[Believe51]

Okay it is storytime for today. This one happens to be one of my favorites. The last gift that MichelleH gave to me was another blessing.

In the mail about a week within her passing I get this beautiful card and long letter. The letter is from her best friend, Stacy from Seattle. This woman thanks me for loving Michelle as much as I did. She said that our friendship was a prized gift that Michelle held close to heart. Michelle was a very private person and for her to let me in to her soul was a blessing for her and to me.

Stacy keeps very close contact with me as does Michelle's husband. She even signs her cards to me 'Your Best Friend Forever'. This makes me feel so special and something like this was so typical for Michelle to do, she always gave me what I needed before I even knew I needed it. Through the last year Stacy and I have grown so close. We are one anothers gift, Michelle's gift that keeps giving.

I have started a picture albumn of Ed and I with places and things that are important to us. On each page there is a spot for negatives but I put a typed paragraph describing what the picture is. With us seperated by miles and miles it allows us to remain close by getting to know each other very well. I have also got to know Michelle 'before' breast cancer and I cannot tell you what a joy that is.

Now for the best part. We are starting a cross country quilt. Two of the same swatches of material will be sent and that person will make the two quilt blocks and mail them back. In the end we will have to assemble our own quilt but it will be a menagerie of special materials from us both. When finished we will have a completed quilt that has travelled from the east coast to the west coast. Those materials we use will all have a special meaning to each of us. The resulting quilt will keep us warm through the test of time. Each year more special.

On a light note I want to mention that I talked to Michelle's husband last week and I heard such 'belly laughs' from him. If you think I am crazy when you read what I have to say, it does not hold a candle to me in real life. We laughed so hard for so long that our bellies literally hurt. I cannot tell you how happy I was to see him slowly healing. He is a great father and has come so far since last May. The kids are growing up so fast and appear to be doing fine, considering. I thought that this may be important to pass on since many worry about the little ones.

So move on over Elaine, I'll help you get a headstart on our quilt so we can catch up with Vickie. It will also free up Vickie a bit, I mean come on now....how can she keep up with the quilts, poetry and cooking otherwise?? I am planning on buying some fabulous prints that replecate our unique personalities. I have also made some Vegetarian Enchillada's stuffed with refried beans and the all mighty Vegetarian Chile. I have also made some Crisp Avacado Salad and Spanish Rice. Mmmmm!! Me Hungry.

Whew, I am tired now after that post.>>Believe51