Deciding what to do with Josiah's things

Posted by Erin Wilson On Monday, February 22, 2010 9 comments
In thinking about what things to keep of Josiah's I realize that the main thing that I have an attachment to are his blankets. His life of living in a hospital bed didn't offer himself to many opportunities. He was only ever in a car seat 4 times. He went on 2 walks and saw the sunshine 3 times (2 of which were in transport from hospital to home and back). Josiah rarely wore clothes because they always made him spike a temp. What he had were the blankets he laid on and cuddled with. Everyday after bath we picked out and changed the blankets he laid on. Somedays we had to change them several times a day! I remember about 2 months into our stay in the PCICU some of Josiah's blankets got thrown into the hospital laundry instead of mine and therefore were lost for good. This really upset me and I didn't understand why, they were just blankets. I could easily get more. Then it hit me that Josiah's blankets were really all he had and one of the practical ways I was his mommy. I could take them home with me and do his laundry.

I would like to take Josiah's blankets many of which are just receiving blankets and maybe a couple of shirts he wore and make a quilt out them. The problem is I don't know how to sew! I would like to have several quilts made out of his things. One for Milo and I and then one for both of the girls. In my head the girls will be taking these blankets with them to college (I've learned though that things don't always look the same in real life as they do in my head)!

So my question is… is there anyone out there that would be willing to sew some quilts for me! I'm not 100% sure I'm ready to do this yet, but it is what I want to do with his things because I can't keep ALL of his blankets folded up in my closet forever or for that matter on the couch in his bedroom. Baby steps, right?


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9 comments to Deciding what to do with Josiah's things

  1. says:
    February 23, 2010 at 10:47 PM

    Anonymous Erin,
    I know someone who makes quilts and has done this before. Let me know when you are ready and I will be glad to take them to her. I really hope to meet you soon!
    Shannon Cole

  1. says:
    February 23, 2010 at 11:59 PM

    Amber I can't sew but I wanted to tell you that the quilts will be beautiful. My mother in law had quilts made of my husbands grandfathers favorite shirts and ties for my husband and his brother and her self they are beautiful and mean so much.
    I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family continue to be in my prayers.

  1. says:
    February 24, 2010 at 12:05 AM

    Anonymous What a great idea Erin! If you can't find anyone closer I have a friend who makes awesome quilts up here in PA. I would be more than glad to talk to her about it.
    Love in Christ
    -Bethany

  1. says:
    February 24, 2010 at 12:27 AM

    Indreni Erin, I wish I could quilt and I have been wanting to ever since I learned about the CHD Awareness Quilt Project! Have you requested a square for Josiah on one of the quilts? Your idea of turning his blankets into their own quilts is such a good one. I bet there are many parents out there who have lost children who would love something similar. It would be great to start a group/non profit like that!

  1. says:
    February 24, 2010 at 1:26 AM

    annamarie saarinen Just wanted you to know how often we think about you guys - praying that you are making your way through. Your last couple posts have been wonderful. So many of us have those attachments to our hospitals and staff. We go back to Eve's hospital often - still. Families there still feel like family. Even if we don't know them. I wish I could sew and help you out there! My mom is the talented one. Please know you have done so many good things - and still will. Josiah's life continues to touch so many. You will find your advocacy path. I did with Eve - and it keeps twisting and turning...but all for the good. Hugs, Annamarie, Eve and Family

  1. says:
    February 24, 2010 at 11:25 AM

    Anonymous I have just started reading your blog. I want you to know your family is in my prayers. I can’t pretend to know what you are going through, but I do know that prayer, time, and the love of family and friends will help.
    I think making quilts with Josiah’s blankets is a wonderful idea. There is a lady, Kim Crews, in Laurens, SC that owns a store named Stitches (http://stitchesinc.net). She is able to make quilts, but also teaches classes so you could make the quilts out of Josiah’s blankets. This may help with some of your healing. My sister-in-law also told me about her aunt that makes quilts (www.elizabethsquilts.blogspot.com). I hope this information helps.
    Again, you and your family are in my prayers.
    Elizabeth McCameron

  1. says:
    February 24, 2010 at 4:23 PM

    Anonymous I am hearing the Inman Quilt Cottage does good, quality work especially with heirloom projects, but can be pricey ($350 per quilt!). The lady's name is Becky Putnam 472-0888. I hope this helps. Your family is always in my prayers.
    Tiffany Norton and girls

  1. says:
    February 25, 2010 at 7:38 PM

    Hailey's Mom I lost my daughter to HLHS on December 2nd and have been thinking of doing the same thing. I too feel that her blankets are some of the most special things of hers. I did find a website that will do the quilt for fairly cheap. I haven't decided yet if I want one done, but it's in the back of my mind for sure.

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22608851

  1. says:
    March 9, 2010 at 11:12 AM

    Judy Ellison Erin, my mother and a few ladies in her church (Pelzer First Baptist) quit every Sat. morning. If you want me to check with them, I will be happy to see if they would take on your project. They would probably be blessed if you wanted to work with them on it too. Just call me at ERBC (x-114) if you would like me to check into this.

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