Patchwork Times by Judy Laquidara logo

More Masks

Now to be Debbie Downer at an already sad time in all our lives but yesterday a friend passed away. She’s had several bouts with cancer and beat the first two times but the third time was more than her body could handle. I supposed we started out in first grade together and went all the way through college and then as adults, we attended the same church so she’s been in my life as long as I can remember. She was very quiet so we were quite different in school but she was the sweetest, kindest lady I’ve probably ever known. She was a sweet, quite, kind child but most of us get a bit harder with age but she didn’t. That news along with everything else made it a difficult day yesterday. Then, I was out in the garden with flip flops (don’t say it!) and got into fire ants. Over 50 bites on my feet and up my legs. Last night there was a bit of a meltdown. Vince said “Why are you crying?” The first thing I blurted out was “I got bit by 50 ants!” He said “You’re crying over ant bites?” No . . my friend died, I can’t go to Missouri. I can’t go to the grocery store. I can’t go eat fried fish. Nothing is going right!” In his normal monotone voice, he said “Well, you don’t have the virus so things could be worse!” I laughed!

My friend was one of the most faithful Christians I’ve ever known and without a doubt, she’s in heaven, pain free and doing what all us Christians believe goes on in heaven.

So . . this morning I got up early and was headed back to the sewing room to make more masks and the thought occurred to me to make one for Addie’s doll. I doubt Addie is concerned about all this. At 7 years old, with good parents, she’s pretty confident they’ll solve anything that comes her way but at some point, with school cancelled, granny not coming to visit, and now needing to wear masks when they go out, she may start to wonder what’s going on. I thought making a mask for her doll might help her . . not help her feel like it’s all a joke but help her feel like she’s mothering her doll, keeping her doll safe and just make it a bit easier for her.

I could have made it shorter but wanted it to be exactly like Addie’s with three pleats. I even made a pocket for a filter so she can learn that she has to have a filter in her mask, and of course, the doll’s mask has a wire at the nose for fitting close to the nose.

I keep a doll here for trying on doll clothes. Addie also has this exact same doll (I think).

So, Nicole, Addie and the doll have matching masks. I sent two for Chad, two for Nicole, two for Addie and one for the doll. I’ll get more in the mail for them (maybe not for the doll though).

I’ve briefly stopped making masks for the hospital in Louisiana in order to get some for family. I sent 10 to a cousin for herself and co-workers, 8 to Chad (because I sent 2 for Nicole’s sister also), 8 for Nicole’s aunt and her family and 2 more to a family member, along with 3 for a friend here so now I’m back to making them for the hospital.

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Comments

  1. Teri says

    So sorry to hear about your friend’s passing. Love that you made a mask for Addie’s doll — they all look terrific!

  2. Dottie says

    So sorry about your friend – it’s so very, very sad when you lose a friend, almost like losing a family member. Sadly, we lost two friends (one lived in CT and one in FL) on Sunday and it was such a shock. And the memories of times spent with said friends flood your mind. With all that’s going on right now, losing friends just seems to be much more monumental.

    Congratulations on all the face masks – I bet Addie will be thrilled that she can protect her doll.

  3. Dorothy Matheson says

    My daughter made her grandsons masks from John Deer tractor fabric

    • Judy Laquidara says

      Oh . . please! I do not like making those little things. We’re not bringing George up. He’s getting terribly ragged and probably shouldn’t be leaving home . . virus or no virus.

  6. Nelle Coursey says

    I am so sorry to hear of your friend’s passing. We are never ready to let them go. I know when my very best friend and matron of honor at my wedding died. It was so sad. And it hurts when you can’t say goodbye. But all things considered, they are so much better off than we are. They don’t have to worry about anything now. And I like to think my friend Clydie is in Heaven and watching over me. I don’t know if I ever told you but when I was running around town and single, my best friends were Bonnie and Clydie!! LOL

  8. Carolyn says

    Judy, I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend. These are difficult times, but I’m glad you’re doing what you can to keep yourself and your family safe. I’m making masks now for us and our family since NJ now has made it mandatory to wear masks in public. My boss told me yesterday to only come in two days a week until this is over, which I’m grateful for. I just want to go hug my granddaughter, I know you do to! Take care of yourself.

  9. cassews says

    Im so sorry for your loss .. We had a friend pass a week ago and had her internment Monday at the Veteran’s Cemetary. She as well was fighting terminal cancer, good lady always kind to me. Everyone at the internment kept saying why are you crying.. She is in a better place and is pain free. Because I feel like it ? Heavens to Betsy… People are definitely different for sure.

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