Eyes Wide Open

Yesterday my family and I visited an exhibit that was very sobering. It is called Eyes Wide Open and it a visual display to represent the National Guardsmen who's lives have been lost in the Iraq War. Regardless of your thoughts or opinion of the war, this is a powerful exhibit. There are a pair of combat boots displayed for each soldier. Locally they also included a pair for every Idaho soldier that has been lost. I was emotional, but holding it all together until I found the boots for 3 of "my soldiers". These were three different Idaho soldiers that I assembled OPH comfortghans for their families. At that point I lost it and the tears began to flow.
As I walked around I was reminded of a comment my oldest son made several years ago. We visited a traveling representation of the Vietnam Wall Memorial. As we walked the memorial and read the names on the wall and the letters left by loved ones my son turned to me and said "Mom, I think that anyone who is looking at sending people to war should have to write all of these names first. Maybe then they will remember what happens during war." WOW! If only the adults could be as intelligent as the children.
If you get a chance, do visit this memorial. Eyes Wide Open is a wonderful tribute to those who have paid such a high price.

Mailing some comfort

I completed assembling and mailed two comfortghans for HeartMade Blessings. The fall colors is for a gentleman who lost his father and the pastels is for a young mother who has been widowed.

Boy layout about friendship

I guess it doesn't have to be for boys, but I like the idea of a friendship theme that could be used for boys. We think about this with girls, but friendships are just as important for the little boys as well :). The colors in this are so beautiful. A deep red and turquoise blue. The chipboard coasters by Gin-X are soooooooooo fun!!! The one between the "U" and "I" has an & in red in the center and the outside ring has friendship things like "friends always", etc.