Quilt stories
When we are sewing the quilts, we often wonder who the recipient will be, and how it will bring comfort. We usually don’t have to wonder long; it is astonishing how often a quilt ends up perfectly matched for the patient. This includes quilts with very specific themes—like tractors or gas pumps or chili peppers.
The hospital clinicians have the privilege of figuring out who is perfectly matched for each quilt. Through questions about favorite colors and activities, they learn rich details about the patient and family—their interests, their tastes, and funny stories. When they present the quilt, the family often points out something striking that prompts more stories. This adds to the clinicians’ understanding of the patient’s story and contributes to the patient’s legacy.
Quilt stories like these are often the highlight of hospital clinicians’ day and bring meaning to their work. The quilts and the stories they inspire help promote a healing culture for end-of-life care. When clinicians give the special gift of a quilt, it humanizes the hospital room.
“Laura and I were able to give a quilt today to an amazing human that was discharging home on hospice. She was quite anxious heading out the door and we gave her gave her a choice of quilts to give her some comfort in the ambulance. She wanted a purple quilt and we offered two choices. She was immediately drawn to one that was purple with flowers, as she said it reminded her of her mother, who she cared for at the end of her life.”