Have you visited Tonya R at Lazy Gal Quilting? Her last two posts have been on her experience at the filming of The Quilt Show. She was filmed on Saturday and I, unfortunately, had to work both Sat and Sun.
Are you back yet? Good.
I was in the audience on Tuesday for the filming of AAQI with Ami Simms. When we walked onto the set they had part of the new Alzheimer's traveling exhibit on the walls. I sat in front of the names strips, one of which was quilted by Becky Goldsmith and the other by Diane Gaudynski. This is the first time I have ever seen Diane's quilting -- o my! Yes, she uses silk thread and quilts these tiny motifs. O my!
It was difficult to see the set because of all the cameras and people and booms around but we got to watch it on one of the monitors. We had been asked to bring a Priority Quilt to present to Ami and those who did not bring one were handed one that was donated on one of the other days. At one point we were asked to raise our quilts so the camera could catch them. More on this later.
During one of the breaks, Ricky Tims came out to the audience and asked if anyone had a story to tell of Alzheimer's and/or the Priority Quilt we had made and brought. I raised my hand. I told of the three people I know who have this disease and about one of them who went to the front office for a pencil and was found 45 minutes later wandering main street. I told of how none of these people have that spark of recognition in their eyes when they see me. And I cried. On camera. Yes, I was filmed. No makeup either. And I got everyone in the audience teared up too as they were passing the tissues around.
Afterward, Ami came up to me and gave me the biggest hug. She said that she liked my quilt and that when we lifted them up her eyes went right to mine. She also said it was too bad they already had the quilts for the traveling exhibit because this would have been one she would have put it. And according to her, I need to make more of this caliber!
There you have it. It was a very emotional experience.
What a great opportunity, I am a HUGE Ami fan; for what she does and for what an incredible contribution she makes for the cause so near and dear to her. I can only imagine how emotional your story was; keep up the great work!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a small world. Great reading the two posts side by side.
ReplyDeleteWhat Ami is doing is so wonderful.
Thank you for sharing this story, Julie. That's all I can say.
ReplyDeleteYou already know how awesome I thought this is! You know it is easy to read about people and causes and quilts. But when others are able to put a face on Alzheimer's...as you did...and as I strive to do...it puts a whole different perspective into hearts and souls. And you did that, Paula!
ReplyDeleteIt does sound like an amazing experience, and I think that you helped make it an amazing experience for all involved.
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you for having the courage to speak up when the opportunity presented itself . . . our stories make the disease real for those who have not yet been there.
ReplyDeleteHUGS!!!
Oh my.... thanks for sharing your story. I can only imagine the effect it had on the audience, as I sit here crying. I've heard about Ami Simms project, but haven't really checked into it. Now I will. Thanks again for sharing.
ReplyDeletecindy
My FIL is suffering from Alzheimers and after reading your post I've GOT to get busy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful experience! You are so brave to be able to tell those stories in front of other people. You are very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThank you Paula - what a lovely story, experience.
ReplyDeleteThat was great and brave of you to share your stories and yourself!
ReplyDeleteVicki
What an amazing experience!! I am glad you got a chance to tell your story and further humanize this awful disease.
ReplyDelete