Army Sgt. Justin D. Norton

Betty,

Jeff and I rec’d the quilt late yesterday. I was home sick and the box arrived. I immediately called my husband at work and he told me to open it up. I couldn’t because I wanted him to be the one to open the box. After he got home from work and changed out of his uniform (police) he picked up the box. As I watched him open the box, reach in and lift out the quilt I could see tears in his eyes as Justin’s photo was the first thing he saw. I helped him open up the quilt and you cannot even imagine how we felt at that moment. The quilt is absolutely breathtaking. My husband and I placed the quilt on our living room floor (it was clean) and just starred at it for hours. We cried as we starred at this amazing piece of art and thanked the lord for people like you. The time, energy, care and craftsmanship that you put into the quilt was so amazing. The photos of Justin and how you made him the center of attention was amazing. I cannot even begin to thank you enough for this beautiful piece of work that we will treasure for the rest of our lives. On top of that your letter was very touching.

I want you to know Betty that my husband and I will be displaying your quilt at different fundraising events. We have a scholarship fund for Justin called the SGT Justin Norton Memorial Scholarship Fund. Justin had requested a scholarship fund in his name if he did not return from Iraq. The family has honored his wishes. Last year Jeff and I organized fundraisers to raise money for the scholarship fund and we handed out 24 scholarships last year. We plan on doing fundraisers again this year. I will be displaying your quilt at these fundraisers along with your cards and a donation box for Freedom Quilts. This year not only are we going to try and raise money for the scholarship fund but our efforts will also go toward raising money for Freedom Quilts. The quilt that you have made us, touched our hearts and provided comfort to our family. I want to make sure that another family of a fallen soldier has the opportunity of receiving a one of your quilts.

Betty, if we could thank you in person we would. Although I tried, there are no words to described our emotions when we opened the quilt. I want you to know that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We will never forget you and the peace and comfort you provided to our family.

With our deepest thanks.

Jeff and Sandy Norton