A few weeks back, I spoke with a Mom named Jeannae. She created a graduation keepsake for her son, Evan. The VoiceQuilt caught my eye because there were twice the number of voice messages we usually expect. I emailed her about talking, in hopes of learning her secrets for corralling so many voice messages from friends and family — during such a busy time of year.

As always, the law of unintended consequences prevailed. Jeannae hadn’t used any special methods for inviting friends and family. Her son was simply the kind of person that coaches, friends, neighbors and family wanted to honor with words of congratulations, inspiration and encouragement.

When I asked Jeannae why she had chosen to create a VoiceQuilt, she told me that her decision had boiled down to this: “I would give anything to be able to hear my grandparents today”. That comment struck a chord and reminded me of a VoiceQuilt survey two years back. When we asked women whose recorded voice message they would treasure most, most said they’d like to hear from their Moms.

I like to imagine Evan at college next year, studying for final exams. Perhaps he’s a little nervous or a little tired. And maybe – just maybe – he listens to his Mom’s message and it gives him the boost he needs to finish studying.

Check out Jeannae’s message to Evan here – the first voice message in our graduation contest here.