Last month we told you about a new tradition at Wake Robin called the Trillium Trail. Named after our logo, the red trillium wildflower, it is a variation on the Honor Walk. When a resident is making the final journey out of Wake Robin, a specially designed quilt drapes the person as they leave the building. An announcement is made that a Trillium Trail is about to take place and anyone who wishes to take part gathers near the doorway of the Linden Health Center and forms a line in the hallway to pay their respects, bearing witness to a life and memories.
The newly designed custom quilt was created and constructed in-house by a number of volunteers, both staff and residents. The idea originated with our nursing staff with Morgan Dexter, R.N., and her mother, both accomplished quilters, leading the way. They were joined by Diane T., another quilter and Wake Robin resident, who became the point person for the project, and Jo H., quilter and resident, who donated materials.
The prep work was done in the Fiber Arts room where the experts first selected a color scheme from existing fabric, and then proceeded to the cutting, sewing, and pressing of the initial blocks. Once they had the process nailed down, Diane wrote up the directions, made kits, and put out a call for volunteers under the announcement “Would you like to make a block?” About 35 people came out to take part, some with no sewing experience, but all with a desire to contribute to this project. The final assembly and quilting were completed by Morgan and her mother on a longarm quilting machine.
A lot of hands and minds were involved with the Trillium Trail quilt. It is a nod to our shared human experience, a piece created out of love and respect. It is one more tradition that shapes community life at Wake Robin.
