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Feb 9, 2003 CT and MA The CT and Mass trip were very emotional and very much worth it. A lot of the thanks have to go to Andrew Steglitz from Family & Children Agency that help make it all possible for the families to be at the event to receive quilts. All it took was one family member to ask and he called to see if I could come. Between Andrew and MJ, one of his assistants, the event was set. We meet his staff, all wonderful people that went out of their way to make this event memorable for the families. It was held at the beautiful Lockwood-Matthews Mansion Museum in Norwalk, CT. The families first had breakfast and then choose a quilt that meant the most to them. The children are sleeping with their quilts every night. A lot of the families would come up to us and tell us how much they could feel the love that went into the quilts. It is very comforting to the families to know people still care and want to give them comfort. Dennis and I also had the honor of meeting two amazing ladies one lost her son other her husband. They have taken their pain and put it to use by helping other families. Their names are Beverly Eckert and Mary Fetchet. You can read more about them in the current news web page. The families pain is deep and you can see it in their eyes. Many of the Mass families lost a family member on Flt 11 or Flt 175. Like the CT families they felt the love and warmth that came from within their quilts. Your heart breaks as you talk to them and listen to their stories. The person in charge of setting up the event for the Mass families was Linda Plazonja. The event was called Mass 911 Fund. Families came to seek help for they have still not received a dime. All the stories you heard about all the money the families have received is not true. None of us could ever imagine what these quilts have done for the families. You see their faces light up and a big smile is something they don't show that often. Their pain is stronger now because most of them have woke up to the reality of their situation and now more then ever is when we need to stand by them to let them know that we do care. They don't want their loved ones to be the forgotten. Those of you that know the families please take time to visit with them and talk to them about their loved ones. If they cry as they talk about their loved one let them, for that is a sign of healing. Cry with them and hug them, be there for them and do not let them feel alone. A good friend will always stand by their friends especially in bad times. Freedom Quilts is a sign of unity. A sign of warmth and love. Let the families know that this country has not forgotten and we care deeply and we will always have them in our prayers. The quilts are a way to wrap our arms around them and to let them feel our love as they wrap themselves with their quilts. For those of you that have helped in this project, you have done so much to lift up their spirits. God bless you for that. We are planning our next trip to the Pentagon if plans all go well. We'll keep you informed of any changes. God Bless Everyone Betty