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FRIDAY JULY 30: QUILT PINNING CEREMONY STORY: Randy H. Milgrom |
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Patching Things Up The Great Hall in the lower level of the Coffman Memorial is not an easy room to fill. But at precisely 8:00 pm this evening it was filled to capacity – not just with bodies (though the seating status was strictly SRO), but with waves of pure emotion as well. Every one of the small round tables was fully occupied as Maggie Coolican commenced the introductions by announcing her decision, with great regret, to step down as head coordinator of this event after having helped to found the tradition ten years ago. After welcoming the large gathering she also briefly explained its meaning: to provide an outlet for giving praise and thanks to those who have given their organs so that others’ lives might be saved or improved. One by one – or sometimes in pairs or more – those who had created a patch presented it, along with a story about its significance, to a highly receptive audience. The patch was then ceremoniously pinned (and saved to be permanently sewed) to a blank quilt, which also served as the backdrop for a keepsake photo following the patch dedication. Among those who presented a patch and provided a heartfelt explanation of it were:
On behalf of the National Donor Family Council, a gift – a large and stunning crystal vase with a beautiful butterfly etched into one of its sides – was presented to Maggie Coolican to thank her for her many years of work on these presentations and on the massive quilting undertaking as a whole. It is said that when a loved one unexpectedly leaves one’s home, a butterfly makes a visit to soothe the loss and to comfort those who remain. |