I'm taking a rare break from my hectic life to have a cup of coffee and consider the new direction my life's journey is taking me. Won't you take a short break as well and let me share my story?

We have a bustling household with my husband, two sons (21 and 22), and legal guardianship of three grandchildren (4, 8, and 12). We have also been foster parents to more than twenty foster children in the last four years of varied ages for some time periods of two weeks to three years. Outside of the home, I have been in the work force for more than 32 years and a State of Kansas employee since 1974 – which makes my life very busy juggling both a large family and career.

It is no wonder that my journey in life needs to change now to accommodate my family's needs. If I retire from government work, my grandchildren and foster children will have someone that can devote herself more to family and school activities. Something my own children had to only get in quick snatches of time between, my job and running a home .. . now we will be able to enjoy and enrich each other's lives more fully. I'll be there for them when they need someone to talk to, help with homework, someone to cheer them on, or simply share the day.

Retirement will also offer a new adventure for me. Since our family grew so quickly and unexpectedly, we had to purchase a six-bedroom home to accommodate everyone. The extra housing expense means that we will need an extra income during retirement to help with our family's finances. However, this has led us in a new direction that is exciting and fulfilling. I've decided to open an online store for quilts!

You might ask how is quilting so fulfilling? I have personally seen the love and emotional impact quilts can have on little ones that have been tossed about by life and hurt emotionally. My six grandchildren have had several design quilts made out of fabrics they have personally chosen and patterns that they liked. All twenty of my foster children has had a design quilt given to them as well–even if their stay was as short as a month. Yes, these quilts are beautiful and colorful .. . they are warm or lightweight depending on their needs and season .. . but this is not what make them so special.

What makes a design quilt so special? It is the love imparted and the emotional impact it can have on not only a small child, but an adult as well. Foster children are pulled from everything and everyone they know .. . their whole little world is totally shattered in a matter of minutes when pulled from their homes. Often they are placed in several foster homes before a permanent placement can be arranged legally. These little ones have nothing and no one, except sometimes a sibling and even then, they are often separated into different foster homes. A design quilt wraps them in love; they feel secure – like being hugged and it goes with them no matter where they are finally placed. A quilt is something that belongs to them and is not jerked away from them, they can curl up in it and remember the giver's love and feel safe from all the craziness of their little lives.

A newborn infant will cry out and scream as if in pain, but when swaddled tight and secure in a blanket will feel safe and loved. An elderly adult can have a design quilt with them to not only keep them warm, but help them remember they have loved ones in the world that care. A quilt wraps you in love and some how seems to help with all the troubles that may be in your life at the moment.

That's why I'm excited about this aspect of my life's journey. Giving to others the wonderful gift of love and security, while being able to share and impart more love and caring on my own extended family. My life might be a quieter life, but some how so much more fulfilling. Thank-you for spending time with me today and maybe you can give a design quilt to a cherished loved one of your own.