Passing on the love

I remember when cancer was something that happened to other people--something that never affected my family, or people I knew personally. I wish that was still the case. My heart has been broken over and over again by this devastating illness. Two years ago, we lost my two year old niece to Neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. Then, last summer, we lost my father-in-law to brain cancer. This past week, I lost another friend to cancer. She was my age, and a mama to two young children. Yet another family that has to go through this heartbreak. And it seems to be so prevalent these days.

But, as my brother and sister-in-law have said, LOVE is bigger than cancer. They have started a website, whatchagonnado.org where they accept donations for families whose children are battling cancer. The donations go to helping the family with things like meals, gift cards for hospital cafeterias and massages--things to help families get by in the moment. Things that helped them during their endless hours in the hospital. Passing on the love.

Several months ago, I read about another little boy who lost his mama to cancer, and a few loving friends who asked people to help them knit squares to make a blanket for the little boy. This morning, I thought about that little boy and about my friend's two children who just lost their mom. I'd like to pass the love on to them. Would you like to help? If you knit or crochet, please consider making a 6 inch square and sending it to me. I will put all the squares together and sew them into blankets for Nora and Benjamin, and then, hopefully, they can feel our love, and in time, the pain might lessen a little bit.

What I am proposing is that anyone who would like could knit or crochet a six inch square. It would be wonderful it could be made of natural fibers - such as wool or cotton, but all squares are welcome.

One suggestion for knitting the square is to use size six needles and worsted weight yarn, the cast on is 31 stitches. Check out the Spring issue of Living Crafts, there is a wonderful piece showcasing many different patterns.

Please email me at wintry@me.com and I will email you back my mailing address. The deadline is September 10th for the squares. I will then sew them all together and give them to the family.

If you don't knit, or even if you do, please consider donating to whatchagonnado.org and helping another family going through the unimaginable.

Thank you!!