A Mother's Last Gift
In 1860s Indiana, Alice Woolsey faces her final battle with consumption while striving to leave an enduring legacy for her six children and devoted husband, Richard. As winter's icy grip tightens around their farmhouse, Alice works against time to craft deeply personal gifts and letters for each child, weaving her love and wisdom into a family quilt adorned with buttons that tell their shared story. Through Alice's eyes, we witness the quiet strength of a frontier family coming to terms with impending loss. Her eldest son Eugene shoulders adult responsibilities far too young, while her daughter Caroline steps into her mother's role in the kitchen. Each child grapples with the approaching tragedy in their own way, as Richard struggles to maintain normalcy while watching his beloved wife slip away. The story culminates in a bittersweet final Christmas together, where Alice's carefully chosen gifts reveal her deep understanding of each child's nature and future path. ...
