Dearest Betty,
First of all, please allow me to apologize for not writing sooner. You must have started to think that I had forgotten about the very special gift that you presented to my family. I need for you to know that will never happen. I've sat down a number of times these past few weeks and so far have written four separate letters trying to express our appreciation for your amazing and generous gift. Each time the words seemed so inadequate, and I must say they do again today. The simple words "thank you" can't begin to express the appreciation that we feel deep within our hearts each time we unfold your quilt and share our story. I've never seen anything so beautifully crafted in my lifetime of 42 years, nor have I witnessed anyone with such a generous heart. I've played this over and over in my mind and the same thought comes over and over again "to give of ones time, energy, emotion, and love is so exhausting and selfless ~ I pray that this mission that our Lord has given you is one that is rewarding on a level unbeknownst to me. The love that was stitched into this quilt has a life of its own, created by God and transferred into the comfort it gives, like balm soothing our hurting hearts. Your purpose and persistence is God given, your quilt is priceless and no amount of money or form of gratuity can offer it suitable appreciation. The quilt that you have sewn will be forever cherished and passed from generation to generation - a constant reminder of the fruit of God's precious love.
Betty, please know that your testimony speaks volumes - I'll never forget the first time we spoke; your first concern was to be doing what the Lord has called you to do; you expressed that you would pray and seek the voice of our Father and pray for His will to be done. Your second concern was to "know" my son and to pray for our family throughout your mission. I knew in that instant that we were to have a relationship, more than that of just strangers passing during a tragedy. You were a sister in Christ. I knew that you not only knew our Lord, but had a personal relationship with him and you would be obedient to his leading in wherever he placed your talented hands. You touched my heart again because you truly wanted to know my son. His name would not be a name on a list or a chore; it was a heart felt mission with a specific purpose. As a proud parent, I could not wait to introduce you to him. I knew it would be a "meeting" that would bear witness to all who hear the story. To this day, I will not show anyone my quilt without repeating the complete story of the evolution that took place to create this amazing piece of living art. Never in a million years did I know that God would speak so fluently through your hands to create such a tribute of our son's life and purpose. Partnered with the Lord you so eloquently and fluently captured Danny's life in each square you designed. I am driven to share the story of each square as I share this magnificent witness of love through your hands.
We consider ourselves blessed to be one of the families that you've befriended and to which you have extended your hand of comfort. The world may consider that the purpose of a quilt has more depth, allowing us to somehow be touched by Danny each time we enjoy this beautiful piece of art. It also allows us to see that there are people in this war torn world today that are just as confused and bewildered as us at times and they still reach out to hurting hearts to extend a helping hand and a soft shoulder to lean on. You've allowed us to see that our son's sacrifice and service didn't go unnoticed to a wonderful woman and a new found friend in Iowa. I can't thank you enough for reaching out to us.
Please know that nothing "in this world" can fill the empty hole and void that we feel in our hearts everyday, but thanks to our almighty Lord and the continued support and prayers of such caring people like yourself we will continue to press forward to the prize ... eternal presence with our Lord and our son again in glory!
May God continue to bless you and your entire group for your hearts for the hurting ... Don't ever forget the impact that you've had on this family in Ohio - We certainly will never forget YOU!
Love and May God bless you and your entire family everyday!
Mark & Irma McVicker
PROUD Parents of Lcpl Daniel Morgan McVicker ~ USMC
12-27-84-10-6-05
Thank you for being so willing to extend a loving hand of support to hurting families in this wonderful and blessed country we live in. God bless the United States and those who fight to protect our freedom every day! I pray that our freedom is never taken for granted and that all who live in this country know and remember everyday that "FREEDOM IS NOT FREE".