Difficult Journeys

Some journeys are fun and easy, some are equal parts arduous and fulfilling, and some are necessary and force us to dig deeper than perhaps we would like to if we could choose.

Today while a dear friend said good-bye to her sister who was diagnosed with cancer last spring, I helped to my mother-in-law into a hospice where all of her many needs can be attended to.

In the onslaught of a serious illness there are appointments to be made and met, prescriptions to be filled, medications to be taken, and treatments to be administered and endured.

Last spring, when my friend’s sister was diagnosed, I went about making her a wardrobe of chemo caps so that at least when it came to hat wear, she would have choices:

I made this homage to Hello Kitty:

crochetbug, hello kitty inspired crochet chemo cap, crochet bow, crochet hat, crochet cap
Crochet in Color’s Hello Kitty inspired hat

this variation on Michele Maks’ Granny Square hat:

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I finish a granny square chemo cap

this variegated silk chemo cap:

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A completed baby soft crochet chemo cap to fit an adult

this revised seamless hat inspired by a hat worn by Elle Woods in the movie Legally Blonde:

crochetbug, Elle Woods Legally Blonde crochet hat, crochet flower, crochet cap, croche chemo cap
A revised version of the Elle Woods Legally Blonde hat

and this cookie cloche, inspired by the cookies that will not leave me alone:

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One side of the hat

As it turns out, none of these hats saved my friend’s sister from the cancer, but that hats did offer her a small measure of relief from her disease and her treatments, and as she neared the end of her life, she bequeathed her various hats to her “chemo buddies,” and I have to say, I am incredibly honored.

As for my mother-in-law, her journey has been a longer, slower decline, and while it often seems that the woman she was has been consumed by disease, there are tangible reminders of her crafting past, such as this traditional granny square throw:

crochetbug, crochet heirloom, scrap yarn granny squares, scraps yarn granny square afghan, granny square blanket, granny square throw
Alice’s scrap granny square afghan

This piece says a lot about who she was: she liked lots of colors, she did not like to waste anything, and she was not afraid to make a bold and colorful statement with her crochet.

Crochet cannot fix all of the challenges that befall us on the journey that is life, but it can smooth the rough edges and leave behind a legacy that reminds us of the sweeter moments along the way.

7 thoughts on “Difficult Journeys

  1. And you have granma’d children in Africa by being such an inspiration and teaching me to crochet things to send them. Thank- you.

  2. We are at the same point Leslie. Tom’s mother went into Hospice Thurs and we pray that she will pass with dignity and respect. I love the quilt your mil made and the chemo hats to be given to the lady’s friends!!!! Thinking of you!

  3. Thank you for what you do. I’m amazed by the happy little moments that can be created with yarn and a crochet hook. Kudos to your readers who themselves pass on beautiful gifts from their yarn stashes.

  4. What a lovely post! I love the chemo caps, and I too would be honored if someone passed on hats I had made for them in that way. I really love your MIL’s afghan, so bright and colorful. I am sorry for your losses, both your friend’s sister and the movement of your MIL into hospice. I hope her end is peaceful and full of love.

  5. Condolences to all who shall miss your friend’s sister and prayers for your family as you care for your mother-in-law. Hugs and love to you.

  6. Hugs to you, Leslie. I love your MIL’s blanket and your beautiful thoughtful hats. Being able to create things with our hands is a great gift for us all.

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