Day of Service for Miles

May 13, 2013 has come and gone.

It was the day we chose to honor Miles by donating to Primary Children's Medical Center.

It was a wonderful day.

Thanks to many of you these boxes were jam packed with 120 sweat pants and 130 t-shirts.

The goal was 100 of each and we exceeded that goal. 

The quilts my Great Aunt Helen, along with others, made were nothing short of beautiful works of art.

Each one is so unique and special in it's own way. 

The goal for the quilts was 49, one for each month of Miles' life.

Again the goal was exceeded and we donated 54 quilts total.

That's an amazing feat. 

(Helen I'm sorry I didn't have a picture of you and the group on our camera.)

Needless to say the hospital staff was in awe of the donations and very excited.

I can't help but think of the many people who will benefit from our donations.

Parent's facing difficult trials who just need a change of clothes.

And all those sweet children that will be wrapped in the warmth and love of an amazing quilt.

I'm not sure that we will ever know the impact our donations will have on someone,

but I have been praying that whoever receives them will feel the love we send with each one.

Thank you everyone who helped with this amazing project.

It was truly an honor for our family and Miles!

Service For Miles Reminder

We have appreciated more than words can express all those who have helped with our Service For Miles.
We have been greatly reminded that there are still so many wonderful people in this crazy world.
Loving, caring and giving people.
Thank you!

I want to remind those of you who have still expressed interest in participating that tomorrow is the deadline to have your sweats and t-shirts turned in.
We told the hospital that we would be bringing in a 100 sweats and 100 t-shirts, and we are getting closer to that number.

Thank you again for your kindness and generosity.
You will never know the lives you will touch, and the impact you will have on those people.
But I do know that you will be blessed for your kind service.
Thank you again!

Clarification for Service Projects

First I have to say that Mark and I are overwhelmed by so many of you who want to help out with our service projects.

Thank you!

To clarify a couple items for the sweats and t-shirts.
The hospital only accepts clothing that is in new and unused condition.
Also, we are collecting sizes for adults only.
No children clothing.

If you could have the clothing to me by May 1st so that we can organize everything and get it ready to donate it would be much appreciated.

I'm sorry for any confusion or lack of clarification from my previous post.
Thank you again for all your support and love.
It's truly a testament of your kind and generous hearts.
Thank you for helping make this world a better one through your kindness!

Service for Miles- Part 2

When Mark and I followed the life flight carrying our son to Primary Children's Medical Center Hospital we came straight from the pool.
I'm not sure who gave us t-shirts but somehow we ended up with t-shirts covering our swim suits.
I did have a coverup dress with me that I quickly slipped on.
But we just grabbed what people handed us and left in a moments notice.

We found ourselves at the hospital in wet clothing in the chilly month of October.
But our clothing was the last thing on our minds.
At that moment I didn't care what I was wearing.
In those moments I do remember being freezing cold.
The shock of the situation was taking hold of our bodies and the chills were taking over.
We were both shaking from both the cold, wet clothing and the shock of the situation.

A sweet social worker named Katie came in with a pair of heather gray sweat pants and beige t-shirts for each of us.
I've never felt the warmth and coziness of sweat pants quite like that before.
I didn't even matter if the clothes were way too big.
They were dry and warm.
It was such a simple but huge blessing for Mark and I in that time of complete fear and shock.
We were so grateful.

Sometimes I like to wear those sweats around the house or for walks.
I may never let go of those big, baggy sweat pants as long as I live.

The hospital is in need of such clothing articles.
For parents like us who come to the hospital in a moments notice, or may need a change of clothing due to unexpectedly having to stay the night.
I have been going all over the valley in search of sweat pants and t-shirts of all sizes and colors to donate with the quilts.

Not everyone is as talented as my Great Aunt Helen and can quilt, but most everyone can buy one pair of sweats.
So if anyone else wants to join me in gathering sweat pants or t-shirts in any size, it would be greatly appreciated by parents like Mark and I.
You will never know how much your simple efforts will bring some warmth and comfort to a parent facing a challenging situation.

I you want to participate in gathering sweat pants and t-shirts feel free to email me and let me know how you would like to help.
My email address is: andrae.kelly@yahoo.com

Any efforts are greatly appreciated!
I can't wait to donate all these items.
Think of all the people's live we will be touching.
May 13th is going to be great!

Service for Miles- Part One

I have been consumed in a couple service projects as of late.

Service projects in behalf of Miles.

Today I will post the first part, the truly amazing part.

Tomorrow I will post the second part, the part you can help with if you so choose.

My great Aunt Helen called me a couple weeks ago on my birthday.

She had something she really needed to talk to me about.

I don't really know her that well, but I knew I should call her. 

I forgot for a couple days as it was a very busy weekend.

I called her a few days later, and found myself in tears or pure joy, excitement and overwhelming love.

When Helen heard about what Miles' tragic accident she felt as though she wanted to do something to remember him.

Helen has a four year old grandson, and said she felt as though she needed to do something.

Mind you she has only met Miles once, two years ago at a family reunion.

I must tell you that Helen is an AMAZING quilter.

She has quilted for almost 40 years.

Ever since she heard about Miles' she has been busy quilting quilts for Primary Children's Medical Center Hospital.

Now Helen isn't just doing a few quilts to donate in behalf of Miles.

She has been planning on doing 49 quilts, one for each month of Miles' life, and donating them to the hospital in his name.

(This is one of the quilts. Beautiful right!)

These are not just simple quilts.

They are piece quilts and no two are alike in color or pattern.

They are 46" x 60" too. 

So they are a decent size.

When Helen called me two weeks ago she was calling to ask if Mark and I are okay with her efforts and cause.

Of course we are okay with it.  I am blown away.

It's beautiful, amazing and simply so generous!

I immediately asked, "How can I help? I'm not a quilter, or even a sewer for that matter, but I want to help!"

So Helen has been teaching me how to bind the quilts.

(this is the completed stack as of last night)

She will have 38 quilts done by the end of this week.

Of course she has some generous friends helping her out with the cause.

People I may never even met, but I am extremely humbled by and grateful for.

If you are one of these amazing people reading this right now, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

The whole thing blows my mind, and makes my heart burst with gratitude and pure love.

The CEO of Primary Children's Medical Center heard of Helen's efforts and said he wanted to make an occasion of the donation.

I guess he remembers Miles' case and hearing good things about our family.

So on May 13, 2013 our family will be participating in a special ceremony at the hospital as we donate all the quilts and other items in Miles' name.

Truly amazing right?!

I'm so overwhelmed by all the love, thoughtfulness and true kindness of so many people working so hard in behalf of my son and family whom they have never even met.

This is a huge undertaking!

So it's going to be a busy month and half of learning new skills.

I'm so excited about it!

Helen is even going to help me make quilts for my two girls in memory of Miles.

I may just become a quilter myself.