travelled Australia in his Holden Premier on his long service leave. Our aim is to travel together across Oz, SA alone has so much beauty, it may take us a while lol.

I retired fully in 2016 returning to the Riverland, my family still live here. We now do volunteer work mainly for our local community.

Once again Ellen, thank you, very much for the Laundry Bag. It has made me feel very special

***

Cheers Catherine D

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

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻