Wrapped in Love: Henry’s Story and a Mission of Gratitude

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In June 2022, our family faced the most devastating experience of our lives. Our beautiful eighteen-month-old grandson, Henry, was airlifted to the IWK Health Centre, his little body in respiratory failure. He was intubated, sedated, and placed in the ICU, and we waited—praying and hoping—while an incredible team of courageous medical professionals worked to save his life.​

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Thanks to their extraordinary care and the grace of God, Henry survived. Today, he is a thriving, joyful Kindergarten student who loves life with the curiosity and energy only a child can bring. For this gift, we are forever grateful.

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In our immense gratitude, I created a quilt inspired by Henry and raffled it off, raising funds to give back. With the overwhelming support from friends and family, we were able to donate $3,000 to the IWK Health Centre and $2,000 to the Lions Sick Children’s Fund—a remarkable charity that helps families cover travel expenses while seeking medical care for their children.

But I couldn’t stop there. Henry’s journey—and the love and care he and his parents, Deanna and Sam, received—left a permanent mark on my heart. I kept thinking: what more could I do? How could I bring comfort to children and families in the midst of such fear and uncertainty?

 

The answer came in the form of quilts. Henry and his big brother Charlie have always been surrounded by handmade quilts—for sleeping, cuddling, picnics, forts, and play. During Henry’s darkest moment in the ICU, he was wrapped in his favourite Elmo quilt. That comfort stayed with me. I reached out to Ronald McDonald House in Halifax with an idea: to donate quilts for children staying there—bright, cozy, handmade quilts they could keep and take home. The staff embraced the idea with warmth and enthusiasm. Since then, I’ve delivered two generous bundles of quilts, and I continue to sew and send more as time allows, between workshops and customer quilts.

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This isn’t about me. I share this story to inspire others. If you’re a quilter, perhaps you’ll consider making a quilt to give comfort where it’s needed most. You can support organizations like Quilts of Valour, Victoria’s Quilts, your local women’s shelter, NICUs, or create something special for someone you know who’s facing illness or hardship. A quilt is more than fabric—it’s warmth, love, and the sense that someone cares.

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I’m also incredibly grateful to friends who’ve joined me in this mission—Catherine, Leona, Sandy, and my mom, Sandra, have all helped piece quilt tops or bound many of them. One quilt top was even made by members of the Marco Polo Quilt Guild! A special thanks also goes to Heather, our Maritime fabric rep, who generously donated bins of sample fabric that we’ve been joyfully turning into quilts with purpose.

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This past spring, more quilters joined us in the Stitch Studio and we spent a day sewing quilt tops, preparing them for quilting. Thank you Jennifer, Gwendy, Sarah, Gayle, Karen, Donna, Nickie and Sandra for giving of your time and talents! Thank you to others who have donated quilts and quilt tops: Cynthia, Kathy and Marilyn.

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Every stitch is a thank you. Every quilt is a hug. And every child who receives one is a reminder of how far love and community can go.