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4/05/2008

The Afghan

In the late 70s, I crocheted a Christmas gift for my parents. An afghan made of left-overs yarns. I made it extra large for no apparent reason. Dad was diagnosed with cancer shortly after that Christmas. He was 57. By the grace of God, he lived for 9.5 years through struggles with experimental treatments and the tortuous side-effects. Covered with the afghan, he told me it was so warm--just what he needed.

After Dad's passing, Mom told me that the nights were the loneliest time. She'd wrap herself in the afghan late at night and mourn my Dad. It has been two years now, since Mother passed. Yes, she was soothed by the afghan during her final illness.

I didn't want the afghan back. I told my sister No. My husband put it in a box for me. I could not deal with that afghan. It stayed packed for over a year and a half. I recently brought it out. I did not wash it. It had the scent of my Mother. Now, as I deal with chronic illness, I wrap in the old afghan. Warm in the arms of my parents.
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I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people. Leviticus 26:12

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is a lovely afghan, Pooch. Thanks for sharing your special story.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful afghan and a beautiful story. I'm so glad it brought so many people comfort.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely story and an equally lovely afghan. It seems to have become a legacy of love in your family.

Cindy Swanson said...

The afghan is beautiful...and the story behind it brought tears to my eyes. My own dad died of liver disease in 2004. I'm so glad you were able to take out the afghan and gain comfort from using it yourself...how precious. Thanks for sharing the story!

Cindy Swanson said...

By the way...I just wanted to let you know I linked to you today on my blog!

Cats~Goats~Quotes said...

Beautiful afghan and beautiful post!
I love Lailah and Max!

Shawnee said...

That is so ... right. I'm glad you have the comfort of your mother, even now. Hugs.

Kristy said...

I came here from Yarnival. What a beautiful story! Thanks for sharing it, and I hope the afghan brings you comfort when you need it.