6 minute read
Stitched with Love
Stitched with Love
Father Honors Son's Legacy by Giving Back
BY DARLA MAKELA
When I asked Charlie Thompson what he was doing in retirement, I was surprised when he responded, “I am quilting!”
Surprised in a good way, of course! Especially as this gentle, 80-something-year-old man began to share his passion for giving back with quilts.
If you have been around North Mankato over the past 25 years, you may have seen or heard of some of Charlie’s efforts to give back to his communities to keep his son’s memory living large.
In 2007, Charlie and his wife, Barb’s son, Army Staff Sgt. Jacob died during active duty in Iraq, doing what he was passionate about and giving his life for the sake of others.
Since then, Charlie has made it his life mission to keep his son’s memory of giving back alive in everything he does.
His most recent and longstanding mission has been to sew quilts and donate them to various charitable organizations or any needs he might hear about.
Once I heard about this, I knew I needed to sit down and hear more about the details of this life-changing work. Here is what I learned:
Me: Tell me how you got started sewing quilts.
Birchwood Activity Coordinator, before she moved to Texas.
Charlie: 12 years ago, I was doing a lot of woodworking and started having trouble with my arm. I watched my wife, Barb, quilt, and I thought that maybe that was something I could easily pick up. So, I took some of her scraps, grabbed her sewing machine, and made my first table runner. From there on, I was hooked! I began imagining how to use my newfound hobby to bless others.
Me: How did your quilting hobby become a charitable activity?
Charlie: I got involved in a quilting group that did charitable work. There were 15 of us, and I made about 200 quilts a year. Once I started, it just became so easy to find individuals to share my gifts with. 1200+ quilts later, I am happy I listened to my heart!
Me: Who are some individuals who have received your gifts of love?
Charlie: In Florida, I worked with a lady who put on a Warrior Beach Retreat a couple of times a year. Warrior Beach Retreat was a time for wounded warriors and their caregivers to be pampered and catered to for an entire week. I provided 40-50 quilts a year to this cause. Locally, I have donated quilts to The Salvation Army, Churches, Generations Long Term Care, Birchwood Manor, Foster homes, and any other needs that come my way. I am always interested in learning how I can be a blessing by providing the security and love of a quilt.
In fact, just this morning at 2 a.m., I was awake making a Twins quilted wall hanger for one of my friends. He is a sports fan, so he can expect a new one for each sports season!
Oh, by the way, I do not just do quilts. I enjoy making smaller items such as wall hangings, personalized towels and napkins, and anything else that I see that might bring someone joy.
I remember a dear friend who had cancer and was leaving to get treatment. As I was saying goodbye to her, I knew in my heart that I was supposed to give her a wall hanging that I had made with a scripture verse to remind her that she was not alone. Just sharing this brings tears to my eyes as I hated to see her suffer, but I knew that while I could not do much to help, I could give her this gift of comfort. It is times like these that I know I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.
Me: How much do you charge for your quilts?
Charlie: I have NEVER charged for one quilt! And I never will. I have been blessed in my lifetime, and I always say that the good Lord is watching me to be sure that I am being generous to others because of the generosity shown to me during my lifetime.
With that being said, there have been many times when people have seen a need and donated toward the cause. A few years back, I was gifted with A LOT of fabric that has kept me going strong for a long time. I will never ask for money, but I am always grateful any time someone wants to contribute.
Me: When we first met, you shared that when your son passed away, you decided that you would never let him be forgotten. How does your quilt mission help you keep his memory alive?
Charlie: Jacob was one of the most giving people! At his funeral, I heard story after story of how he had shown generosity and love to his friends and those in need around him. I know that he would want me to keep on giving in his name and showing others how special they are. Because that is what giving a quilt is all about. It is about making someone feel cared for and that they matter. When I hand a quilt to someone, just seeing the joy in their eyes inspires me to keep going!
Me: With no dry eyes in the room, you have inspired me to never stop giving back! Is there any last thing you would like to share?
Charlie: Look around you. Find a way to give back that brings you joy. It probably will not be making quilts, and that is ok. Whatever it is you are meant to do, do it! Every day, I look around to see what I can do and who I can bless. You never know who might go home with a quilt today. Just listen to your heart and be a blessing!
