Comfortghan for my grandmother, the one who taught me to crochet

[Crochet Garden]

Well, the other night I was on the phone with my grandmother. I talk to her often- she by the way is the one who taught me to crochet at 9 years of age. She is a most wise, warm wonderful soul one could ever know. Here are a couple photos of her-

 

Dorothy: A woman of strength, bravery and compassion for others.

 

 

While on the phone with her, she asked me if I had any questions for her. I said no, why and she said she is "cleaning house." And I asked her what is going on and then she asked me another question. "What would you do if you had a condition, would you confront your doctor?" And I said why would you need to confront your doctor if you already know you have the condition. And she said "to find out how long you have." Finally, I got it out of her that she has Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia. It is a super rare form of cancer. Over the past few years, her eye sight has been deteriorating, so much that now she can no longer crochet, but only knit by feel. She can see, but it is very difficult and she cannot see anything small, and she has to turn her head. She can no longer do what she truly loves, crafts- beading, crocheting, sewing, etc. This cancer over time attacks 1 system after another.

 

What is worse, is that she has not told anyone except her 3 children (one of them my father), and she was diagnosed 5 years ago. The 3 are not the easiest to talk to... and finally she poured out her soul to me. I cannot begin to imagine how much she has been carrying around with her for the past 5 years. From what I could gather, it seems prognosis is maybe about 7-9 years after diagnosis.

 

I could very easily make an afghan for her, but I thought since crocheting was basically her entire life, that having something made from many crocheters with love would mean a lot to her. That these are people who admire my deisgn work, and that it is all attributed to her - A way to thank her- that if it wasn't for her, I would not be where I am at today, designing beautiful patterns, with so many people loving my work, that began with her, a summer day on the couch, at 9 years old, making that first baby blanket of sc, that she still have to this day. Then she could see, so many people who have been touched through crochet, and how many people she has touched through me, by being so patient and teaching me this beautiful art.

 

Revised:

Material: Acrylic

Colors: Any variations/combinations of solids/ombres etc: lavender, white, purple, blue (pale blue to dark blue)- I think all the contrast would be beautiful and help her see it better.

Size: 12"

 

I have never done this before, so am very open to suggestions. I will be giving it to her in person, and of course will get many photos!!

 

Thank you so much

 

EDIT: ok, i talked to her and hah I was wrong.. it is lavender she is passionate for..

[Around74]

Lisa--My heart goes out to your and your grandmother. I would be more than happy to send you 2. Let me know about the color theme you want to go with. I think I have some that would qualify as aqua.

[Crochet Garden]

Ok I have changed the color scheme in original post since finding out her favorite color is lavender, and also shades of purple and blue etc.

 

Thank you all in advance.. and thank you Around74 for helping me figure this out via PMs!

[sallenlouise]

I would be glad to send some squares. You have touched my heart with this one. You go and give your grandmother a big warm hug.

[Crochet Garden]

Thank you Sonia... I am so happy you were touched... I don't think she realizes, how much of an impact her teaching me has had, and she is such a strong woman, carrying around this secret for so long. But that is her, wanting to spare anyone anyone sadness. And that is always what she has been, sacrificing herself for others...

[scc51055]

I will get a square done and send it out........please send me your address. glad to help!

[Around74]

Lisa--No problem. I also was taught to crochet by my grandmother about a year before she passed, so I understand where you are coming from. I will let you know when I get them done and in the mail.

[ankey]

Lisa, I can make one, maybe two for you. They will be either lavender or dark purple with white. If you pm me your address, I can have them sent out in a few days.

[sallenlouise]

I will for sure get 2 done, but will try to make a few more!

[GinaLaughed]

Dear Lisa,

 

I'm so touched by your post! Your precious, dear, grandmother! What a burden to hold that in for so long!! I'm so glad she told you!

 

Please put me down for 2 squares! I just adore your patterns and would love to show your grandmother how loved and appreciated she is.

 

Hugs to both of you!

[scc51055]

lisa,

my square was mailed yesterday so you should be getting it soon!

[Mom w/a Motif]

Lisa do you need any more comfortghan squares? I can do one or two. I'm so sorry about your grandmother. I am closer to my grandmother than I am my own father, I couldn't even imagine....

 

Tina

[minwifeof4boys]

Lisa, first let me say how sorry I am for the whole thing...I am not sure how I missed the thread but if you need lavendar squares PM me and I can get on it tomorrow.... hugs my friend!

[Crochet Garden]

Yes, I most definitely need many more squares. Thank you so much!!

 

And yes, my grandmother and I are very close.. I owe her so much, more than I think she will ever realize...

 

Lisa do you need any more comfortghan squares? I can do one or two. I'm so sorry about your grandmother. I am closer to my grandmother than I am my own father, I couldn't even imagine....

 

Tina

[Crochet Garden]

Thank you so much Sherri!! I will keep an eye out!

 

lisa,

my square was mailed yesterday so you should be getting it soon!

[KnicKnac]

Lisa, I don't know how I missed this...do you have enough squares?

[minwifeof4boys]

I finished my sqaures this afternoon... they are all packed up and redy to go in tomorrow's mail

[Crochet Garden]

Lisa, I don't know how I missed this...do you have enough squares?

 

Not yet... but I am expecting this will take some time.. it being the holiday season and all.. and I am in no rush. I won't be seein gher until xmas time anyway... so if you would like to send, please do! And take your time

[KnicKnac]

Too cool, I will send you a couple!!

[JoBug]

Your story has sure touched me, I will be happy to send you a square if you just PM me your addy, God Bless you and your family!!

[spinabunny]

I would love to help with your afghan. I am new to Crochetville, and you would need to let me know more specifics. Are there special square patterns that you want us to use? If you read my new member intro you will see that my grandmother was my special introduction into the world of making beautiful things, too, as well as learning to believe in myself and my own special beauty! It would be an honor to help you honor your grandmother!

[beth eathorne]

i have time today to make up one or two please pm with your address

[GinaLaughed]

Two squares went out to you on Friday, Lisa. I had them done when I said...it's the sending that got delayed! Sorry about that. The package was too big to fit in the outgoing mailbox and I kept missing the mailman. I was finally able to get to the PO on Friday. I look forward to hearing all about your Grandmother receiving her ghan and pics would be nice too! (hint, hint!)

[mom4x]

Lisa, I just saw this post and am so touched. Please let me know if you need any more squares. I can probably have them out by the beginning of next week.. You and your grandmother are in my prayers.

 

Hugs

Misty

mom4x

[Mom w/a Motif]

Lisa- I sent you two squares a couple days ago. Just to let you know...

 

Tina