Today I loaded the 32 Hokie Healing blankets into the back of my car and went over to the Va. Tech basketball arena. The crew and I spread them all out and from 1pm to 3pm, anyone could come and view them. Things were going along smoothly. There didn't seem to be alot of crying, just quiet. Lots of quiet. I walked around looking at the blankets, smiled at the folks, joked with the regulars. I was sitting on the sidelines watching my Baby run around when a pleasant looking woman sat herself down next to me.
"Are you the one responsible for all of this?" she timidly asked.
" It was my idea. But everyone else did most of the work, really." was my modest standard reply.
"Well, it's a wonderful idea. My daughter was killed that day. This means so much to us."
We continued to talk for about 20 minutes. Everything that came out of my mouth seemed wrong. Seemed cliche. Seemed ridiculous.
"Before you leave, you and your husband, please look over the blankets and pick the one you want and take it home today. I want you to find one that speaks to you."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely, totally sure. To know that you were able to pick the one that reminds you most of your daughter...the one that gives you the most comfort...that would make alot of people very happy."
So she did. She and her husband slowly walked amongst the 32 blankets, leaning in close sometimes, touching them. They finally decided on one and she and I got on opposite ends of it and folded it up. I handed it to her. We hugged. And she didn't let go. She collapsed into intense sobbing as I held her. I've never felt such sadness pour into my heart. She held on and cried for a good 2 minutes before she let go. I hugged the tearful Father, not much older than me, his eyes were so weary. They thanked me, turned and left. I have to be honest, I'm changed. I don't know how yet, but I'll never be the same.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
How One Blanket Found It's Home
Posted by Skeinky at 4:35 PM
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33 comments:
wow.
Is that the blanket they picked?
Wow ...
wow
I got chills. I'm speechless. I'm crying, too. We are all changed - forever.
I did see the couple wandering amongst the blankets and recognized the father from the news reports here in Richmond. Mom was terribly shaky and so moved by the blankets. I'm so pleased that they found the strength & were able to come and choose the one that moved them. I do so hope it gives them great comfort.
That's heart wrenching. I am glad you were there for them. For her to choose one was special I'm sure.
Wow. I've got tears streaming down my face now, after reading that. Thank you for sharing the story. It means the world to those of us involved in even the tiniest way.
I was wondering how many family members and friends of the victims were there today and I thought it would be nice for them to choose their blankets if they were there-now I know it was more than nice. Thanks for sharing that story.
Oh my... my hearts aches for them. I hope they find some kind of comfort in the blanket. I live in Canada and made a few squares and while looming them I just felt so overwhelmed with emotion. I couldn't imagine going through what you went through today, you are a very special person.
Gina, thanks so much for posting this and for conceiving this project and bringing it to fruition. I hope the blankets will bring as much comfort to the families as they have to us who participated in their creation.
Now I really wish I could have been there. I think this was a wonderful way for the first blanket to go home. I'm proud to have been a (very)small part of the process. I'm even prouder to have met you & now can call you friend.
Oh my, I'll pass this story on to all my friends here who knit squares. Thank you, again, Jane P.
You (and all of Mosaic) have done a tremendous job organizing, coordinating, knitting, crocheting, talking, blogging, interviewing, etc. This story of the 'first' blanket brings it all home. Like Debbie and Mary, I'm sitting here crying - heart breaking. Thank you for all your hard work and providing the opportunity for the rest of us to participate in 'Hokie Healing'.
I'm impressed and got tears in my eyes as I read your story of the first blanket going. I really hope it gives them a good feeling of not beeing alone!
Well done, Gina.
Wow. Just Wow. I crocheted 33 squares for this project and I am in awe.
To quote others, "wow".
Very touching. God Bless them all.
That is not the actual blanket pictured that went home with them.
I was there that day and was too shy to tell you in person, but all I kept thinking as I was walking around looking at those amazing blankets is that you have done a very good thing here. Everyone who worked on these blankets has done a good thing, but it wouldn't have happened without you, Gina. I saw you folding up the blanket with the mother as I was leaving, but I had no idea what was truly happening there. What a special moment. What a special person you are.
All I can do is weep and sigh.
Wow... I think I saw her there... I just hope that will be something comforting for that family...
that's absolutely beautiful and incredibly touching.
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this story Gina. It is wonderful to hear how the stitches of so many from near and far can bring comfort to this family. Again, thank you for driving this effort & allowing us all the privilege to help in the healing!
I was only able to make two squares (one solid orange and one solid burgandy) and get them off to you in time for the deadline. I am truly awed at how beautiful this project turned out to be. My neice was at Tech that day and was fortunately not injured. Blessing to you and all the helped bring this to fruition. May the families find solace in these gifts.
Wow Gina - what an awesome story. I'm heading the Greensburg, KS (tornado town) afghan project and it's stories of the connection and closeness to the Real Reason for the project that really make you know you did the right thing. Thanks for sharing this story. I'm searching the blog(s) for your email address but I'm not finding it. I would be so grateful if you could reply to this comment. I was hoping to ask you some questions to help make our seaming event as efficient as possible.
Laura
How good for them to find the blanket just right for them. I hope they are comforted by the love that went into it's making during the hard times ahead.
It's amazing what we can do with our heart and our hands. Thank you for this project and thank you for sharing your stories/feelings.
Now having read this post, I am so glad to have been a part of this. I wish now that I had sent way more squares! Now I need a tissue! What a story Gina! Thanks so much for sharing it! Thanks for the visit to my site also and I appreciate your blessing on the pictures!
Vivian McKnight
Milford, UT
Came over from yarnival and got all teary eyed, very moving.
Thanks for sharing your story. And thanks for providing the comfort of a blanket for someone needs it.
Thank you so much for sharing that.
What a wonderful gift you have given the families.
I came over from yarnival,btw.
Came over from Yarnival. I know these blankets will provide as much comfort as they can to these families. Thank you for sharing this.
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