Good Fortune

My favorite story, one I’ve been told since I was very small, is that grandma was a beautiful crocheter who knew she had to beat mom to the punch and teach me how to crochet before mom could teach me how to knit.

Grandma died just 12 days before I was born. Because both mom's health and mine were at risk, mom had been put on strict bedrest and was forbidden to make the trip to Brigham, even to attend her own mother's funeral. (Believe me - I heard about this a whole lot all my life!)

I've received some of the items grandma made and they are exquisite! My favorite is an inch-long baby doll pin in a mint / white ruffly dress and bonnet. I don't know how anyone could crochet such minute stitches and fit it onto a curvy doll figurine! Her doilies and hanky edgings are amazing.

Mom told me grandma tried and tried to get her interested in crocheting. But somehow mom just didn't take to it and picked up knitting. I guess that broke grandma's heart in a way. But mom is an incredible knitter! Her sweaters and sampler afghan are so intricate and the colors and patterns so interesting. And I remember her giving me my first set of knitting needles, letting me pick out some beautiful tri-colored yarn, and patiently teaching me how to knit and pearl.

But for some reason I didn't take to juggling the two long needles and having to remember which where to put the yarn for each stitch. That's when I surprised mom by taking up crocheting and, other than teaching me the few basic starting tips she recalled, mom realized and shared this story:

Grandma knew mom would try to make a knitter out of me so had to get to me first. She and I spent 12 glorious days together in Heaven between 16 DEC and 28 DEC where she taught me how to crochet. The joke's on mom, so to speak. And I already know what comes next: my kids will be knitters, just like mom - and their kids will be crocheters, just like me and grandma. I can live with that.

A few years ago, I found the four-inch long ribbed piece begun and struggled with so long ago. It was tucked in a corner of the table next to my bed where I often crocheted before turning out the light before sleep. My knitting needles were woven through what was to have been a cute, stylish sweater vest. Not being able to bear wasting such pretty yarn, I skillfully unraveled the variegated shades of turquoise/azure/lavender. It has since been crocheted it into a thick, comfy afghan, loved for some time by its delighted receiver.

Carefully, I stored the knitting needles with the rest of mom’s collection; they are tucked away waiting for their next recipient: my children. Until that day comes, I know mom is busy teaching her knitting and music skills to my sons / daughters. Hopefully, she won't stop there and instills them all with her sold practical sense, loving Christ-like nature and positive thinking toward all, love/enjoyment of animals.

I suppose I could wallow in jealousy of the time my children are now enjoying with my best friend ... Instead, I find myself full of gratitude to Heavenly Father for granting me nearly 49 years with mom! I gleaned and learned much from, laughed / cried with, enjoyed, loved, and admired this woman. She is part of me and I am part of her. How fortunate I am!

Someone once said, "One thing I can say about life: It goes on."

I can live with that.