Busy Hands

For those of you wondering how the Project is continuing to progress, we're pleased to report that it's been a productive winter. My mom's knitting group, which meets every Wednesday, has taken on the goal of the project like gang-busters. They focus on their own individual projects, but always contribute an impressive share of hats to be donated. This winter, they decided to donate their time and efforts to helping another charity as well, and still managed to contribute to the Project. Hats off, so to speak, to them.

In a touching tribute, my mom's best friend Mary Kay determined to knit and donate twenty-seven hats to Project Call Home, one for each year of Jeff's life. I cannot express the impact such kindness has on my mother.

Some of our readers have asked if they can send in other items, such as warm clothing or socks. Also, several have asked if it would be okay to donate gently used items, from thrift stores or Goodwill. Please know that whatever you donate, we will place in grateful hands.

My mom has made several trips to the needle exchange this winter to drop off the donations, and each time I imagine has to be hard on her. She is holding up beautifully through it all, and while she has dark days and deep grief, she is finding her way through the darkness and feeling joy again. I, too, feel Jeff's loss, and am able to remember the warmth and joy of him, even in times of missing him dearly. It strikes me that I am grateful for this project because it carries such a strong connection to Jeff for our family, and while he is gone, this project, while small and quiet, lives on in his memory. And that is a powerful thing. Thank you for your participation in it. We appreciate your time, thoughtfulness, and care.