In Part 8, Milly and the children were guests of honor at the one-year anniversary of the Boston Fisher House. With a full crowd in attendance, including members of the Fisher family, we presented the God Bless America quilt. And, a Command (Challenge) Coin was pressed into Milly’s hand. Shortly thereafter Milly became sick.
Part 9
The following year Milly made many trips to school, playing with children. Gloria was always thrilled to see her BFF.
Milly taught the children how to sew, using plastic needles and yarn on cardboard punched with holes. She was the queen of Go Fish and Bingo. Every Milly visit was a very good day at school. Often the children made things for Milly. We were in the middle of learning about kings and queens, and children wanted to make Milly her own crown.
Our director had always wanted a Milly quilt at school. Well, everyone did. And so, Milly and the children designed a beautiful quilt that had everything important to the children- our school, the playground, rail trail, library, Johnson’s ice cream, our school’s Peace Pole and dove, on and on.
The quilt took a good part of the school year to make. Children especially loved picking and adding buttons as windows in the houses. The following fall the quilt was ready. It is called “Our Towns.” We had a lovely celebration at school! The quilt hangs ‘front and center’ in the main hallway at school.
And that year we welcomed a new baby guinea pig, Ella the Fella. He brought so much love and kindness to the children. Things started to grow yet again when we learned a new song, “Bells of Peace.” This song became the hit of the year and continues to be a favorite to this day. Then there was “From the Seed in the Ground”, another wonderful song. That school year seemed to be filled with extra joy, giving, and caring. It felt good.
Peace was creeping in again…
Every May my husband and I take Milly to her favorite restaurant for her birthday dinner. Milly’s classroom visits had dwindled, as she was now getting dialysis three times a week, and walking was very difficult for her. Asking her to do more at school was, well, nervy at best. After a (large) glass of wine, I summoned up my courage.
“Milly, remember the Peace Quilt? Wasn’t that one of the best?”
Milly smiled. “Yes, it was.”
So, I just plunged right in and said it. “The children absolutely love peace. This past year it has been big. Really big. Milly, I want us to make another Peace Quilt. What do you think? Can we do this again?” I think I ordered another glass of wine.
Milly never hesitated. She said, “I think that would be wonderful. I’d love to!”
Here we go again!
Milly’s first visit in the fall was nothing short of wonderful. She arrived wearing a costume. And she gave the costume to Gloria. That was fun. And, ‘so Milly’!
Then we went to work! Children brainstormed their ideas. Milly had been listening carefully. The wheels were turning in her head. Suddenly, she had an epiphany! It was the best idea of all:
“These images of peace are seen through the eyes of children. Why not make the quilt showing children and their family looking outside, through a window, at all these images?”
Brillant! And, just perfect. This was our sketch:
Three children and their family looking at dancing, reading, playing, the ocean, a new baby, hearts falling from a tree, butterflies…
Milly did her magic with the children. Every little thing was a work of art. The little girl’s pony tail was 3-D, the hearts – every one – were puffy and raised, the swings were made with real, tiny chains, the butterfly wings actually flew. And at every visit the children hovered, watching in fascination, as their ideas came to life. It was a wonder!
The quilt was finished at last.
But things were far from over. I bumped into a past parent whose child had been part of the first Peace Quilt. She knew nothing of the new quilt. The conversation went something like this:
“Hi, Jennie! Have you made any more quilts with Milly? I’ll never forget going to Philadelphia with the Peace Quilt. We still talk about that. It was amazing.”
So I told her about Milly and the quilts we had made together.
“Rosanna, we have just made another Peace Quilt! It is stunning, with children and family looking out a window at Peace.”
“Another one? Wow! Jennie, I told you before that the first one needed to go to the White House. That’s really what needs to happen with the new one. The world needs peace now more than ever.”
And the lightbulb went off! Oh, did it ever! I knew where this quilt needed to be. Not the White House. Better! Stayed tuned for Part 10, the grand finalé.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
The whole thing is just amazing! Will be sad when it’s over.
I know! Amazing is the perfect word. I’ll be sad, too. But, Chapter 10 tops the list!
Still loving the recap of this wonderful series, but had a lump in my throat about Milly having to go to dialysis three times a week and having trouble walking. Even when you know the end, it never gets easier to read the build-up.
Best wishes, Pete.
I feel the same way, Pete.
It’s like rewatching a wonderfully sad film. Enjoying the beginning and middle, but dreading the ending.
I agree, Pete.
Yes!
I feel the same way, Pete. Best to you.
It’s so heartwarming to see how much Milly gave to the children’s lives and how much they gave to hers.
And that’s the heart of the whole story, isn’t it? 😍
What a treat for the kids. They’re so lucky you talked Milly into joining you for these projects. And I just adore Gloria’s outfit that Milly gave her.
It was wonderful to begin again. Thank goodness Milly was excited, yet I suspected she would be. The kids were thrilled! And the outfit was the best!
It wouldn’t be appreciated at the White House right now, and it deserves to be. I’m glad you have an alternate idea.
What a beautiful story filled with love, kindness, and hope. ❤️ Milly’s generosity and joyful spirit are truly inspiring, and it’s wonderful to see how she touched so many young lives. Thank you for sharing this heartwarming memory. 🌻
Such a beautiful story, Jennie. Thanks again for sharing it.
There’s no such thing as ‘too many Peace Quilts’ or too much peace. But then kids & Millie know/knew that.
Another wonderful episode in this amazing story, Jennie.
What an adorable story, Jennie. the quilts are such a beautiful tradition. It’s a great experience for Millie to bring her love of sewing to the children and to share her quilts in such a public way and to be so appreciated – not to mention all the fun she’s having. The legacy she is leaving with the kids is priceless. As you know, this is something they will remember forever. They will appreciate it as they get older to know how long it took to finish the project. They will develop patience for working on projects of any kind knowing how proud they will be at the end. They learn cooperation and brainstorming. The list goes on and on.
Beautifully said, Marsha! The experience will never be forgotten. The kids soaked it up, and so did Milly. Yes the list of what they will remember is a long one, not to mention the skills learned. Many thanks!
What an amazing story! Think of how many years late, people still remember Milly. I love that one of her quilts remains in the hallways. It’s a beautiful tribute to her. By the way, my compliments on the best guinea pig name I’ve ever heard. I suspect there is a story with Ella the Fella. My guess is that you thought you had a male guinea pig until you found out otherwise. By that time, the name had stuck. Reminds me of the Johnny Cash song, “A Boy Named Sue.”
Your joy in children Jennie is so wonderful. They are the most important humans on earth beyond any doubt.