I wanted to give you all an update on the Freedom Star or Shining Star Quilt. Here it is in all it’s finished glory, being held by the seven of us who made the blocks and pieced the quilt:
I had said it was a block exchange I was involved with, and well, in a way it was. The seven of us in the photo above made the 49 blocks (one block is on the back as a label). You see, the ultimate recipient of this quilt was my friend, Dawn. And I had a feeling Dawn read this blog from time to time. We had to keep the quilt a surprise.
She is currently training in Mississippi for her delpoyment to Afghanistan. She’s a quilter, a mama, a nurse, and a Seargent in the Iowa National Guard. A few weeks ago I said goodbye to Dawn at the Farewell Ceremony for her regiment, some 300+ soliders who were the final group to leave Iowa over the course of a few short weeks in July and August, Iowa’s largest deployment of soldiers since WWII!
And an entire auditorium bowing their heads in silence and in prayer for our country, for our troops, and for our freedom. I attended this one week after attending the military burial of my FIL, a Navy Veteran of WWII. Both were emotional and moving events, each in their own way.
Dear Lord, I pray, that I may never take for granted the sacrifices that these soldiers are making for Our Country. Keep our troops from harm’s way and bring them safely home. Amen.
made by a brunnette 
A wonderful quilt for a the perfect person. I am all choked up reading your post. I can only imagine what it was like to be there for the soldier's send off. I am so sorry to hear about your FIL.
This is so wonderful… what all of you did for Dawn. And how emotional it is think about the Iowa National Guard deployment. These courageous men and women are highly esteemed by all of us. Blessings on each of them.
What a wonderful quilt! Thank you to all our troops and their families for their service to our country. I appreciate the sacrifices you and your families made for our freedoms…
Beautiful post, Doris, brought me to tears.
Dawn, if you're reading this, we love you and appreciate you!
Amen. Praying for a safe and quick return for Dawn.
What a beautiful gift from your hearts for Dawn. I'm sure she will treasure her special quilt for all the love it represents. Your description of the farewell ceremony, especially all those heads bowed in prayer, was so moving.
Awesome tribute to our fellow Renegade Stripper! The sendoff ceremony was an emotional time and I'm so happy that we were able to be there for Dawn. Can't wait until she comes home 🙂
That's a beautiful quilt. I'm sure Dawn is going to love it. We pray for all our soldiers and appreciate the way that they take care of us that we never even think of.
Thank you for this lovely, heart felt post.
I was drawn in mby the image of that amazing and beautiful quilt. I loved immediately that it appears to be almost translucent.
And then the tribute to our military. Also beautiful and touching. We all have so much to thank these men and women for – and especially for their sacrifices and those of their families.
To all of my incredible Seams Sew Easy friends, I truly adore you and miss you like crazy.
Doris, you moved me to tears with this post. Your support of me and my family is so very appreciated. I cannot begin to tell you how much it means to me to know you “have my back” and that I have a battle buddy at home. Please know how much of an honor it is to serve my country.