Little Things That Help.

Many of you know of the passing of my cousin Andy shown here with his sister Bethany.

There could not have been two closer peas in a pod.  Just seeing Andy’s face in this photo has me a bit choked up while writing this post.

He’s been gone for nearly 2 months now.

Some times it feels like it can’t have happened at all, the whole motorcycle accident and how quickly our lives were changed.  Three seconds.  That’s all it would have taken to change the outcome.  Three seconds.

It’s been a very hard time for Bethany, losing her little brother who was not so little.

Every day, things get a bit better, and I am so proud of the young woman that Bethany is.  Not only is she beautiful (Spitting image of her mama, my Aunt Joy!) but she has the kindest heart of anyone I have ever known.  Her laughter can light up a room.

Bethany LOVES Animals.  And in working through her grief, she has found a mission trip called 109 Animals in Aruba that she really wants to go on, but is going to need some help to do it.

So I thought that today’s post would be a fun way of turning the topic of recent political upheavals to something POSITIVE and very helpful for a hurting young woman in need.



From Bethany:

Exactly one month after I lost my brother, Andy, I came across this mission trip. I have been trying to push myself out of my comfort zone and do things that are completely new to me. Things that I've always wanted to do, but have let my anxieties and doubts steer me away. I never would have imagined in the past month and a half how drastically my life would have changed.

Time moves so quickly, and in the blink of an eye, anyone's world can completely change, for the better or for the worse. Losing my brother made me realize that there are SO many things that I haven't been able to experience in life.

Going on a mission trip like this is just one of those many things. I have the opportunity to go to Aruba and work alongside two non-profit organizations to help rescue stray animals and build a shelter for the many homeless pets living on the island. 

Waffles on Halloween!

Ever since I was little, I have loved animals. Especially dogs.  In January, I was lucky enough to be able to rescue my French bulldog, Waffles from the horrible life of living in a puppy mill. Even though I have had her for less than a year, I could not begin to imagine my life without her. She has brought abundant joy into my life and continues to every single day.

I came across this trip exactly one month to the day after my brother passed away. I've always wanted to do something like this, but my anxiety and the fear of the unknown has always pushed me back. This time, it was different. I felt as though I did not come across this mission by chance, but that this is truly the most amazing opportunity for me.

As any other country, Aruba also has it’s struggles. One of the biggest challenges the island is facing is the stray animal population. The number of neglected and abandoned dogs and cats wandering the streets is truly disturbing. Despite many efforts by countless organizations, the problem still remains.

So for this very reason 109 is partnering with a local non-profit, Sgt. Pepper’s Friends, that rescues animals in need, promotes spaying and neutering programs, and educates the younger generation about responsible pet ownership.



In order to rescue many more animals and make a large-scale impact on the population of dogs and cats on the island, Sgt. Pepper’s Friends need to build their own shelter. Sgt Pepper’s Home will be a safe haven for animals in need . The non-profit will be able to foster a higher number of maltreated animals, facilitate safe adoption, host volunteer programs to be able to utilize the support offered to them these past two years and become a large-scale center for animal rescue in Aruba.

On this 109 Animals trip we are inviting you to work side by side with us and the Sgt Pepper’s Friends’ team, saving the lives of countless dogs and cats.

I will be going to a strange place with 55 other strangers whom I have never met before. I will be eating new foods, hearing new languages and staying in new places. Any extra money I receive will go straight to Sgt. Pepper's Friends to help continue their mission of saving as many dogs as possible, and making a change in the beautiful island of Aruba. The trip will take place January 24th-29th.

If money is not possible, just words of encouragement, love and prayers are SO appreciated. This is something completely raw and overwhelming for me. I will need all the love and support that I can get. I am so excited to go and make a difference in the lives of so many animals, and to give them the love and care that they desperately need.

Help spread the word!

I have donated to help send Bethany to Aruba to help with the animal population.  Busy helpful hands doing something meaningful go a long way to help in healing the devastation that happens when we lose a loved one.

Click HERE to help Bethany!

What I want to put forth is this.  Our En Provence Mystery is coming up really soon.  It’s always free.  But if you are planning on participating in the mystery, would you consider donating just $5.00 to help Bethany reach this goal?  We can come together and do something positive, not only for Bethany, but for the lives of the animals they are helping to save in Aruba.

Thank you for anything you can do!  No matter how divided we feel over what is going on here in our country, WE THE PEOPLE can make a difference in helping to heal the heart of this young woman with so much to give.

Quiltville Quote of the Day!

I hope today is better for everyone then yesterday. There is still a lot of turmoil out there. I think most of it has to do with fear of the unknown.

Remember this: We are still the same. And our true friends are still the same. And the communities we have built with these friendships are the same. The dust will settle. We are still who we are and we still love who we love and we still love doing what we love to do.

It will quilt out!

Have a great Thursday, everyone!

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