“Quilts = Healing”

LYNN SUHR AND JIM WISTEHUFF SHOWING OFF THE BEAUTIFUL QUILT.

On Tuesday, Jan. 27, I attended a presentation of a quilting event at Lake Fairways. The Quilt of Valor Foundations originated 2003 when a veteran returned from Iraq. When he wrapped himself in a gifted quilt, he noticed how it made such a difference in his well-being. The first quilt was awarded to a wounded soldier at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. From that point on, it became the Quilt of Valor and the foundation was established and has become one of the largest nonprofit organizations delivering handmade quilts to more than 40,000 servicemen and women and veterans.

Sabal Springs’ resident Jim Wistehuff, who lives on Schefflera Dr., was awarded a Valor Quilt at this ceremony. The beautiful quilt was handmade by Lynn Suhr. Lynn is part of the participating group for North Fort Myers and will be part of our class. Jim’s family was in attendance for the presentation. Refreshments were served, and we were able to chat with the other nine recipients about their military careers. It was a very interesting and special day.

Sabal Spring Arts & Crafts will participate in this wonderful event, and we are looking for quilters in our community. You can either do it as a group or can make your own. We would like to be completed by January 2027. Please contact me—[email protected]—if you are interested and I will forward your name to our chairman of this event. You do not have to be an Arts & Crafts member to participate. Arts & Crafts will contribute toward the costs of the quilts. We will host the ceremony here at Sabal Springs and invite anyone who is interested in coming. More information will be available later in the year.