Merry Christmas my selfless sister!

Ive been thinking since we got our names what to do for my recipient this year. Nothing ever came to mind. I would think about it a couple of times each month, each time at a loss of what to do. Then, when Gates was born and mom and dad came for Gates' baby blessing, dad brought to me all the patriotic fabric that mom was giving away that was meant for quillows. When I looked at the many, many, stacks and squares of fabric, I noticed There was a piece of tape on each one with charise's handwriting. I realized how sweet Charise was that she measured each one of those, thinking that she would eventually make something with them. It was at this moment I decided I would use this fabric to do for something for my service to my sweet big sister Charise. 

I thought of making pillowcases for each of the grandkids, and make it be in honor of finalist chari. But that didn't seem personal enough. Then, it came to me one night. I've been thinking a lot of the Bostrom family lately, feeling so sorry for this pain of the loss they are having, and wanting to do something for them. I personally know how Julie is feeling these past few months, and my heart aches for her.  I remember my first Christmas without Ryan, and how hard it was. Something that I thought of was how I didn't have any gifts to open on Christmas that year because my gift giver was gone, and my kids were too young to think and buy anything for me by themselves. I thought of sweet Julie Bostrom, and how she won't be opening a gift from her sweetheart this year, and I immediately decided I wanted to give her a present to open. Even if it wasn't from him, at least she wouldn't be lacking a gift at all. I knew that this was a perfect service to Charise, as Julie is one of her best friends, and I know Charise would do anything for Julie. The scripture Mosiah 2:17 came to mind: 17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. 

I likened God unto Charise in this, in that, char is far away, and not able to be here all the time for Julie. So I felt like if I served Julie, that I would also be in the service of Charise by being a stand in. 

So That night, right away, I started my quilt! I pieced together all these patriotic pieces of fabric to make a warm quilt for Julie. I wanted to make it feel that anytime she had it on her, that she felt like it was Craig giving her a big warm hug. It didn't have perfect straight seams, but it was beautiful and warm. I met up with her daughter Ally on Christmas Eve to give her the beautifully wrapped present. She will be giving it to her mother on Christmas morning. 

Julie, if you are reading this, we love you so much, and we are so sorry for this trial. Please enjoy this blanket and I hope you feel the love of the gates family and your sweet Craig. 

Charise, I love you so much, and I'm proud to call you my sister. I'm so glad that the spirit prompted me to serve Julie and the Bostrom family. And I'm so glad that that same spirit prompted me NOT to tell Ally yesterday not to tell you, because you needed to hear from her yesterday (even though it might have spoiled your Christmas service a day early 😊😉). I love you sweet sister. You are an example of service and love to me in my life. 

Love, tiff. 

Update: ally texted me this morning saying this: "mom had a particularly rough night, so I let her open yours as her special Christmas Eve present. We both cried for a very long time. You are the best!" This right here.... THIS is why we do our service Christmas. Thank you family for teaching me that. It isn't about the best toy, or the newest electronic. It is about giving to those who are in need. Love you all so much.