An unexpected gift ...

Sometimes the best gifts are those you didn't even know to wish for. A couple of weeks ago I was given an unexpected gift ...

... this beautiful hand-knitted blue sweater. Oh, my! Can you imagine the pleasure this gift gives me? I am a knitter, and I know what went into the making of this lovely garment. But that is not all that makes it special. I remember when this sweater was made!

When I was a teenager, I was very keen on knitting. A very special lady, Bernie Sanders, with whom I went to church and who also happened to be a distant cousin (so there was another bond) cheered my efforts and helped me when I ran into trouble. I even remember her showing me how to make a bobble, sort of a little knitted pom-pom, the kind of decorative element that adorns this sweater. I distinctly remember when Bernie was knitting complicated and beautiful sweaters for several of her relatives, including this blue beauty which she made for her sister-in-law, Edith. I was much in awe of Bernie's knitting skills and admired her creations endlessly.

Fast forward almost 50 years and imagine my delight when Edith's daughter (who also happens to be Bernie's special niece) gave me this vintage jewel as an unexpected gift. Oh, my! I do hope that Bernie is smiling from above, knowing how much I love wearing this sweater. I love that I have something that was Bernie's, for she really was an inspiration to me. I love that my friend, Susan, could bear to part with it (since it was too large for her to wear.) And I love that Susan knew just how much I would treasure this sweater, which is why she could entrust me with it.

 

While she was here for Thanksgiving, I asked my granddaughter to take a picture of the sweater (I don't do selfies) and I told her the story of the sweater. Just telling it made me feel warm and loved, all over again. This sweater is like a hug from Bernie, a completely unexpected and beloved gift ... the very best kind.