I'm usually pretty good at focusing, but this week I found myself pausing my work to see what all the oohing and ahhing outside my office door was about.
We had just received two boxes of handmade quilts from friends in Arizona, and they were being unpacked. The folks from surrounding offices were holding them up and admiring them. In addition to the beautiful quilting, they had a lot of precise appliqué work, which gave several of them themes. Butterflies, Mario Cart, Harry Potter, Cats… one prettier than the next. As they unpacked the boxes, the staff threw out names of children who might be especially drawn to one design or another… and teased each other about “taking this one home.”
Quilts are a big part of the traditions and culture of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. Since our founding in 1952, quilters from around the country have sent their handiwork to be given to the children. We use them in so many ways. Each child selects a quilt upon coming to the Ranch. Whenever I am in the living areas of the Ranch, I see children wrapped in their warm quilts…literally wrapped in the love of the makers. Children also receive a quilt at graduation. Oftentimes, we give additional quilts to families who don't have the funds to meet their basic needs at home. We put them on the beds in the “Family Living Unit,” where family members can stay when they are visiting or participating in treatment with their children. Occasionally, when a staff member has experienced a personal tragedy, we share a precious quilt with them.
The symbolism of the quilts makes quite an impression on the children, as well as the family and staff. Quilters across the country take these little scraps, which look to be worthless, and with a lot of love and effort, piece them together into something of incredible beauty.
That’s what happens to the children here at the Ranch. These kids who have been discarded, disregarded, and thought worthless, are pieced together through His love and very hard work to become their own beautiful selves. The children understand the metaphor and love their quilts.
God bless the quilters. They are healers, too.
Please keep our kids and staff in your prayers.
His love,
Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
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