The story of the Dignity Quilt is revealed as a true labour of love in a caring community that reveals its compassion and community spirit.
It begins with Rev. Jennifer Mountain who moved from Port Perry to be the minister for the Alsfeldt United Church and the Knox United Church in Clifford in 2012.
Marion Mountain, her mother and constant companion joined her on this part of her journey, but due to poor health resided at Caressant Care in Harriston. While there, Marion and Alexis Brown, Director of Nursing envisioned designing a “dignity quilt.”
The quilt would provide comfort and assurance to the family. Their loved one would be treated with dignity and respect as they took their last journey through the halls under a blanket of peace accompanied by the honour guard.
Rev. Mountain contacted local quilters and soon the design ideas were sketched to include a large cross, a dove for the Holy Spirit, a Celtic trinity symbol, praying hands for prayer, a butterfly for new life, and quilt blocks with whimsical touches to engage the residents.
Elsie Grummett, Sharon Kaufman, Elaine Field, and Marlene McHarg were instrumental in creating the quilt with loving precision in each stitch. They were joined by Janet Huth, Myrtle Demerling, Audrey Dickert, Carol Ann Jackson, Lynne Nancekivell, Marion Wylie, Joy Burnett, and a list of ladies who added a stitch or two each day it was stretched out on the quilt rack in the Fellowship Hall at Knox. This quilt was touched by many loving hands, a true blessing from a caring community.
Rev. Jennifer welcomed the community to a Dignity Quilt dedication ceremony on May 30 at Jamesway Manor.
Then on June 3rd, the dedication of the Dignity Quilt became an important part of the Spring Memorial Service at Caressant Care Nursing and Retirement Home.
Administrator Lynn Jamieson expressed her thanks to the families for sharing their loved ones. As each resident arrives at the home, they are welcomed into the Caressant Care family.
Rev. Mountain presented the Dignity Quilt in memory and honour of all Caressant Care residents.
Lynn Jamieson and Alexis Brown shared the names of the residents who had passed away and reflected on their unique gifts.
As their names were read, Jaylene Winkler, Lesa Messerschmidt, or Janice Stahlke handed a family member or friend a helium filled balloon.
Rev. Kevin McKee provided special music for the event as well as scripture verses and a reflection.
Following the last hymn and closing prayer, everyone headed outside to release their balloons.
The Dignity Quilt was draped on the wall in the large lounge where it will remain until needed to drape a loved one for their final journey homeward.
The Dignity Quilt was also be on display June 27 and 28 at Knox United Church in Clifford for their first ever quilt show. Quilts of all ages, sizes, and designs will be displayed featuring the award winning quilting skills of Renske Helmuth.
Contact Marg Shannon for more information at 519-327-8053 or 519-327-8378 or clifforduc@wightman.ca
