Dee Birthday Story

Like others called to hospital chaplaincy, Rev. Ann has a heart full of love and compassion. As director of pastoral care for a major hospital, Rev. Ann ministers to the sick, their families and friends, as she and medical staff work to ease pain and improve quality of life. So, it was an ironic twist of fate 5 years ago when Rev. Ann’s own heart began to give out and she found herself on the receiving end of prayers from family, friends and colleagues.

Seven months ago, she was the recipient of another gift – a new heart. Now healed from her transplant, this inspirational woman is back at work, focusing on the well-being of hospital patients and their families. As her first birthday since the transplant approached, her friend, Dee, thought it would be wonderful to show Rev. Ann how many people continue to pray for her ongoing well-being. Dee knew about VoiceQuilt from friends, and knew how profoundly Rev. Ann would be affected by hearing the loving messages from those who had kept her in their own hearts and prayers.

Dee sent emails and letters to Rev. Ann’s friends, relatives, hospital colleagues, her transplant team and cardiac care team, asking them to call VoiceQuilt’s toll-free number to record birthday toasts and tributes. Due to the nature of Rev. Ann’s work, many callers were religious leaders, so her VoiceQuilt has a beautiful spiritual quality with music, prayers and inspirational sentiments. In addition to birthday greetings, there were prayers of gratitude for her healing and warm “Welcome Back!” messages from hospital colleagues.

Over 100 voice message tributes were presented to Rev. Ann in a beautiful VoiceQuilt keepsake box on her birthday. The VoiceQuilt is a heartfelt tribute to a woman who truly has a heart for others.