ELLERBE — The R.O.C.K summer reading program at First United Methodist Church that wrapped up last week encouraged young book lovers to explore and read more — but one fifth-grade student taught a lesson of kindness when trouble fell upon his favorite teacher.
Claudia Dwight, a teacher for the reading program, grew on young B.J. Reynolds of Rockingham. She was his favorite teacher. When she did not come to the program one day, he asked another teacher where Dwight was.
“They said she went home because her husband was sick,” Reynolds said. “I said I was going to ask my grandma to make him a quilt.”
His grandmother, Kay Altimus, did not hesitate to fulfill her grandson’s request. A quilter of many years, Altimus was prepared to get to work on it.
Dwight’s husband, Francis, suffers from bone cancer and requires at-home treatment on a regular basis through hospice care.
“They are angels,” Dwight said. “Hospice has been so good to us. And I’m staying with him at home now. He wants to stay at home as long as he can.”
Reynolds said he once had a special blanket that made him feel better when he was worried or feeling sick, and he thought one of his grandma’s quilts might help his teacher’s husband.
Francis Dwight, who is now too ill to leave the home, is a Vietnam veteran. This drove Altimus to design a quilt with a patriotic theme.
“These pieces are stars, and we have stripes here,” she said while displaying her handiwork. “It took me four days. I have a room that is full of fabric and I already had my quilt back ready. It’s also got a very patriotic theme, so I went in that direction while designing the quilt and then put it all together.”
A quilt or blanket can be a comforting item for people who are sick, according to Reynolds.
“I just thought it would be a good idea and a way to help a person in need,” he said.
Barbara Presnell and husband Bill Keesler, who live in Lexington, visit Ellerbe regularly to spend time with Dot Snyder, a retired teacher who left a lasting impression on Presnell.
“That’s basically how we learned about the story,” Keesler said. “Dot told us about it.”
“And Bill said, ‘That should be in the news somewhere,” Snyder said. “So we got in touch with the paper and brought everyone together. And it is a very touching story.”
And just as Reynolds hoped, the quilt was warmly welcomed by Francis Dwight.
“He just loves it,” Claudia Dwight said. “He has enjoyed it very much. It has been a special gift.”
Reach reporter Melonie McLaurin at 910-817-2673 and follow her on Twitter @meloniemclaurin.
