Wednesday, November 25, 2009

because, sometimes, I'm a genius

Years ago, when my husband and I were first married, we lived in the same town as my Grandma Ruby. Many mornings I would stop by her house on my walk to work.

Grandma Ruby could knit and crochet like no body's business. One cold morning, I stopped in without mittens on my hands. When I stopped again on my way home, she handed me a pair of mittens (and a hat) that she had whipped up that afternoon.

While walking the rest of the way home with my new mittens warming my hands, I had a thought. A thought about my sisters and me and our future babies. Grandma Ruby was getting older, and I didn't like to think about it, but it occurred to me that she might not be able to meet all our babies. Her future great-grand babies. So the next day I asked her if she would be willing to make some baby blankets. I told her I'd love to have a blanket made by her to give to each one of my sisters for their first baby. She was very willing and so excited.

On my lunch break, I stopped by the Ben Franklin across the street and picked out the softest white yarn I could find. I dropped it off on my walk back home. I don't remember exactly how long it took her to complete the blankets. Maybe a week? Probably less. She made five. One for me and each of my sisters, and one for my sister-in-law, Kara. (She loved Kara, and wanted her to get in on the blanket action as well.) They were each different and wonderful. I carefully stored them, and waited patiently for the day when I would give them each away.

Grandma Ruby was only able to meet one of our babies. But each sister received a special Grandma Ruby blanket for the birth of her first baby.

On Saturday, I get to give away the last blanket lovingly made by my Grandma Ruby's hands. I know for certain she prayed for the baby that would receive this blanket. And for the mama that would place it over her sweet babe.

7 comments:

LocustSt said...

How wonderful is that! And what a blessing that you even had that idea... usually things like those are an afterthought.

Smellyann said...

That is completely awesome. I wish I had had such an idea when my grandma was alive.

redeemed diva said...

Yes, you are a genius. That is one of the smartest things I've ever heard of, actually. I know that will be a bittersweet moment for you. Letting go of the last thing someone left, even when it's right to do so, is still bittersweet. Have a great day giving such a lovey gift to it's rightful owner. Do you still have the mitts and hat?

sjb-roso said...

I am reading this and balling my eyes out! Oh how I miss that grandma Ruby!

Brambleberry said...

I miss her, too. And I do still have those mittens and hat. My girl wears them to school everyday. :)

kara said...

Oh, Katie I never really knew the story behind the blankets. Both my boys came home in the grandma Ruby blanket, it is so special and so was she. I miss her too! Thanks for being a genius! I bet Annie melted! Love ya!

Visty said...

You rocked this one.