As a child, I grew up next to my grandmother’s farm in south-western Ohio. Her home was a very special place to me. I was named me after my grandmother; as a child I thought that gave us a special connection. She enjoyed visits from her grandchildren. I would visit often, though sometimes it was her front porch swing beckoning my name.

My grandmother was not used to modern conveniences. She was born in the late 1800’s. By the time I was born, she was already in her 70’s. When I was young, I didn't totally understand her simplistic lifestyle. I thought of her as a country lady who wasn't concerned with the modern world. However, I since learned that simplicity does not necessarily mean you are lacking anything.

As a child, I watched her churn butter, make lye soap, and make homemade preserves, gooseberry pies, jellies, and delicious dishes of all kinds. She was raised in an era when dandelion greens were sometimes part of their diet. I loved to listen to her tell stories about her childhood and the nine children she raised. I also enjoyed watching her sew, embroider, and create stuffed animals for me and the other grandchildren. Love was sown into every stitch. She preferred making our gifts. Purchasing gifts from a store was too impersonal.

I will never forget the plaque that hung on her wall that read:

Only one life will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.

Over the years that truth has been a mainstay in my life. Now that I am grown, I realize what an incredible and intelligent woman she was. As an artist, I decided to paint the quilts that I had received as gifts from her or inherited. They were all crafted by her gifted, yet crippled hands. Each of the quilts depicted in “Grandmother’s Legacy” has deep meaning to me.

My grandmother made the “multiple star” quilt for my wedding gift, the “lone star” quilt for my father when he served in World War II, and the “double wedding ring quilt”. Also depicted in this painting are items my family passed on to me: my grandmother’s bonnet, my other grandmother, Katie’s rocking chair, my mother’s basket and gardening tools, my dad’s old watering can, and my bible. These are all symbols of the foundation that these precious family members laid in my life.

I hope you enjoy this painting and remember the legacy you have also received from your family.