Isometric 3D render of a cozy afternoon scene with a half-finished quilt on a lap, a mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream, and soft blush and cream tones

Family Updates & Reflections

Personal posts covering family health challenges, hospice care, and reflections on resilience — stitched together with love.

Sad Times — February 8, 2016

In early February 2016, Donna shared a brief but heartfelt post. Her 59-year-old step-daughter had entered hospice care after battling cancer for many years. Despite the weight of that week, Donna described her step-daughter as an amazing woman who continued to travel extensively every chance she got.

"I have been stitching my appliquéd baskets at the hospice residence and at home. I may have to call them worry baskets like Audrey at Quilty Folks blog. Please keep my family in your thoughts."

Even in the hardest moments, Donna turned to her needle and thread. Those appliquéd baskets — stitched quietly at bedside and at home — became a way to process grief and hold onto hope. The quilting community responded with an outpouring of prayers and encouragement in the comments, a reminder of the deep connections forged through shared craft.

Isometric 3D render of folded fabric squares in soft pastel pink, lavender, and cream tones, arranged on a wooden surface Isometric 3D render of a handwritten note and envelope on a desk beside a steaming mug, in soft beige and rose tones

Stitching Through Difficulty

Donna's "worry baskets" — a term borrowed from fellow blogger Audrey at Quilty Folks — became a quiet symbol of perseverance. Handwork offered a steady rhythm when life felt uncertain. The appliqué project traveled with her between home and the hospice residence, a portable comfort during long days.

Community & Care

The comments on this post reflected the warmth of the quilting community. Readers offered prayers, shared their own stories of loss, and wrapped Donna's family in virtual support. It was a testament to the bonds that form when people stitch, share, and show up for one another — even from afar.

Family at the Heart of Every Stitch

Donna's blog has always been as much about family as it is about fabric. With five grandchildren — Mikaela, Sierra, Megan, and two others — her projects are often inspired by the people she loves. Whether it's a graduation quilt, a pillowcase lesson, or simply stitching while sitting with family, the thread that runs through every post is connection.

Her step-daughter's story, shared with vulnerability and grace, remains one of the most poignant chapters in the Quilted Chocolate archive. It speaks to why Donna creates: not just for beauty, but for comfort, memory, and love.