Many of you know Common Sense Mainer as Bill in Portland Maine's partner and husband of many years. Bill, with CSM's and all of your support, have made Daily Kos' front page Cheers and Jeers a favorite read over morning coffee. If you want to celebrate the start of the weekend with friends and some spirits, rum or otherwise, there is Cheers and Jeers: Rum and Coke FRIDAY! festivities. Through the years Bill and Michael have brought humor and the unexpected to Netroots Nation as well, turning a kiddy pool and their presence into can't do without fixtures.
Michael is always behind the scenes organizing a meet up here in Maine, a trip to visit friends, or the must be there Cheers and Jeers dinner at Netroots Nation. And always, always, everyone is greeted with a smile and hug that makes the world a far better place. He is a fierce friend, a loving partner, and he needs us.
At the beginning of the year, Michael was diagnosed with COPD. Coming on top of the death of his and our much loved Cedwyn, the diagnosis hit him hard and upturned his and Bill's life.
The man who does so much for so many needed comfort and caring. So SaraR, her sister winglion, and this amazing community got to work. Sara wrote her first community quilt diary for CSM in April.
Ann and I want to make a star quilt for CSM to honor him for his huge heart and many contributions to community, especially in light of his role in helping us all feel represented at Cedwyn's bedside. Like Jotter and Jill Richardson, he traveled a long way to see Cedwyn -- and he picked up ericlewis0 and 4Freedom along the way. He kept a lot of us, including the quiltmakers, in the loop on Cedwyn's condition, even when his visit was done -- and it was at his insistence that Ann and I got the community quilt to Cedwyn in time for her to enjoy it awhile. Yes, CSM lit a fire under us, all the way from Portland, ME to Portland OR and we are so grateful for it! Like many, I really admire CSM for all he did for Cedwyn. I know it was not easy for someone as sensitive as he to witness the vital and vibrant Cedwyn so physically diminished by mortal illness and yet rise above the shock to cheer her up (which he did, beautifully). Such things take an emotional toll and you cannot forget them...Ann and I know.
There is another reason we want to make this special quilt for CSM. He has recently had a diagnosis of COPD, a serious medical condition and something he will live with for the rest of his life. Now he is on two inhalers and tells me they are not giving the best relief. Difficulty in drawing breath is a bitter limitation for someone like Michael and is enough to make any bright spirit feel blue. I don't know if a quilt like this can make breathing easier but, filled with love and light and color as it shall be, it should be an effective antidote for the blues....
The beautiful star quilt Sara and Ann are making for Michael requires 200 messages. They need just 39 more messages of good thoughts and wishes in order to finish the quilt Michael has been waiting for, for months.
Your caring thoughts are needed to finish this beautiful star that will be the heart of the quilt.
Sara and Ann's living depends upon their beautifully constructed fabric art.
Meteor Blades' quilt -- Sara and Ann are making something similar for CSM in a wild and bright color palette
Their own health issues have made outside work more than a little problematic. There is $401 dollars remaining needed to finish Michael's quilt. A $15 donation with each message would ensure the star quilt's completion and being sent to where it is needed. That is a great deal of loving work for each donation. If anyone would like to donate more, it would be deeply appreciated. I have no doubt that this magic making community will make it so.
Far too many of us know what it is like to be suddenly hit with a forever health issue. Far too many of us know what it is like to see a loved one struggle with the same. We know that sense of powerlessness and frustration. But this IS something that we can do to make a real difference and lift Michael's and Bill's hearts.
Please leave your message for Michael in a comment below. If you wish to make a donation, the link to Sara and Ann's paypal account is here -
PAYPAL LINK FOR COMMON SENSE MAINER'S QUILT - THANK YOU!
If you do not wish to use Paypal here are some options. If you are interested, Sara's and Ann's wildly popular Pootie Pads are on sale. If you would like a stunning, one of a kind, quilt for yourself or a loved one, just let them know.
- Send a donation by check Kosmail Sara R for their snail mail address.
- Send a donation via Square Those of you who have access to it might find it appealing. If that applies to you, please message Sara with the amount and their email and she will send an invoice.
- Pootie Pads for Pooches, Cats, or People. Their latest diary to publicize their Pootie Pads can be found here. (They're still offering sale prices!)
- Commission a custom quilt, with at least partial pre-payment. Kosmail Sara R to make arrangements.
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I can't wait to see photos of the quilt when it is finished and in Michael's hands. Doing so will lift all our hearts. Lets make it so.
Deepest thanks and all blessings to each of you.
Update: We are only 22 messages and $31 from getting this done! You are amazing! Lets rock it out, shall we? :)