For the last three years we have started prepping for our NICU project in September for delivery right before Christmas. It's done in honor of Viviana, and for those moms and families that are living out their holidays with the same trials and struggles we had back in '07. It has been a collaboration and a way for us to give back.
For us, 2010 brought its own unique challenges... Unless I was able to get everything 100% donated, there was no way to pull it off. Sadly, I was just not feelin' it during this year of
reduce & simplify.
My heart turned instead to my brother, Mark, and his family. I felt a sudden impression and desire that he needed a token of our love and support for him during this difficult journey. He took a job with a company flying planes... through a war zone. This means he was on the other side of the world, away from all loved ones for both Thanksgiving and Christmas and into 2011 with his rotations. Tallie had just learned she was prego with #3... and would be left behind with the two boys during this great time of sacrifice so that Mark could further his career as a pilot in the Captain's Seat since it's increasingly difficult to accomplish that in the states in today's economy.
I wrote an email to Laverty and Menzie families, asking for support in this project. I thought about what it might feel like to be in his position... and how it might also feel to really know just how loved he is when there is no one close by that really knows him, while also yearning for very basic and simple comforts of home.
The first thing that came to mind was a quilt... because it could accomplish bringing physical warmth, a treasure to keep, a service aspect involving many, and certainly he could feel the pure love that went into each stitch. I asked for each family to decorate and personalize their quilt square with their personalities from their family to Mark. My Mom made sure we could pull it off financially, and I assembled them ... as a gift of love just for Mark. It was well-received... miraculously everyone pulled through, and Mark was able to open it on Christmas Eve while skyping with his family. I included Mark's remarks way below...
from Luke
A big squeeze from Hank
from the Boston Menzies
from the Bako Lavertys
from the California McLaughlins
from the Utah Menzies
from the Seattle Lavertys
from Tallie
from Dad
from Florida Menzies
from Mom & Kelly
pure love... pure joy... pure grace... pure laughter...
pure excitement... pure bliss... pure happiness...
Pure & Simple
Some of Mark's comments....
Realizing it was Christmas Eve while talking with Tallie, I pulled out a package I received last week from Shayla that read, "Open Christmas Eve." I was able to open my Christmas gift with Tallie and Hank while Skyping. (Luke was already sleeping. I know Tallie was a little frustrated that Hank was up past his bedtime but it was nice for me to see his smile and big brown eyes).
Inside the box there was a card and a note in Shayla's handwriting. I read it out loud while on Skype with Tallie and this is what it said:
We call you Papá, Daddy, Marcos, Mark, son, brother, husband, friend, and uncle. And we ALL wanted you to feel of our great love for you while you are in a far-away land this holiday season.
Whenever you are feeling lonely, vulnerable, home-sick, or even happy and grateful... and you just need a hug from someone who cares and knows your goodness - wrap yourself up in the warmth of this quilt made especially for you and feel the love of all of us that care for you most dearly. We 
LOVE you, dear Mark!
Tallie, Luke, Hank, Mom, Kelly, Dad, Tami, David, Ben, Susan, Ben, Kathy, Lorea, Mikela, Saioa, Bret, Cat, Tim, Maia, Kincaid, Esme, Terra, Wayne, Becky, Christina, Thomas, Grace, Caroline, Wesley, Curt, Shayla, Brayden, McKenzie, Monson, Alexandra, Isabella, Viviana, Matthew, Heather, Mattie, Reddin, Brett, Emily, Jonas, Makai, Caysa, Kevin, Brooke.
I couldn't finish reading it out loud. A councilor told me once I suffer from Alexithymia, or the inability to express in words one's feelings. I suppose most males do, especially if your last name is Menzie. As I sit here and try to conquer my Alexithymia, I'm looking at the quilt Shayla assembled from your individual, personalized patches. The border she used on the quilt has words on it that read,
"pure love, pure joy, pure happiness, pure bliss, pure excitement, pure elation, pure & simple."
I think I have overcome my Alexithymia. The only other feeling I would add is a useful Portuguese word that doesn't directly translate into English. "Saudade" can mean to yearn/long for something or someone, or to be homesick or lonely.
I miss you all. I am so grateful for all of your thoughtful participation in this huge project that Shayla organized. Shayla, I'd love for you to Blog about making it - I'd love to hear how it came together and include detailed photos of the art/handy work from everyone. I've posted the pictures I took of the quilt on my facebook page if anyone would like to see them.
What you all don't know is I was just about to ask Tallie to send me another blanket. It's getting so cold at night and this quilt will be perfectly useful as well as sentimental.
Thank you so much and Merry Christmas,
Love,
Papá, Daddy, Marcos, Mark, son, brother, husband, friend, and uncle Mark
PS; One of my favorite things on the quilt is Luke's art and note, "I love it when you play cars and trains with me." Me too Luke!
Tallie didn't know we made one for her too... until Christmas Morn.
Hers had a vintage feel- made with those fabrics we remember well from the 80's. I felt like Tallie's part in the deal was equally a sacrifice and decided to make sure she had that same feeling of love and warmth.
A genuine thanks to all who donated time, fabric, funds, and encouragement for this project. A LOT of late night hours went into both quilts... but it was well worth every minute for the joy & anticipation it brought to all involved.
backing
crayon rolls and coloring books for the boys
