So, one of the things that's been hard to get used to (and hopefully I won't have to get used to) is that after all the media stuff on me during and immediately after the deployment, people started asking the Navy to send me to their gatherings as a guest speaker. I just fulfilled what I think is my final commitment last week. I spoke at a reunion for a ship that had been commissioned in 1943 and saw service in three wars: WWII, Korea and Vietnam. There were only two gentlemen left who'd served on the ship in the 1940's, but the 50's and 60's were well represented.
I got to speak about my favorite thing - my sailors - and then answered some questions. The gentleman who organized the event told me that he thought the old guys were testing my knowledge, and I think they came away with a little bit of respect. Their wives loved me. I don't think they told anyone outside their organization committee that the ship CO who was going to be addressing them was a woman because the buzz that started when I walked into the room before dinner was impressive.
One of the wives gave me a thank you gift that was just stunning.
The lights on the ship do awful things to the white on the quilt - but seriously...
A pretty eagle panel...and the gold stars are appliqued.
And the star blocks throughout are highlighted with hand quilting.
Isn't it lovely? Most of my quilts are less traditional in design, but I can totally respect the work she put into this because it's harder than the simple lines I'm used to sewing. This one will stay on the ship with me.
Very nice quilt! Did you have fun proving that you know your stuff and love your crew?
Posted by: Colleen | October 18, 2011 at 10:21 PM
That is a beautiful quilt! Not only were you blessed with it, but the quilter is blessed that you can truly appreciate her work.
Posted by: mimi | October 19, 2011 at 12:21 AM
What a beautiful quilt! I love that a buzz started when you walked out and (I am sure) shocked some of the old-timers. I love the idea of having such a diverse group of veterans in the room to see how much has changed in the armed services (like a woman commanding a ship) while the core principles (protect, defend & serve) have stayed the same.
Posted by: NerdGirl | October 19, 2011 at 12:10 PM
Lovely.
Posted by: Cindy | October 19, 2011 at 02:46 PM
Wow....I am sure you will have many wonderful moments relaxing and keeping warm with this and what a beautiful addition to your cabin.Hand quilting is very time consuming, so I know you will appreciate it more than most people.
Posted by: Margaret | October 19, 2011 at 04:50 PM
Beautiful!
Posted by: BJ | October 20, 2011 at 01:27 PM
You might be tired of talking to groups, but wouldn't it be kinda cool to have an invitation to speak in central Maryland during the first full weekend in May? :--)
Posted by: BJ | October 24, 2011 at 12:58 PM
How gorgeous.... What a wonderful gift.
Hugs
Posted by: LauraRN | November 10, 2011 at 11:17 PM
nice!amazing
Posted by: ayush | November 13, 2011 at 01:44 AM