Faith*Love*Hope

My stepmom died late fall last year and I got the quilt back from her estate that I had given to my dad. It took me a couple of days to be able to take it out and look at it.

 I made this when my dad had a fall and was recovering from surgery in a nursing home near his home. We really didn't expect him to make it through that rough patch, but he's a hardy Dane. He lived 7 more years and was still fairly mobile.  This is a Bonnie Hunter free pattern that she calls Smoky Mtn stars,  which you can access HERE.

 We were raised religious so I knew my dad would like the addition of the words on top.  FAITH*LOVE*HOPE is what we needed during the difficult days of rehabbing.

 My dad grew up in Montana and Wyoming and although he was raised very poor by his single mom and grandmother, they made sure he had strong men in his life. He learned to make things, fix things, grow things, hike, fish and camp. I know he enjoyed this backing a lot.

His love for the outdoors left an impression on all four of us kids. I know that's why I fish, hike and camp now. I've since passed the love of the outdoors to my children.  (my husband too!)

He made reel after reel of video of our camping trips. We grew up in Seattle, but we went on many vacations, always camping, to Yellowstone, Zion, Grand Canyon, Old Tuscon,  and many other places. Our vacations included investigating old ghost towns, spelunking, visiting family and friends. He wrote a lot of letters and kept in touch with friends from his hometown. It is hard to believe it has been 3 years since he's died. 

I give my mom a lot of credit for doing all of that with 4 kids!

Have a fantastic week, friends!