QuiltWalk/Review
Suggested Groups: Ongoing groups for Young/Middle/Teen/Adult (Note: This activity is intended for ongoing groups.)
Purpose:
- To allow group members to share stories about their loved one. (This can be used in place of the memorabilia activity).
- To give each person a touchstone for a more complete story in sharing details about their loved one (favorite foods, toys, vacations, occupation, etc.).
- To assist in connecting group members to one another.
- To strengthen the bond the families have with the Caring Place, their past group members and the current group.
- To simply take a walk together rather than sitting across the room for the group time. The group is able to stretch out, mingle and bond in a unique way.
Task/need: Converting the relationship to one of memory, living on the grief spiral
Activity Set Up Ideas:
- Explain to the group that you will be going on a "Quilt Walk" during which time group members will show their quilt square and introduce their loved one to the group in greater detail.
- If members of the group are coming from a recently completed session, their squares may not be sewn yet. Please be sure to inform staff ahead of time so that staff can provide the unfinished squares for the activity.
- It is helpful for volunteers to identify the quilt squares before the group begins. This way the volunteers can plan a path and lead the activity. Familiarize yourself with the quilt squares and be prepared to engage family members in conversation about the squares.
- Staff can provide a color photo of the quilt square as well if needed.
Materials: No materials are necessary, but a box of Kleenex might be needed to take with you.
Description:
Allow time for the group to walk around and view the various quilt squares of each of the group members. Allow group members to share about their quilt square if they would like.
This activity can be very impactful for the group. We often walk by the quilts, not knowing the stories. This activity gives each of us a personal connection to the quilts. Each square was chosen and sewn with great care and symbolized the loved one frozen in time.
Don't rush the activity. Use the "10-second wait" rule. Let the description and comments sink in. Be prepared for the grief that may rise up. Be sure to acknowledge the courage it takes to share their personal stories.
Allow enough time for the group members to draw attention to other quilts. Often a family comes to the Caring Place because they know another family who has come through the program. Seeing those quilts may also elicit memories and general conversation.
Activity Wrap Up: Ask the group for feedback regarding the Quilt Walk. Invite group members to share further thoughts and/or feelings about sharing their quilt square and seeing other group member's squares. This could also be started or done after the quilt review if time permits or this discussion may continue into future sessions. Be sure to allow for adequate discussion and processing.
