Thursday, May 14, 2009

A Butterfly for Uncle Bill

Spending some quiet time in the sewing room has been a great way to let my trip to Baltimore and NYC "soak in", as I've been beading away.
It's also given me time to reflect on the abrupt passing of my Uncle Bill, who died "with his boots on" yesterday at 88. Only last Friday he had an opinion piece published in the Wall Street Journal!

He was a dedicated public servant who always looked out for the taxpayer, was a true lover of his country, and a brilliant economist as well. His work in education was all important to him too.
This is a nice obituary of him...
I was very, very proud to be his niece.

Again, I used a pattern from Sande Abel.

It is just a small thing...but every time I work on or look at this quilt, this butterfly will remind me of Uncle Bill....
...I hope heaven is ready for his prodigious energy, too!

18 comments :

lesthook said...

He sounds like a wonderful(and very smart)uncle! I would be proud too. And your butterfly is beautiful!

Threadspider said...

I'm sorry to read your sad news Allie. What a lovely way to remember him.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

It sounds like heaven has gained a wonderful angel.

Judy S. said...

So sorry, Allie, to hear of your loss. Your butterfly is lovely and a great way to embody his spirit. Big Hugs.

Willa said...

Great tribute to your uncle. And of course, butterflies are my all time favorite creature right before unicorns, dragons and frogs! :o) Your beading is SWEET (as the kids say these days.)

Nellie's Needles said...

Allie, I'm sorry to hear of your Uncle Bill's death. Your butterfly tribute is touching.

His contributions to this world were monumental and greatly benefited many people. Here's a minor footnote to his legacy of giving advice of which I'm a grateful benefactor. Nearly 47 years ago on a beach in Michigan he advised a young man to "don't let her get away". We'll drink a toast to Bill when we celebrate our 46th anniversary this summer.

Vicki W said...

I had no idea that he was your uncle. He was brilliant and we were fortunate to have him on our team! Your post was a wonderful tribute to his memory.

Summerset said...

What a great way to memorialize such a great man!

Amy Munson said...

I really like the beaded butterflies. I will need to get some beads out and try a few myself while Abby is napping.

Francy said...

Your work is beautiful.

Hugs.

��Radio Mihalis Thalassis - Athens Greece said...

Good morning. Eftichia and wish health, hello Michalis

Kerri said...

When I heard about Bill's death, I thought that he was your Uncle as I had watched the link you sent out last year showing him speaking. I am sorry for his passing and I also admire People of his ilk. My Grandfather was a similiar type of Man. I Love that WW2 generation. It is truly sad that they are dying and our world will have really lost our "Greatest Generation". My Prayers are with your family.

Kerri Murphy

Vicky aka Stichr said...

OMG...I blogged about hummingbirds today, I just read Susan's post about birds...and here you have a hummer in your post. wow...a real bird day.

Debra Dixon said...

I also have a visual link to butterflies and the loss of a loved one so I understand your need to add the butterfly to your quilt. It's one of those unstated elements that makes a quilt rich with meaning. Beautiful work!

Sorry to hear about your uncle, though.

Jacqueline Davis said...

Allie-

As usual, your beadwork is lovely. I'm sure your uncle is admiring "his butterfly" albeit from afar.

Jackie

Barbara C said...

My condolences on your uncle's passing. Your beautiful butterflies will always remind you of him.

Sandra said...

The butterflies are a great symbol to remember him - metamorphosis and change to something better and more beautiful. You have my sympathy and my prayers.

ABC said...

I'm sorry for his death, but it makes me happy to think of the incredible vitality he brought to such a formidable/formative time in US ecomomy. Would love to have picked his brain in this past year!
And the picture in the obit reminds me of another Lewis I know...