Gifted: Modern Day Warrior Quilt

Back in the day, before I was a blogger, I was very involved in online support groups as we searched for answers and healing for Noah's epilepsy.

In one of those groups I met Cris, and she would be the one person that tipped it all for me... she set my life on a different course. She planted a seed in me, to trust my instincts and start asking more questions. Do some research. Read Evidence of Harm. No one had ever told me these things before. That it was OK to stand up and be that mama bear protecting her cubs even if it was in the face of authority and *gasp* doctors.

And my eyes were opened. And from then on... everything changed.

I honestly credit Cris for Ivy's homebirth. Without her prompting so many years ago, I don't think I would have gone the way I have today. And I am so thankful for her.

Postmarked the day before Ivy was born, Cris sent a package, a quilt with two letters. One for me and one for Ivy.

I will never forget the fat, round tears that fell from my eyes as I read her words. I will hold these letters dear to my heart forever.

With her permission, I wanted to share her letter to Ivy:

Dear Baby Ivy,

Welcome to the world, little one! I can't wait to see a picture of you and your brothers all together.

Speaking of brothers... I am sure they will be protective of you, just try to take it all in stride- it's their job afterall!

Please don't ever underestimate how tough your mama is, either. She is fierce in her love for you all- somewhat of a modern day warrior woman. She and your dad will always do right by you, never doubt that!

The quilt is hand made, but it is not meant to be set on a shelf. Have picnics on it, use it as a cape (I put a sprinkle of super powers in it) use it! Love it and wear it out. I loved making it for you.

Love,
Cris & Mariah Kelly

We use this quilt as a quiet time blanket. I spread it out on my bedroom floor and Ivy knows to sit right down on it. She'll run to her favorite books and we read together. Yesterday she discovered a finger puppet and tried to put it on my toe.

We sat on that blanket for the longest time just staring out the window at the snow. I stole kisses on Ivy's cheeks and I felt very, very blessed. Warm tears singed my eyes and I said a lot of thank yous. I have no wants, I have everything I need.


I hope to be a Cris to others as I live my life.

You do know, no matter how you tell your story, you have the power to be that someone, right? :)


[P.S. my Mom just pointed out that in these photos Ivy just happens to be sitting right where she was born, on my bedroom floor.]


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