We're coming up on Christmas again, Number 8 since Margret left us.

It took me over a year to figure out what to do to honor her memory, her generosity, her love of kids, my love of her; and to make me feel like I was doing something worthwhile in her name.  Turns out my love of crochet comes in handy for this.  Making hats for Valley Youth House: for kids, something worthwhile, and it would please Margret.

The first year I made hats for Valley Youth House, there were 16 hats.  That was 2010.

This year there are 132 hats, 8 of them with matching scarves, 2 baby blankets (with matching hats for 0-3 months, 6-12 mos, and toddler sizes, which are not counted in the hat total), a lap robe/snuggle blanket, and I made some earrings this year too.  I used making earrings to unwind from the stresses of daily life of a caregiver, and as small gifts for friends and family.

Have a look to see what I made this year:

Stack of Crochet Stuff

Scarves and matching hats

One of the baby blankets with matching hats

Earrings added this year

 Let's see what I can do to make this coming year notable and worthwhile.

Hard to believe that it has been eight years, I think of her so often.

Several days ago we had a fierce thunderstorm.  I stood out on the porch and watched the rain bucket down, watched the lightning flashes and counted to the BOOM! I was also remembering my daughters and me sitting on the porch wrapped in a blanket to keep the wind and rain out, watching another fierce thunderstorm and talking about Margret who had just passed away.

Sometimes when I come in, the front door doesn't close all the way, and a gust of wind will push it open.  I find myself saying, "Come on in, Margret."   Yes, I'm silly.