For some reason it seems as though we love to celebrate anniversaries. We mark the day we were born (I just celebrated the 12th anniversary of my 40th birthday), the day we got married (it was 30 years in July), the day our chapter started (we opened our chapter 10 years ago - January 1999), etc. Today is the 1st birthday of our little granddaughter Gracie - and I was there to see her come into the world. What a miraculous anniversary to celebrate! Today is also the 34th anniversary of our first date. We were in Iowa City, Iowa and Terry and I were both freshmen in college. We went to the movie "Freebie and the Bean" - I'm sure you remember it...??? There were only 2 theaters within walking distance of the dorm so our choices were VERY limited. I don't remember much from the movie other than car after car being demolished - but that's because my mind was preoccupied thinking about the gorgeous guy sitting next to me! Each year we love to celebrate this special day, simply because it was the day we fell madly in love. You may say that no one could fall madly in love after one date...but I'm here to tell you that we did and we still are!
Tomorrow is the anniversary of the date that we lost our precious grandson Luke. This is one of those anniversaries that we would prefer not to remember for many reasons, but we choose to remember and cherish it for one very special reason. It's the day we celebrate the gift that we have been given - "Families are Forever". We know that one day we will all be together again - and this is the day that we are reminded of that sweet promise. I'm sure you all have a "Families are Forever" anniversary that has brought you sadness in the past - but brings hope to you for the future. We can't escape the grief we experience from the parting, but the reunion will be glorious!
As we know, our service through Project Linus offers us a bitter-sweet experience as we cradle those in need of a hug. We love to make blankets and we know that we are able to bring comfort and security to a child going through a medical or emotional crisis through our handwork. This brings us joy. But we also know that in order to receive a blanket, this child must go through that crisis. This makes us sad. We know that we can offer hope to the parents of these children through the simple gesture of offering their child a handmade blanket. This keeps us making blankets. But we also know that these parents are suffering as well, as they watch their child suffer. This breaks our hearts. As blanketeers, we know that the efforts that we put forth to make a beautiful handmade treasure for a child in need of a hug are most appreciated. In addition, it gives us an opportunity to extend our hand in service allowing us to become a part of the healing process for all concerned. As a parent looks at the blanket given to their child, they will be reminded of that anniversary when their child received the blanket. Whether it commemorates a joyous victory or a sad reminder - either way, it lets them know that someone cared enough to offer their family comfort during a difficult time.
As I look at the anniversaries in my life I hope that each one helps to remind me to be grateful for what I have been given - and what is yet to be! We hope you'll join us on February 28th for our Make a Blanket Day at the Mall! Come and celebrate our 10th anniversary as we serve those in need of comfort, side by side!
Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary
