Please, Mom and Dad…my hands are small. Don’t expect the bed I made or the picture I drew to be perfect—just love me for trying. – Excerpts from Please Mom and Dad, by J.L. Richardson, American author Over the course of my life, I have learned that children are eager to help others. They are willing learners, and enthusiastic participants in …
You are the captain of your ship. You are steering your path where you want to go. Irene Golden, daughter, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, crafter, amazing human being Running a volunteer program of any size brings many “perks.” One of the best gifts is the ability to develop deep relationships with many of the dedicated …
The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. – William Shakespeare, English playwright, poet, and actor Crafters are special people. Along with their vision, commitment, and sheer artistry, their desire to truly bring joy into the lives of the people they touch. This aspect of their lives manifests in …
Through our handwork, God has engaged us in the great act of compassion. Our handwork is weaving us—our hearts and souls—into the truth of God’s love. – Knitting into the Mystery, Susan S. Izard, American author and co-founder of The Prayer Shawl Ministry Sister Marie Barbara was the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Chaplain at St. Mary and is a member of the …
The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but on significance—then, even the small steps and the little victories along your path will take on greater meaning. – Oprah Winfrey, American media executive, author, and philanthropist Betty was the leader of a local chapter of the American Sewing Guild for four …
Peg sees the world through the eyes of one who has dealt with chronic health issues her whole life. She sees with empathy and makes her unique creations with care and humor. Her ‘Cancer Monsters’ are intended to help patients ‘give an identity’ to their disease and transfer feelings of anger, anxiety, and grief to …
Crafters frequently want to try a new pattern to add variety to their creative endeavors, but it isn’t always easy. My dear friend Terry confided that her sister had shown her the Ripple Stitch many times, but she couldn’t get it. Her sibling labeled her the ‘Ripple Stitch Dropout.’ I gave her some tips, and she finally succeeded and created many beautiful afghans using that …
An angel here on earth, our beloved Ann Kintzel is now an angel above. Annie passed to her rest Tuesday evening, January 17th, following a brief illness. She was 98 years young and an incredible inspiration to us all. Annie volunteered at St Mary Medical Center for approximately 20 years, enjoying her work comforting and …
A significant component of the book CREATIVE HEALING PLACES: STORIES OF HOPE, COMFORT AND INSPIRATION is the work of the over 300 crafters from within and around Bucks County, Pennsylvania. What started as a trickle became a flood of volunteers at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, PA. The time, the care, and the quality of the …
Happiness is a warm puppy. – Charles Schultz, American cartoonist and creator of “Peanuts.” Late one afternoon, Susie, the hospital chaplain for the oncology unit, dashed into my office with a special request. Julie, a young mother with terminal brain cancer, had just poured out her heart to Susie. Julie’s doctor had just informed her …
© Copyright 2023 Joan Portman
