Sunday, September 7, 2025 – Day 390

Sunday, September 7, 2025

Good morning, Andy’s Army.

Yesterday’s post was missing the photo of Andy’s Army Chicago Marathon shirt. These mistakes happen here and there…fortunately there are people to catch them for me. I ended up posting the photo separately, but in case you missed it, I’m posting again this morning.

Yesterday brought me a gift I never saw coming. Lisa, a good friend of Barb’s from high school, is in town for their 50th reunion. I met Lisa once, six or seven years ago at a summer place on Lake Redstone, and hadn’t seen her since. So when she walked through the door yesterday morning with Barb, I thought we were just catching up.

When she settled into the chair next to me, she reached into her bag and pulled out a quilt. A quilt? Made for me? From someone who barely knows me, who doesn’t read this blog, who only knows about my ALS through conversations with others. It stopped me cold. Who does something like that?

Lisa explained it was created by her quilting group, each person, including Lisa, stitching their part, then handing it over to her to deliver. She worried I might not like it. Not like it? I love it. The flannel fabric, the Northwoods colors, the stitching throughout of pine trees and cabins and deer…it’s as warm as it is beautiful. On these cool nights, I’m already wrapped in it.

What strikes me most is the heart behind it. Lisa and her friends gave their time and talent to help someone they don’t even know. That type of kindness is rare. But toiling behind the scenes, there are ordinary people choosing to do something extraordinary, not looking for glory or fame…just wanting to help people who have been put in a bad situation. It’s what they do!

What’s not lost on me is that this couldn’t have happened without Andy’s Army standing behind me with so much love and support. All of you have made the ALS journey bearable by what you keep doing each and everyday.

To Lisa and her fellow quilters—thank you. This quilt isn’t just fabric; it’s proof of the good that exists in the world.

Since I got up too early again this morning, I think I’ll just curl up now and take a nap.💤

Have a great Sunday.

Love you guys!❤️