USE THE GOOD CHINA

I've just sat down at my computer with the intention of writing some flippant story about my antics this weekend. Combining my two sewing rooms, yes two, don't judge me, into one. The story was to be about long suffering husband's agreement to me taking over the main bedroom and us now having separate rooms.  Yay for me. I haven't had my own bedroom since I was 19 (and obviously, neither has he, unless you count his mattress up in the shed when he takes sneaky naps) and I'm looking forward to it. His only objection was that he would no longer have ....... the air con.

I was going to include an amusing anecdote about No 1 son's dismay at the 'separate room' thing and my assuring him there was nothing wrong and it would be fun sneaking into each other's room like we used to when we stayed over each other's house before we were married.
He was sorry he'd asked!

Now whilst this is still amusing, before I opened my blog to start, I checked Facebook, and there it was.

You see, my latest charity obsession is making quilts for members of the Australian Armed Forces serving overseas.  Hopefully, bringing them a little comfort and connection to normal life back home. These are personalised as far as possible as the member requests a quilt with a theme close to their heart and interests. I have loved doing it and they don't take too long to make. The most heartwarming satisfaction comes if one of the recipients is in the position to write back and say thanks. It brings me to tears each time.

What brought me to tears this morning was a Facebook post.  It was on the Aussie Hero Quilts page. The beautiful lady who created this wonderful project and puts countless hours into the running and promotion of this Australia wide project which has seen around 6,000 quilts delivered to our serving men and women; along with as many laundry bags to brighten their days; has posted something which gutted me.

Last night, her house burnt down.

She, her husband, two sons and their dogs are safe, thank God.  Pretty much everything else is gone.

How does someone come back from that?  I know people have suffered this terrible loss before but when it happens to someone you feel close to, even thought I have never met the lady, it is so very, very sad.  I can't begin to imagine what that family will go through.  All their personal items gone, and for her, the loss of her records and everything to do with the Aussie Quilts will be devastating.

I know group members will be offering help, they already are, and I know she has built a great relationship with the Armed Forces so I would not be surprised if something comes of that, in the way of assistance for her and her family.

Still, the feeling of loss will be great. I won't even begin to rant about my confusion as to how something like this can happen to someone who spends so much time doing such wonderful charity work for her fellow Australians.  And it dawned on me, nothing in this life is guaranteed.

As I sift through 'priceless treasures' during my sewing/bedroom swap, I'm kind of glad I don't really have much of great monetary value that couldn't be replaced .  My 40 year old un-picker would be a sad loss but replaceable.

One small thing I could advise, take photos of all your belongings not only for insurance purposes, but to help remember the sentimental stuff.  Also, a good idea in this world of electronic dependence, back up your important computer files and photos and store the back up at a friend's house.

Enjoy your life friends, see the funny side as often as you can, be grateful and use the good china.

Don't get caught up in the things around you because they can be taken away.  Spend more time with your loved ones, because, well, ... I won't finish that sentence.