My grandma knitted me a crimson cardigan for my 18th birthday. At the time, it seemed like a little gift.
I remember unwrapping it immediately away, saying a shy “thank you,” and then dashing out the door to join my pals at the party. As a child, I didn’t truly get how much love and attention Mother placed into every stitch.
A few weeks later, she passed away, and the sweater was still in my closet. I couldn’t wear it because it made me think of her, and I felt bad that I didn’t like her present when I had the chance.
I went to college, got married, and then had a kid. I didn’t touch the cardigan since I didn’t want to deal with it. I kept it to myself. My daughter noticed it while we were cleaning one afternoon.
I nodded as I saw her put her arms in the sleeves.
She stopped moving at that point. “Mom, I have something in my pocket.” When I reached inside and pulled out a small, yellowed piece of paper that had been carefully stored, my heart skipped a beat.
I opened the note with shaking hands and saw right away that it was my grandmother’s exquisite penmanship. To my darling girl, it said, “I hope this keeps you warm when I can’t.” Always remember how much other people care for you. I couldn’t see through my tears.
While I read the message, my daughter stood next to me, holding my hand and not saying anything.
My grandma put her love into every stitch of that cardigan before she said goodbye, and it felt like she had been waiting for me to get better for years.
That new information changed how I thought about the cardigan and how my grandmother lived. I told my child that she was strong and that I knew she was doing her best, even though she didn’t have much.
My daughter is now thrilled to wear the sweater. It’s not only a piece of clothes; it’s also a part of our family’s history. It’s more than just cloth and yarn to us; it’s a sign of love that has lasted for generations. It makes us remember that the people we care about will always be there for us. It just waits for us to find it again, coming up with new ways to reach us.