Several years ago we had an older couple who lived across the street for 15 years, it was 2nd marriages for both and she and I were very friendly and he was such a dear, I watched out for him when he was working outside as he was in his 80s and kept an ear out for anything, one day I heard moaning and ran out to see she had fallen in the driveway and he couldn't get her up, I helped get her in the house then brought in their groceries. She did little things for me too. The Summer after she passed away his kids got him to move back to the old family home in WV (we are in Ohio) and I sent him holiday and "thinking of you" cards over the years. We even went and visited him the year after he moved away (2007). He fell last year and was using a walker and then not long ago his one daughter that I kept in touch with by email told me he had bone cancer and was on the same patch as me, he passed away less than 2 weeks ago and his daughters and DILs made a lap quilt and sent it to me with a beautiful card and said each knot was tied with a prayer for me. I cried when I opened the quilt, I cried when I read the card and I cried when I saw that he had signed the card, meaning they had planned it out before he passed away. It's people like that who let you know you were appreciated in their lives that give you reason to believe the phrase "Love thy neighbor" is true. I was so touched. Here is a pic of me with it.

Thank you for sharing your story!! What a very special, thoughtful and sweet gift!! Now you will always have a reminder of your special neighbors! I sure wish I lived in a friendly neighborhood. I would love to be surrounded by people with a heart. You've been blessed by a wonderful family, and I'm sure they feel as though they have been blessed with the wonderful caring neighbor that you have been for them!! People notice, even when we aren't looking. :)

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by leenova54 04 Apr 2012

Thank you. They were the only ones in the neighborhood that were friendly. One or two will talk to us when they want to be nosey but other than that everyone keeps to themselves and there are only 10 houses on our street!

Your story of love and friendship warms the heart.We do this at the church I attend. The quilts are passed in each adult Sunday school class, and we too, tie a knot while praying for each person(their name and illness is attached on a note).Also, the name of the church is embroideried on a corner of the quilts. It is so good to hear of your response to recieving such a special gift of love. I don't get to witness the response of the reciever, that is why I am glad I read your post.May God bless you and yours-Toogie

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by leenova54 04 Apr 2012

Thank you! I was blown away by them going out of their way to do this for me, it means more than anyone could ever know that they appreciated us caring about their father.

Wow! What an inspiration you are to us all. That was truly wonderful to read. May God continue to bless you as you witness to everyone. Love and blessings Chris

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by leenova54 04 Apr 2012

Thank you Chris!

I needed to cry and this did me good to see you and know that when we help someone along this road called life, it all comes back and more! You look good keep looking up, and stand strong. Get better fast! Hugs and prayers.

What goes around comes around and this time its in a good way. Hugs and Love

Hi there. Debra, firstly you look lovely and the quilt is stunning. What a lovely and thoughtful gesture from your dear friends. Whishing you well.****

what a beautiful gift and a beautiful support and memory. you deserve all this love, thank you for sharing this with us. Hugs, Gerry

Okay now, you aren't playing fair.... You need to warn us to get our tissues out.... What better way to show God's love than the command He has given us. Such a beautiful memory and to have it with you now in quilt form. Just beautiful! Keep staying strong, physically, mentally but most of all spiritually.... Love you... Hugs, <3

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by leenova54 03 Apr 2012

I will try to remember next time to do a tissue alert first, lol. I have really been blessed with friends and love now we just have to get the physical strength going!

OK, Debra, you are going to have to start your postings with an anti-mascara disclaimer! Your post made me boo-hoo! "Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these." You certainly proved that by loving your neighbor, God would reward you. You are being a testimony every day...keep walking in the faith Debra. ;)

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by leenova54 03 Apr 2012

I always wear water-proof mascara, lol. Lots of tears around here lately! I am fighting to stay strong.

Debra, what a great gift. I also had tears while reading your message. Isn't it wonderful to know how many prayers are going up for you? The quilt is lovely and so are you. Hugs, Judy

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by leenova54 03 Apr 2012

It sure is, I was so touched!

What a lovely, touching story, Debra! Thank you for the story and the photo. The quilt is beautiful, as was your special friendship with your friends. Hugs, Lidia

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by leenova54 03 Apr 2012

Thank you. It was such a beautiful surprise knowing that they cared so much to make it for me.

Dear Debra, that proves how special you are. I have tears in my eyes...Thinking of you, prayers for you my friend. Love and hugs, Yoriko

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by leenova54 03 Apr 2012

Thank you Yoriko, hope things are going well for you too.

Thank you Debra for sharing this story with us. It is nice that there are people that care for each other. Hugs to you. I hope you are feeling OK. Love your pretty hat as well as the quilt. Hugs Angie

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by leenova54 03 Apr 2012

Thank you. Some ladies knit the hats and donate them, the pink one is the softest I have found and I wear it a lot.

Dear Debra, May that beautiful quilt give you much love and strength. What a wonderful gift. Love and Hugs Sarah.

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by leenova54 03 Apr 2012

Thank you. I am going to hang it on the wall next to my bed.

You have share a most beautiful story..it brings tears to my eyes reading it! I am keeping you in my prayers and will add your dear friends surviving children to my list tonight! The quilt is lovely and the person holding it even more lovely! God Bless and keep you on the path to healing;>) HUGS!!

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by leenova54 03 Apr 2012

Aww, thanks! I cried too. There are so many special people around that we sometimes don't notice.

by drro 04 Apr 2012

Soooo True! God Bless!;>)

What a beautiful story. I have a lump in my throat. It is so sad that as we get older we are losing so many loved ones and dear friends. This is a beautiful Quilt.

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by leenova54 02 Apr 2012

Yep, lump here too. I cried and cried. Their love really touched me. I knew his kids appreciated that I kept an eye on them and I had their phone numbers and emails in case something happened.

It's a wonderful gift to remember your friend and his family. Goes good with your hat. Good size lap quilt to cuddle under while sitting or resting.

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by leenova54 02 Apr 2012

I don't want cat hair on it so I am going to hang it on the wall next to my bed.

VERY NICE..IT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD WHEN PEOPLLE APRECIATE YOU FOR SOMETHING YOU WOULD OF DONE ANYWAY OUT OF THE GOODNESS OF YOUR HEART.YOU TRULEY ARE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR..WISH YOU LIVED NEXT DOOR TO ME..OUR NEIGHBOURS ARE VERY VERY NASTEY PEOPLE.....LUCY

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by leenova54 02 Apr 2012

The rest of ours aren't nasty but they don't take the time to know each other, some don't even do a casual wave.

Debra, what a beautiful story, it made me cry too

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by leenova54 02 Apr 2012

I still cry when I talk about it.

Just love the quilt. I know you will keep it for ever. Glad that you made great friends like that. Keep up the great work of getting better. Big hugs DeVon

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by leenova54 02 Apr 2012

Today I got my shot and Wed blood work so I am working on it. Today they triple checked before they gave me the shot so there wasn't a mix up again!

by devon 02 Apr 2012

I am so glad!!

by shirlener88 03 Apr 2012

OH yes, so glad that they triple checked this time.

by susiesembroidery 03 Apr 2012

I hope you can get your treatment. stay strong in the Lord. He is carrying you right now in His loving Hands. Love and best wishes.*****

What a wonderful story of friendship. It too brought the tears to my eyes. Now you can remember your friends as you look at your quilt hanging by your bed. Hugs, Mary

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by leenova54 02 Apr 2012

I know, hubby and I sit outside and say how much we miss having them across the street. Her grand-daughter, hubby and 2 little ones live across the street and barely even wave to us.

by leenova54 02 Apr 2012

They gave the house (and small mortgage) to her son and they rented it cause it didn't sell.

Oh, Debra, this is such a sweet and touching story of friendship and love! A gift truly from the heart and one to treasure for sure! I am so happy for you to experience such a loving gesture, at a time you need it most!! My prayers are ongoing for your health and wellbeing!!
Angel

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by leenova54 02 Apr 2012

Thank you, yes, I felt so much love when I saw it!

This is very spacial gift of love to you and the love you give to them the Quilt will keep you warm for long time I enjoy your story and i thank you for sharing love Maria

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by leenova54 02 Apr 2012

So special. I am going to hang it on the wall beside my bed.

Debra, this is a heart warming story. Very moving

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by leenova54 02 Apr 2012

I know, I am so touched. I showed my facebook friends and some of them said they cried when they read the story.

Oh how wonderful. Like the others it brought tears to my eyes. Yes, that is what true friendship is all about. I also think this is putting your christian faith into practice - helping your neighbors.

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by leenova54 02 Apr 2012

Thank you, I am blessed to have known them and miss them all the time.

brought tears to my eyes as well, nice to know they appreciated everything you did for them. The quilt is lovely as well.
hugs and hang in there,
hugs
Michelle

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by leenova54 02 Apr 2012

I know, it still brings tears to my eyes too.

What shirlene said.

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by leenova54 02 Apr 2012

Thank you!

Debra, this is so special - thank you so very much for sharing this story and you are right - it is people like this - that let you know your are appreciated - this is a work of love and I am so happy to hear that your friend knew about what the daughters were doing and that he signed your card. How very speical - you can wrap yourself up in their love. My eyes are leaking with joy and love for you.

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by leenova54 02 Apr 2012

I am going to hang it on the wall beside my bed.

by shirlener88 02 Apr 2012

Great location - where you can see it to bring you comfort.

Oh, I forgot, the back is a white material with shades of leaves and vines but they quilted a pink cross on the back.