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Dec 2002 NJ trip I just wanted to let you know that Freedom Quilts trip to NJ was a success. The NJ trip touches the families more so. They are still in so much pain. Alot of the families told us that one place where they feel safe is their car. That is where they let out their pain without having anyone see them. Most of them have children so they try as hard as they can to keep life going smoothly for their children, which is not an easy job. They all belong to support groups and they truly are support for them. In their support groups they can let out their feelings and since they are all in the same boat they can comforter each other. Alot of them did not know each other, until the tragedy of Sept 11. The families were so overjoyed by their quilts that there were so many tears. This trip we were could speak one on one with the families since we had two days to hand out quilts. We even got a chance to take pictures of some of the families that received quilts. There were many tears and still many problems that they are trying to deal with. So many families were so grateful that we came with the quilts instead of sending them. The families wanted a quilt with a letter and pictures so they could write to the person that made their quilt. It was something else to see them pick out their quilts and see the tears stream down their faces. One lady came up to me and said only in America would strangers go out of their way to bring comforter to someone they didn't know. They all talk about all the love that they could see done in those quilts. Alot of the families were so touched by the fact that students would make quilts for them. Some of them just had to have a quilt from kids, for it meant so much that children take time to do something so special. We all know that children are a gift from heaven and what an honor to have a quilt from a child. There was one quilt that had the word Iowa and the date Sept 11, 2001. Two ladies were looking at the quilts and tears just kept running down their cheeks. One told me that to this day she still can't write that date down because it's just to painful. She told me she is still living that day over and over again. As hard as she is trying to move on she can't. While everyone is getting ready to move on to 2003 she is still in 2001. As beautiful as the quilt was she just couldn't see taking it so she went for another quilt. The other lady decided she wanted it because it had Iowa on it. The quilt will be a reminder to her of how strangers that didn't even know them came 1200 miles to bring them comforter. It will be a treasurer to pass on down to her family. Some families still can't deal with anything that has the WTC buildings on. One quilt did have a drawing of the twin towers and as she picked up the quilt and show it to another lady, tears came down their faces and she gently folded the quilt and put it back. Quilts with twin towers she couldn't deal with. She went and pick another quilt. As I watched and talked to the families I realize that some things are just to painful for them to deal with. It is something that I know I will remember as I make the families their quilts. Some that came for their quilts were daughters or mothers which they would of never received a quilt and they were so very thankful that they were given the change to have something in honor of their loved one. One said it was like God had taken all the good people that day because as they go to the group session and listen to others talk about their loved ones it's like they were talking about their son or daughter. One lady came and as she opened the quilt and read the letter that was inside of the quilt. She lost it right there and she just couldn't stop crying. I wondered if I had caused more harm then good but soon found out that they were tears of joy for strangers that care so much for them. As the tears were pouring down her face she gave me a big hug and said thank you so much for caring, thank you so much for bring the quilts to us and please thank the quilters all over that gave of themselves to bring comforter to them. It is because of people like them that care enough to make a different to bring them some comfort that they will heal. It shows them that it didn't matter how near or far you are we need to care for one another. One kindness spreads into another kindness and soon if everyone took the time to care and help one another evil will disappear. The need to do some kindness is what it's all about to help our fellow Americans. The rewards are great because some families do write back and some even become new friends with the quilters. Because of this project I have meet so many touching and loving people that I would have never had the honor to meet. I have seen that from opening my heart to the families I received much more, for it is truly a beautiful feeling when you do good for someone else. It's more rewarding when you hear that due to your kindness it has inspired them to want to do something kind for someone else. If we all took time to care for one another we would surely make this a better place to live in. I'm so very proud of my community and all the quilters, and people that donated in one way or another. You have truly made a different in making this world a better place to live in and bringing the comfort to so many in need. God blesses you all for caring and may your reward be grand. Betty