Stitch by stitch, LWer helps heal broken hearts

MEMBER COLUMN

by Julie Kim

special to the LW Weekly

A stitch in time may save nine, but Mutual 3’s Marcella Campbell saves griefstricken hearts.

At least that is the view of the grateful Kim family of Mutual 2, who cold-called the LW Quilting Bees after their mother recently died.

As club president, Marcella’s number is listed as point of contact, and she answered the phone.

“Could any of the Bees please make a memory pillow from my beloved mom’s favorite shirt?,” I asked.

In fact, I was hoping for three pillows for three grieving granddaughters.

Though not a customary request, Marcella consented.

The result? Beautifully hand-sewn, completely different heartshaped pillows. They are now lovingly kept by grandaughters aged 16, 19 and 30.

I can’t adequately express how meaningful these are. There are amazing people in Leisure World.

“When Julie called me she touched my heart,” said Marcella. “It was timely, as it was near the anniversary of my own dear mother’s passing, and I was motivated to ease their grieving hearts.

“The Quilting Bee members make hundreds of these pillows for mastectomy chemo patients, and they are also now used as comfort pillows for patients in other hospital departments.”

Though this may be a onetime gift, anyone and everyone interested in needle arts is welcome to check out the Quilting Bees.

They meet Wednesdays from 9-11:30 a.m. in the Clubhouse 3 lobby and Needle Arts Studio. For information, call 562-5885062.