Tapestry of Life 2009 for Organ Donor Families

We attended the 2009 'Tapestry of Life' Event put on by local Organ Recipients in May of 2009. My Mother in law (Johnny's Mother) was able to attend this year with us. She's been in Australia the other 2 years they put this event on, and this year was really special to have her there with us. This year, I made the quilt square out of a pair of Johnny's old Wrangler Jeans. We put this years school pics of the kids on there w/ brads and we painted on all his info. We even found a little 18 wheeler button that we could attach to help represent something he loved to do. I let my Mother in law go and hang the square this year on the quilt and she thoroughly enjoyed being there and participating. They lit candles for all Organ donors in 2008, and then they called up every one who was there in honor of their loved one and announced their name and the date and year they donated. Johnny donated on 4/24/2006. It was touching to hear the speaker they had this year. I'm just glad it wasn't me this go around. This year, Rowland was with us too which made it even more special. He has been such a big support to me and the girls with being 'Donor Family Members'. He's even come to witness me speak to a small group of medical staff. I think I was so nervous that day b/c he was there watching me. I'm so grateful for his open mind and heart and for his patience as we still go thru the grieving process. After the quilt ceremony, we all went out to the Olive Garden for lunch. Here are some neat pics. The last pic is of Ally standing by the quilt square my Mother in law made for me to bring to the ceremony in 2007, the year I was the speaker. She was unable to attend, so this was her 1st time seeing it actually put together on a quilt.