Monday, October 12, 2009

Mystery Solved!


Ok, folks, this is my version of Bonnie's newest mystery quilt, "Christmas Lights". I think the pattern is darling, but I officially am not thrilled with my quilt! Wish I had made different fabric choices. But, I think with quilting, texture, washing, love...it will be better. My rule was to use only what I had, so this is what I had! (Hope it doesn't end up on padding furniture in a moving van...)
**********************Nursing Notes*******************************
Carrie is no longer with us! I had the pleasure of moving her to the regular medical floor...telemetry, but hey, what a gigantic step! She no longer needs intensive care, so after SIXTY days in Critical Care, she is movin' on! She is making progress by leaps and bounds...and she is a nursing student, and is even able to study a little bit. Of course, this semester is a wash-out for her, but I just know she will graduate and become a wonderful nurse, at least that it is what I am praying for. Chemo continues, and she has lost most of her lovely blond locks, but that will grow back...
Gary (gunshot victim) is doing wonderfully, but he will be in and out of the hospital probably for the rest of his life. Because he is paralyzed from the neck down, he does not cough and clear his secretions like normal people, and these patients also get infections easily...we will see him again, but for now...great news!!!
Sad News (don't read if you don't want to!)
I came into the unit yesterday to a great wailing and commotion...sadly, our poor little mother who I helped with the C-section...did not make it. The night shift coded her for hours...but she just did not make it. Total respiratory failure, despite maximum vent support and even the roto-prone bed, which turns patients completed upside down to try and help open up her lung alveoli. Her mother is just devastated...but said that the baby is normal, eating, burping, crying...all that babies do. So the baby was saved in time, even though very early. She said that at least she has a little bit of her daughter...the baby.
************************************************************************
Hope everyone is doing great...each one of you are so important and adds precious richness to my life.
Julie

21 comments:

SandyQuilts said...

LOVE love your quilt.

Becky said...

How wonderful! You have your CL quilt together. It's a lovely quilt. Great job using fabric that you had on hand. I'm hoping to work on my quilt this weekend. I bought border fabric this weekend without the fabric in the quilt. Here's hoping it works together!

Amelia said...

I can give you a a hint that I think would help on your quilt...cut the outside border down to half it's size...love the pattern and the way the rest of it flows.

Some good and some bad on the nursing front...but you all gave it your best on the loss.

Nancy said...

I like the quilt, and I think your color choice fits the pattern well.

Texan said...

As you said. quilting and washing brings a quilt to life, I like your new quilt and I think once you get it totally done you will too! Hey a coffee dye bath always makes something look spiffy ...

I have a quilt in a coffee bath in the sink right now .. wall hanging size quilt ... will post pictures soon.. It some how just makes all the fabrics look so good together :O)...

I am so tickled for Carrie and her DH... I am sure loosing all her hair has been VERY hard, I know it would be for me.. I hope it grows back more beautiful than ever!!! I am just so happy she is doing good!

*karendianne. said...

Oh my, the cycle of life is sometimes so hard to take in. I'm glad to hear Carrie is moved off the Unit though.

Your quilt is fantabulous! I dig it. Do you feel this way - about the fabric choices - with all your mystery quilts? I mean, at the end and all?

Pat said...

I'm glad to hear about Carrie and also to hear that the paralyzed gentleman is making progress. It's very sad about the young mom that died and life will be so difficult now for her mom to raise that premie baby. You and your colleagues sure do try your hardest. As for your quilt, I think it's a lot nicer than you're saying.......and when it's all quilted and washed, you will love it!

Vicki W said...

What a pretty quilt and that's great news about Carrie!

Anonymous said...

Your quilt is lovely and the border is too (sorry read an earlier comment!) I think once this is quilted, washed and crinkled you will fall in love with it. Seriously the quilting helps make the quilt.
I'm not so sure I could do the job you have...my heart aches over poor little injured animals as is. You've got a heart of gold and much compassion...

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Oh I like your Christmas Lights too! And I agree with the others, the quilting will change it, it just looks less appealing to you because you've been looking it so much. ;-) Great news abt Carrie and your gentleman patient, so sorry abt the young mother. I think it would be very hard to do your job.

Béa said...

I love your mystery quilt and colours choice, great job. Hugs from France

Debi said...

Your quilt is beautiful. Sorry to hear about the new mom, but great news for Carrie. I also sent a block and have donated another jelly roll to the great cause.

Trisha said...

So happy for your two patients that are doing well, but that is so sad about the mom that died. Your line of work has a lot of ups and downs.

I think your quilt is lovely. I hope it grows on you.

Quilter Kathy said...

I think your "Christmas Lights" quilt is awesome! Betcha it becomes one of your favorites!
So sorry to hear about the young Mom. But happy to hear the other positive updates.

Elaine Adair said...

Your quilt will be wonderful when it's quilted, and the threads will soften the effect. Remember your own words, about "this is what you had", and "wish I had made different choices" ..(WOW on that phrase!). It's great now and when finished will be terrific!

Teresa said...

Your quilt is quite bright in the pictures and should liven up an otherwise gloomy Fall day. I was so sorry to hear the young mom had died. So sad for all involved,especially the precious baby that doesn not even understand yet what she has lost. Sound liks Grandma is going to take good care of her though.

Jean said...

I love the colors of your quilt...sometimes when I am making something it goes through the stage where I am not happy with it...usually after a few days away from it, it looks better to me.

QuiltSue said...

I love that quilt. Would you like me to give it a good home if you don't? (giggle)

Unknown said...

Julie, I like your Christmas lights quilt. Usuing what we have is the best and as time goes on I'm sure that you will come to love it.
So sorry to hear about the young Mother. Like her Mother said , at least she has a bit of her daughter. This I am sure is the hardest part of nursing. but great that the other young lady has moved on and doing well.

Myra said...

Beautiful! 8-)

The Calico Quilter said...

Your nursing notes almost made me cry. I don't know how you can get through the day facing such tragedy on a routine basis, but I am so glad you and other nurses can and do. Bless your heart.

Come by my blog and see what I did with the Christmas Lights blocks.

Puffins and purples!!

I was tempted by Puffins...a squirrelly breed!!  LOL!  This fabric was shared with me, and I have been loved these bright, candy corn colors...