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2001 November/December

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Editor's Column

This issue is always one of joy and celebration for the approaching holiday season. What fun we have with the days of Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas. We still intend to usher in this time of joy with articles and projects to stitch but we also present a celebration of our country and its indomitable spirit.

Since the unbelievable and tragic events of September 11th we have seen Americans at their best. Stories of heroism, unselfish service and sacrifice continue to unfold and to touch our hearts and make us proud to be Americans. In June of this year I became concerned over a televised discussion about the Pledge of Allegiance and the burning question of whether it should be required or omitted from our public schools. I felt a silent rage and turned off the television. I did not sleep very well and the feeling of despair just would not go away. Later that same week I went to Tacoma, Washington to teach needlework classes. The students were long-time friends with whom I felt comfortable so I related my concern to fellow stitcher, Pamela Harding. We pondered our choices and at that time we decided to create a continuing feature to promote patriotism (at least in our small needlework world.) Little did we dream of the events that would follow. Patriotism in this country needs no promotion! That was accomplished so cruelly on September 11th. Pamela, who has been in every one of our 50 great states, decided to stitch an ornament in the shape of each state. We will keep them simple so that stitchers can work them quickly and they can be used for teaching needlework to our children.

There are so many other caring Americans who want to do something to honor and to help those in our country who sacrificed so much. David McCaskill shares his handsome needlepoint flag for us to stitch and Jody Valentine creates designs to help raise money for the Red Cross. Each of us will do what we can in this time of crisis. We will do what is necessary to protect and defend our freedoms and we will do so with a brave heart.

To produce a magazine is a very large order and requires us to work several months ahead of the mailing date. As I write this, the date on the calendar is September and our wounds are still so fresh. I remember the warm smile of Janet Hendricks, one of our very earliest subscribers, who perished in the tower. Who knows what events will have taken place when you receive this book around Thanksgiving? I know that we will never be quite the same again and that our country has lost some of its wonderful and free "youth". But, let us hold fast our dreams. One of our great Presidents, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, said "There are those, I know who will reply that the liberation of humanity, the freedom of man and mind is nothing but a dream. They are right. It is the American Dream." I trust that we will still hold fast our unabashed display of patriotism and love of country.

This country is so very special! Can you imagine stitching a needlepoint canvas with one thread that has only one weight, one color and one texture? Pretty boring, wouldn't you say? But when you create a masterpiece, you use all of the rich textures and watch as each one enhances the whole just like our diverse culture. The blending together of the people who have come from all over the world to seek freedom is what makes this country not only great, but also beautiful! No wonder we sing of "America the Beautiful!" As a brand new year approaches let us each look into our depths. Let us work for harmony and understanding. Help us to realize that which unites us comes from a Supreme Being and doctrines that divide us come from man. Now is the time to be brave and to hold close to your God, your country and your family. And, after all, isn't that what the holidays are all about?

Joyce Lukomski

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