Remember When. . . I received an unexpected Christmas gift?

On December 12, 2018, I received a message requesting that I make something from a prospective client's husband's shirts. Ideally, she wanted them by Christmas, but would be okay if that was not possible. We decided to meet on Dec. 14.  I was excited, as this was the first client who was not directly referred to me, or who knew who I was. We were both surprised when we met face-to-face and Erin exclaimed, "Miss Gerdes- I should have known it was you!"

Erin and her husband Eric, who passed away in May, were both former students. It was amazing listening to this articulate, strong woman talk about all she has managed in the last few years. Her resiliency is remarkable. What I loved the most about our conversation was how she talked about their children. Kamerin, a creative and free-spirited 11-year-old who likes steampunk and follows her own path. Caroline, a 4-year-old who likes order and tidiness. Of course, we also talked about Eric. He was a hard worker who earned the respect coworkers, supervisor and the president of the Lancaster incinerator. She also spoke about his interests; his family, especially their children and the Beatles.  I became committed to having these special gifts ready to open on Christmas day.

It is such a gift to get the answer to the one question teachers ask about most kids: "Where is this child headed?" This conversation not only answered that question but getting to know a client at this level really impacts the design and creation of a meaningful heirloom for them. One thing that came up several times was the bright yellow pocket of Eric's work shirt.  

 Erin gave me two shirts for each girl, but did not have any of Eric's work shirts. She gave me permission to contacted LCSWMA and they were happy to give me three shirts to use.  From them, I made a small pocket to hold each of the Bearloom's hearts and the original pockets would hold their story starter booklets, which come with each of my creations.

Kamerin's Bearloom was designed to be a bit funky/less orderly. After researching which Beatle was George and which was John, I made sure George, Eric's favorite, was on the front. The shirts dictated the placement of the other Fab Four.

Caroline's  Hareloom was designed to be symmetrical, allowing the shirts to dictate where each would be placed.

Both heirlooms were embroidered with Eric's signature and a quote from the song My Life by John Lennon; "I know I'll often stop and think about them. . ." I added three hearts over the quote to represent Erin and two girls.

From the third work shirt and remaining  pieces of Eric's T-shirts, I made a pillow for Erin so that she also would have something to open on Christmas morning.

​Delivering the heirlooms to Erin was so sweet. It was wonderful to see how much she loved the end product and truly a gift to me to be such a special part of their family Christmas.  Eric, may you rest in peace, knowing that you live on in the memories of your wife and daughters.