Merry Christmas, dear Sage

As another Christmas approaches, it is another one that our family considers what it would be like to have Sage home with us.  Now 5 1/2 years old, I can only imagine how excited he must get as the holiday approaches, and how much fun he would have playing here with his cousins, all of who know of him, but of who he, in return, is criminally unaware.  This year, I have found another small way to keep him involved in the festivities, despite his absence, because despite the slight lift in spirits his daddy might experience with the opportunity to spend some time with family, he remains constantly and acutely aware that the one person he would most like to spend Christmas with is the one person he can't...his little boy.  So for Carlos' gift this year, I decided to utilize my newfound skill and love of quilting.  I worked hard to finish this one quickly so I could give it to him at Christmas, and it's not perfect, but it was inspired by both my love for my brother, his comments in the smoky mountains that my daughter's was "pretty awesome," after sleeping with it, and mostly, by my everlasting hope that we will one day, hopefully soon, be reunited with our sweet, sweet Sage.  The color, primarily Sage green, was chosen by my brother.  I added some photo fabric with pictures of Sage that look appropriately worn after washing.....difficult to see in photographs, but still so special.

I hope that one day I will be able to make one for Sage to enjoy as well.  Until then, Merry Christmas, Sage, my dear, dear nephew.  We love you so much.

Below are the images of Sage embedded in the quilt (black and white):

 And this one...to remind Carlos always who made this for him ;)

Here are a few pictures just for you Sage:

Two of your cousins at Santa's Christmas tree farm :)

Our Christmas tree!

The BIG black bear that your daddy and I saw in the Smoky Mountains