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Thursday, Sep. 24, 2009

Handmade gift the best of treasures

I truly believe we cross paths with certain people for a reason. Sometimes we don’t understand why until years and years have passed. Other times a spark immediately ignites a friendship that has the power to burn for a lifetime. I have been so richly blessed to have crossed paths with so many wonderful people over the years. With each relationship, a certain bond is formed and I learn something new about them as well as myself. One thing is for certain: Because of knowing these people, I have been forever changed.

I have written about my friend Dorothy Edge before. Quite by accident our paths crossed years ago. She was a guest on my Saturday morning show. For those of you who remember, she was one of my “Helper Bees.” Fate had to have brought her to me because I didn’t draw her name at first out of the many entries that were sent. Instead, she was a last minute replacement for a “bee” who couldn’t make it.

Our paths crossed at my house where we were about to tape the segment that would feature her. From the moment I met Dorothy, we became instant friends and, although I had never met her, it was as if I had known her my entire life. She lives in Forsyth and is the embodiment of the sweetest mother and grandmother all rolled into one. She always has a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her face. Even through some pretty serious health problems, she kept her great spirit. She is a true steel magnolia.

The other day she sent me something that means so much to me I had to share it with you. A package arrived at my post office box address that was too large to fit. Instead, a key for a larger locker was placed in my box so that I could retrieve my oversized parcel. I always love it when a key is placed in my post office box. It usually means something special is waiting for me. This time proved to be no different.

As I opened the door and saw the white paper-wrapped box inside, I couldn’t wait to see who had sent something. It didn’t take me long to see the beautifully written-in-cursive name on the return address corner. It was from my friend and former helper bee, Dorothy. My heart pounded a little faster in anticipation of its contents.

I resisted the urge to open it right there in the post office because I know that Dorothy’s gifts always have special notes and instructions. I didn’t want to hurry through the process, so I carefully placed it on the front seat beside me for the trip back to my house. At each red light and stop sign, I gazed at the neatly wrapped box and wondered what this wonderfully talented lady had created for me this time. Without even knowing, I would have bet just about anything that it was a one-of-a-kind creation. She is just that kind of person who gives from the heart.

Quickly tearing back the paper, I noticed immediately that the backside of the paper was lime green. There was not a doubt in my mind that this was an intentional move by Dorothy. She knows how much I love lime green.

An envelope was the first thing that greeted me when I opened the box. Written neatly on it were the words, “Read this before opening.” In the letter, Dorothy spoke of her creative project from which only white tissue paper separated me. Being a perfectionist, she lamented on how she didn’t even want to send it because it had not turned out the way she had planned. I tossed the letter aside and tore away the tissue.

Folded neatly was a beautiful quilt she had made by hand. According to her note, it was a “This is your life!” quilt just for me. Each square represented a part of my life from childhood to present day. She had drawn and carefully hand-stitched each of the many details that included everything from glue guns to decorated cakes. All my family was represented in thread including my mother, daddy, sister, wife and two children. Oh, I almost forgot. It also included my dog. It was a time-consuming masterpiece that was creatively executed and filled with love. I was so touched I couldn’t make a sound.

That is when I noticed there was one more envelope at the bottom of the box. It read, “Open this last!” So, never wanting to disobey Dorothy, that is exactly what I did. The envelope contained a poem she had written about my life. It was the final piece in a beautiful presentation.

During this week, I have embarked on yet another phase in my life with the start of my own production company and the filming of a series called, “Mark Being Mark!” As I once again studied every detail of the quilt, I couldn’t help but think how perfect Dorothy’s timing was. Because our paths had crossed, I was receiving the encouragement I needed to charge forward without fear into a new chapter of my life. Dorothy, don’t put away your scissors and thread just yet. We may need another square added to this quilt!

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Mark Ballard’s column runs each week in The Telegraph. Send your questions to P.O. Box 4232, Macon, GA 31208 or fax them to (478) 474-4930 or call (478) 757-6877.