Independence Village of Waterstone hosted the 4th Annual Miracle Quilts Show on June 9.
The show displayed quilts made by Independence Village residents and area volunteers.
These handmade quilts are delivered to returning troops and families convalescing at VA hospitals, Nursing Homes, and the VFW National Home for Children.
The quilt show is named after PFC. Joseph A Miracle, a young man from Ortonville killed in action in the summer of 2007 shortly after arriving in Afghanistan.
His mother, Judy Miracle, joined the quiliting organization soon after its founding, and said helping them has been good for her. It allows her ‘some way to give back and to stay connected.?
Returning soldiers have many needs, yet a quilt is a great gift to give to the troops, she said, because it symbolizes family, and reconnects wounded veterans with the country.
Quilts are certainly functional but they also represent a tradition in America, Miracle continued; ‘they show respect for where we came from,? as well as providing warmth to the recipient.
White Lake resident Fern Henderson, a member of the quilting society, agreed with Mrs. Miracle. The quilts are ‘a token of thank you,? and their handmade quality ‘says we care.?
Frances Koskin has been quilting with the Miracle quilters for a few years now, and said the experience ‘makes America better.?
She knows the quilts will help boost troop morale, but said making the quilts is also very fulfilling for the quilters.
‘It’s very satisfying for women to help those who have placed themselves in harm’s way and given so much for our country,? Koskin.
Norma Crowton traveled from western Oakland county to see the quilts in Oxford, and summed up their symbolism in a phrase:. A quilt is ‘like a warm hug,? the Holly visitor said.
The quilters meet twice a month and are always in need of supplies, so if you’d like to donate, please send 100 percent cotton cloth, thread, and batting.
If you’d like to help out in some way or would like more information, please contact Carole Carroll at 248-321-8669 or by email at MiracleQuilts@att.net.