Amy, Carla's friend and colleague from Valley View shared some excerpts from the letter from Carla's class moms. These moms created a quilt with the help of Carla's students and friends. They presented this quilt to her in February of 2012.
"[A quilt] is literally warm and comforting. It's made of a collection of little patches of love from a variety of people. It's a connection to you from people who you have touched and changed. People who love you in their own way, and want you to know it, to feel it, to find comfort in it.
For each child we sat quietly, and asked them about you. We asked each of them to think of you and tell us what they wanted on their square. They each chose the color of their square, and the designs, some stars, some hearts, some trucks. Louise wanted to give you a bouquet of flowers, and Gavin wanted to say, 'I love you Ms. Impalli.' I was asked, 'How can I draw a hug for Ms. Impalli?' and 'If I kiss the square, will she be able to feel it?' So pure and warm those squares are! They understood that you don't feel well and this thing that they have done will help you feel better.
[From your friends,] I received an outpouring of love and appreciation, who each made you a square. These are people who know you and miss you and love you so completely. Because of you, I have hugged and talked and cried with these friends of yours. Although we have not known each other before this project, we've connected to each other on a completely human level, far beyond the trivial matters. We are now connected because of you, just like the squares on your quilt.
So Carla, please accept our love and warmth and kindness, as it is stitched into all the parts of your quilt. Thank you for being our friend and for being a loving, warm and patient guide to our children and ourselves."
