Surprised by Joy

There have been times in my life that have been pretty profound as far as seeing the hand of God. I do try to write them down and believe they are an encouragement to us all as we navigate this life we are “life-ing”.

One such time has happened in the past year. There was a new friend that came to sewing class about a year ago and wanted to learn how to make a cosplay costume for her to be able to attend a festival in November. I was apprehensive, but I was game as I have never made a cosplay costume in this manner. She picked out the fabric, found the pattern and off we went on a three month sewing spree to get this done.

At first, there was little conversation as that was not really her thing. She promptly ate her peanut butter and jelly sandwich every week at noon sharp. We eventually began talking about her future as she was cleaning a facility at the moment and I could tell she was a sharp cookie. College came up in the conversation and was quickly discarded as she did not feel they knew how to handle folks on the spectrum seven years before. She was now 25 years old. We talked that there was more information out there now and maybe she should try again.

We ended up finishing the cosplay costume and it was successful with some challenges to overcome. After that, she wanted to learn how to quilt and succeeded in hand quilting her creation. A friend emailed one day and said that she had a sewing machine to donate and wondered if I knew anyone who may be interested.

I did.

Today, my new friend is at college with her sibling. In her dorm room and on her bed is her hand quilted quilt. In the corner of her room, her sewing machine that she uses with joy and confidence.