This quilt was a gift David and I received for our wedding.

The creator of this piece? My Grandma Johnson.

Grandma always had a room that was filled to the brim of fabric. She spent so much of her life sewing, hand-stitching, and creating countless pieces. She was the best back-scratcher and arm-scratcher. She was cuddly. She washed my hair in the kitchen sink with the dreamiest strawberry-scented shampoo every time I stayed the night at her house. She was incredibly generous and giving of her time and skills.

She initialed and dated everything she did. And taught my mom to do the same. And so I’ve always known that’s just what you do when you create something.

Recently as I was putting the quilt away after another one of the kids’ backyard picnics, I noticed her initials there in the corner that I haven’t noticed in a long time — and it hit me. My children, who use this quilt often, have no idea that their Great Grandma Johnson created this quilt. She passed away before any of our children were born. She’s not here to share her stories anymore. That’s my role. How is it possible that I’ve not thought to tell them?

Lately I have been so focused on the here + now that I’ve neglected focusing on the legacy that came before us. I so needed this reminder. I need to share old pictures with our kids more often, to tell them more stories about their heritage.

Appreciate the PAST. Make the most of the PRESENT. Live for the FUTURE.

I’m resolving to be better about actually showing my appreciation for the past by sharing those stories + pictures that we have. This is how we pass on the legacy of those who came before us. And all of this makes me even more grateful for my efforts in documenting life here + now. This is our legacy.