Remembering a Friend One Stitch at a Time
When Bethann Vaubel set a goal of making 16 pillows and a scarf before Christmas, she needed more than a sewing machine. She needed motivation.
“When I came up with the idea to work in Town Square’s Makerspace, I was excited to have the sunlight from three large windows and several tables to spread out the fabric to cut, iron, and sew,” said Bethann. ”I finished in four days.”
Granted, these were not ordinary pillows. The fabric came from the t-shirts of Bethann’s dear friend who passed away from multiple sclerosis (MS) earlier this year.
“Sharon was confined to a wheelchair and it was hard for her to communicate,“ said Bethann. “Clothes were a way she could express herself, often through bright colors and bling around the collar.”
“She inspired me to wear more colorful clothing... Sometimes before visiting I would ask myself, ‘What would Sharon wear?’”
Bethann’s visits to Sharon’s nursing home, where she resided for 15 years, often centered around clothing. The two friends would sift through Sharon’s wardrobe and pick out her outfits for the coming week.
“We didn’t always agree on what tops and pants matched,” laughed Bethann. “She inspired me to wear more colorful clothing instead of black most of the time. Sometimes before visiting I would ask myself, ‘What would Sharon wear?’. WWSD became our inside joke.”
Sharon and Bethann pose with Elvis, who visited Sharon’s nursing home every year at Christmas.
The pillows will be gifted to Sharon’s family and friends, reminding them of their loved one’s bright and optimistic spirit.
“Sharon was intelligent and had a good sense of humor,” recalled Bethann. “She lived with MS for 40 years, yet she always saw the glass as half full… and it could be refilled.”
Bethann’s project is finished, but, lucky for us, it’s not the last we’ll see of her kind eyes and genuine smile, which easily attracts friends both old and new. In fact, she has become a Town Square regular. Starting with yoga, she expanded to Bingo (a.k.a. the Bingo Bunch), Hangers, the fitness center, food and art classes, and special events. Oh, and have you tried her recipe for chicken enchiladas?
“My husband and I lived one mile from downtown for 32 years. When we moved, one of the main criteria was to be within walking distance of town, especially Town Square, because I spend time there each week. I love seeing people I know and chatting with others I don’t know yet.”
Working from the Makerspace, Bethann completed her pillow project in just four days.
It's volunteers like Bethann that make our community center what it is: a place to gather, connect, share our gifts, and enrich the lives of people of all ages.
Need a space for your upcoming project or event? Contact us to learn about the many options available, from the Makerspace to the ballroom to many more.