I was speechless…really!

I can count one one hand the number of times that I've been rendered speechless, and yesterday was one of them.  Allow me to explain.

A box arrived yesterday morning but I was not at home when the mail lady pulled into our driveway, so Mr. Painted Quilt signed for it. When I got home, he ‘forgot’ to tell me that a package had been delivered simply because he thought it was filled with more junk stuff that I had ordered and he was hungry.

When the after dinner clean up was finished, I went up to my studio and saw a large box sitting on my cutting table.  My initial reaction was, "What is this?  I don’t remember ordering anything.”  Only after seeing the return name and address did I realize that it must be the 'surprise' Allie emailed me about last week to say that ‘something’ was on it’s way.

I asked Mr. PQ if he would carry the box downstairs for me and when I said that it was a gift from one of my blogging friends, he decided to stay to see what was inside.  He likes to share in my excitement whenever I receive a RAK in the mail and I guess the size of the box got the better of his curiosity this time…mine too, if the truth be known.

Upon opening the box, this is what we found inside.

Not one but two huge wrapped parcels!

I did NOT need to be persuaded to tear into the packages.

After seeing what was inside…two quilts, a tote bag and several cards and notes…I started to sob.  I explained the significance of the gifts to Mr. PQ and when I noticed the tears starting to roll down his cheeks, we both stood in the middle of the floor hugging each other and cried like babies for how long I don't know but our eyes were red and swollen when we finally stopped.

Both quilts were assembled and quilted by Allie from blocks that she collected from fellow bloggers throughout the world.  They are made in my favorite colors…variations of red, ‘white’ and navy…and one quilt is slightly larger than the other.

Here is the larger, Frankie-approved one displayed on our bed…

and the smaller one on the bed in our guest bedroom.

A simple thank you just doesn't seem to cut it but that is the only sentiment I can put into words at this moment simply because even a day later, I am still so overwhelmed.

I can't begin to imagine the time and effort that Allie put into this project and I don't know how I can ever repay her kindness, thoughtfulness and sense of compassion.  I am totally blown away.

Allie also included a card with a list of the names from everyone who contributed a block.  I recognize many names and the others are from blogging friends I haven’t had the pleasure of communicating with as yet.

Thank you, thank you, thank you all so very much!

 

Through tears, Mr. PQ and I read each and every block together as well as every card.  He and I have already decided that the money Allie included with the gifts will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.  

Our winters can be cold in Canada and the quilts will come in very handy to snuggle under while stitching or reading.  Because there are two of them, I even might consider sharing one with Mr. PQ !   *wink*

Once again, a simple 'thank you' seems so inadequate. These are the most heart felt gifts that I have ever received and I want you all to know that I am forever grateful and will never, ever forget what you have done.