Army Spc. James L. Beckstrand

Betty, Here is the picture of me and the wonderful quilt! As you can see, it is on my bed……

I cannot be more pleased with the beautiful, personalized quilt you and the other ladies made for me to honor my husband. I am totally amazed at the precision of every stitch. I love everything of it. I love the colors, the pictures, the Marine Corps and US Army emblems, so right for Jim. I love the dedication you put for him, the heart at the bottom of the words I asked you to include, and the eagle. I wasn’t expecting the eagle on it and I love it. It’s the symbol my husband gave his life for: Freedom!

I cannot even start to describe the strong emotions I felt when I opened it. I knew it was the quilt but didn’t know how wonderful it was. It is on my bed now, and I slept under it last night. I had my neighbors come over and look at it. Needless to say I cried, but it is a good cry. I am so much thankful for the big heart of Americans like you, not the ones protesting but the ones who show how much they care for the families of these fallen heroes. I miss my husband every day and every night, and I’m proud of him. I cannot thank you enough, Betty, for the comfort the quilt brings me. I will show the marvelous work you amazing ladies did on it to my father in law this weekend. Hopefully, he’ll decide to write you. Please extend my gratitude to all the ladies who worked on it, and tell them I’ve never seen anything so beautiful…….

Love,
Marilena