In Part 3, Milly brought in beautiful fabrics and placed them on the sketch of the Peace Quilt spread out across a big table. Children came to her like moths to a candle, picking out just the right fabrics. At last the quilt was completed, and it was a work of art. We wrote a poetry book and the quilt was big news in town. I told ‘the world’, including the director of the National Liberty Museum.
Part 4
“Jennie, thank you for telling us about the quilt. I’m sure it is as stunning as your Peace Peace Portal” said the museum director.” That was so nice! She then continued.
“I want to tell you that the museum would like the Peace Quilt. We want it as part of our permanent display.”
I was shocked. And here, I’d just wanted them to know all that had transpired since I saw their Peace Portal. I was thrilled. Then it sank in- a quilt from my classroom was going to be displayed – permanently – in a national museum. I couldn’t wait to tell Milly!
We talked, laughed, and enjoyed the moment. Milly was pleased as punch and just as taken aback as I was.
“Milly, you have done so much for us. You made this quilt. How can I ever thank you?”
Milly didn’t bat an eye. “Take me to Philadelphia” she said, with gusto.
Road Trip!
Children and families were eager to go and be part of presenting their work to a national museum. A good sized group made the trip to Philadelphia. The director had one request. “Please bring Gloria, too. After all, the quilt was her idea.” Yes, Gloria made the trip with us.
My husband and I picked up Milly at the crack of dawn. As the car went whispering along the highway in the early morning hours we chatted away. Milly leaned forward from the back seat, putting her arms and elbows up on the back of the front seat. She said, “I’m the other woman”, with a low voice and body language that meant she wanted to really talk about herself. What an icebreaker! She told us she’d long been separated and has a dear soulmate, another man. She told us that her daughter had died a few years ago from cancer, and how she’d spent every moment by her bedside, quilting. Her daughter had two young girls, and Milly was pretty much raising those girls, along with their dad. Milly talked about the quilting shop she had for years, and I learned about quilting clubs. She reminisced about life in the 1940’s. We laughed, we cried.
It was the most delightful six-hour drive. We became good friends.
The quilt presentation was exciting and humbling. We were treated like kings and queens. Milly was all smiles. Gloria never left Grant’s side. In the Part 3 photo, he and Gloria were checking out the quilt progress together.
The museum made a plaque to place underneath the quilt that reads:
“Peace Quilt” designed by students at the Groton Community School, Groton, Massachusetts. Their teacher, Ms. Jennie Fitzkee, conceived this project after visiting the National Liberty Museum two years ago. She saw many visions of peace displayed throughout the Museum, which made her wonder how her young students would interpret this concept. With the help of a beloved classroom puppet named “Gloria”, Ms. Fitzkee inspired the youngsters to draw their ideas of “Peace.” Quilter Milly Cunningham used their illustrations of rainbows, happy animals and even trucks to create this beautiful quilt. The National Liberty Museum is grateful to Ms. Fitzkee and her students for this wonderful gift.
And so, we reveled in all the glory on our car ride home. We shared stories and wrote thank you notes over the next few weeks. We were truly humbled. The rest of the school year Milly continued to come in to visit and play with the children. Her bond was a strong one. Children loved her. They wanted to be with her and play. I stood back and watched magic happen – every time she visited.
I sing all the time with children, often playing the autoharp. It’s a staple in my classroom. On one of Milly’s visits Gloria wanted to sing. We learned that Milly loves to sing! She joined us in a chorus of songs. Did you know that Milly’s favorite song is “God Bless America?” I did not. Well, the children were thrilled, as that is one of their favorite songs, too.
The school year ended, and the following year Milly was a frequent visitor. Something different happened that year. A group of children loved singing “God Bless America” and often begged for the song. “Jennie, can you play it on your autoharp so we can sing?” I did, yet I always played and sang many other songs as well. This was becoming big, and I respond to big when it comes from children. That means I had to do something, do more. I did! And it turned into a pathway I’d never expected. Thank goodness Milly was there… stay tuned for Part 5.
A Teacher's Reflections 
What a great story, and the personal details divulged by Milly were just fascinating.
This is ‘misty-eyed’ reading of the highest order, Jennie.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Misty eyed. Wow. 🙂
I can really feel everyone’s emotion,
Great writing!
I certainly appreciate that, Pete. It means a great deal. Best to you.
How awesome!!!
Thanks, Ritu! 🙂
What a thing for children to experience!
It was incredible. Thank you!
Life without art and imagination, is not living… Great post!
You are exactly right about life, Lea. Thank you!
Merci mille fois!
😀
This story just gets better and better.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the story, Darlene. Thank you. Stand by for the next quilt and an aircraft carrier!! Seriously.
Fantastic story Jennie. I’m not surprised they wanted it. It is beautiful and so meaningful. Millie the Marvel!!
Thanks so much, Opher. Milly really is a marvel. More marvels to come!
Wonderful of course Jennie and pressed to reblog later this afternoon… hugs xxx
That’s so nice, Sally. Always an honor. 😊
It is inspiring and a great reminder to us all about the meaning of peace. xx
Amen!
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Many thanks, Sally. 🙂
Loving this heartwarming story Jennie! ❤
Thanks so much, Debby. ❤️
❤
What a super story, Jennie. You have me hook, line, and sinker. Can’t wait for part five.
Now, coming from you that’s as good as it gets, John. I’m so glad. Thank you!
Ha haha.
And I hope you like aircraft carriers, John… 🙂
Yes I do.
😀
What a meaningful and extraordinary saga you are sharing with us! I heard a radio program recently in which children who had taken part in a 25 mile peace/social justice march were interviewed about how this affected the trajectory of their lives. Many of them had grown up and found work in various social justice causes as adults. Who knows what seeds this project may have plants in the hearts and souls and minds of your students. I also love that you wrote thank you letters AND that you sing a lot in class!
Thank you so much Will. Your comment was a pleasure to read. And yes, who knows? The seeds we plant don’t grow until later. I just want to plant lots of seeds! Singing is a good way to do that, as you know. Thanks for following along. You won’t believe what happens next!! 🙂
Thank you for this installment!
You are welcome, Charles. It ramps up again in Part 5. 🙂
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
This is the latest installment of the legacy of millie story by Jennie!
Thank you so much!
This was an unexpected and wonderful twist in the story, Jennie. It’s amazing how much love and passion was shared in making and giving that quilt to the museum. I’m looking forward to Part-5.
Thank you, Dan. The love and passion was evident, and quite genuine. I don’t think it will ever completely sink in that I have a quilt hanging in a national museum. Hold on for even more twists and turns. I hope you like aircraft carriers. 🙂
Oh my. I love aircraft carriers…this story keeps getting better.
Yup!
The true story of Milly, Gloria, and these gifted children, that you have shared so touchingly and written beautifully; now has wings that touches everyone and opens hearts as it raises us up from the quagmire of the mundane to view something of great beauty, a Peace Quilt, created by the true artists of the world, children. Breathtaking.
Thank you, Karen! Your words are so beautiful, and much appreciated. And yes, children are indeed the true artists of the world.
hi Jennie, what a wonderful post! I was waiting for part 4. You write beautifully. You and Milly are such beautiful souls. I can’t wait for part 5. Thank you✨
Hi Dr. Perry. Thank you for your very kind words. I’m so glad you are enjoying this series. Part 5 won’t disappoint! 🙂
I forgot to mention that really passionate quilters who put so much of their heart into their work, buy quilt grade fabric and Jo Ann’s does not have that. They carry crafting grade fabric. A world of difference to the touch. That she sewed the entire thing by hand is also quite impressive. Not something I could do and it’s a dying art form. So, another tissue was required here. I laughed at Milly being the other woman and was warmed at seeing Grant carefully sharing his experiences with Gloria. One simple gesture touches so many so much. This is a story for a book. You know it too.
I should have known about quilt fabrics or at least something about quilting before I put my foot in my mouth. Ha! Now I completely understand. It is a world of difference. Milly often gave me her scraps of fabric to use for school projects. Gorgeous! If you look at her quilting up close, the lines of stitching are absolutely straight with each stitch perfectly even. Remarkable! I laughed my head off at the other woman comment, too. Then I knew Milly had a great sense of humor to match her big heart. And I had no idea that Grant would attach himself to Gloria at the museum. Always be on the
lookout for the presence of wonder, as E.B. White said. You’re not the first to mention this story for a book. Hmm… Promise me you’ll let me know how you feel about that after you read all the episodes. This was just the first of her quilts with me! Lots more ahead! Thank you, Marlene. 😀
I have a sixth sense about those things Jennie. If you put the energy out there, it will be quite successful.
I can see that you do, Marlene. Terrific!
Wow! I’ve just read parts 1-4 and I have joyful tears! What a wonderful experience and something you will all remember! I can’t wait for the next part!
Thank you so much, Lisa. I’m really glad you’re enjoying the stories. Happy tears are a good thing. 😍
That must have been a wonderful moment when you learned about the museum’s plans to exhibit your beautiful Peace Quilt! How lovely that you took Milly to that road trip and that you and the kids could be there at the museum when it was first shown! 😄
It certainly was a wonderful moment, Sarah. And the road trip was a blast. What an incredible experience for everyone! 🙂
How absolutely wonderful, Jennie. You are an exception teacher and Millie was an exceptional quilter. How marvelous that the museum was so interested and supportive.
Wonderful is the perfect word, all the way around. Thank you, Robbie.
So many storylines…the saga of the peace quilt itself is interesting of course, but the threads of lives in different stages of life – especially bringing multidimensions to a generation that too often gets stuck in stereotypes Aw heck, I’ll just say it: Milly!!!!! “The other woman” hilarious, but serious, too, ya know? You have a gift for writing what is hard to express – the interconnectedness of life in multiple lives – joined together by a Peace Quilt.
Too cool, lady!
Can’t wait for the next episode.
😉
Wonderful and congratulations to all of you!
Thank you, Steve. The adventure is far from over. 😀
So awesome that Milly got to make the road trip as well, and of course she had to go. The photos are adorable, and I love the way Gloria is commemorated on the plaque too. What a project and wonderful result. 🙂
Thank you so much, Diana. It was wonderful! I’d nearly forgotten that Gloria was recognized on the plaque until I wrote this story. 🙂
What an amazing story – thank you so much for sharing it:))
You’re welcome. I’m so glad you enjoyed this. 🙂
I know I am reading your story backwards, but loving it just the same 🙂 to see how it began to unfold
Backwards is fun! Thanks so much, Sue. 😀
I enjoyed my backwards visits often I catch up this way.. I often get to know the ending before the beginning but I know I have more to come back to to finish this story.. So something to look forward to xx
😀😀😀
What a wonderful blending of stories, of emotions, of joy, of peace, Jennie. You look very justifiably proud of the quilt, your children, Milly, Gloria, and you!
It felt like a blend of every emotion. At last the quilt came to rest!
And so beautifully and appropriately.
Thank you, Norah. 😊
You are welcome, Jennie.
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Thank you, Karen!
Wonderful story, Jennie. Thank you so much for sharing. I am reading it in reverse but enjoying it from end back to beginning. Hugs xx
Thank you Janice. Happy reading!