Monday, January 19, 2009

On grief and works in progress.

I was reading one of the blogs on my roll, and I discovered someone else dealing with grief. And as I read the comments, and came back again to mine, I was again struck by the goodness of you people. You who read these blogs and leave kind comments. You who share in our totally unknown pain. It means more than you could possibly know.

Until the funeral, I had never seen my father cry. My aunt - who no one has seen or spoken to in 10 years - came and held my hand. People I had never met hugged me and shared their stories. I have always held things in, tried to deal with them on my own. During all this I found that sharing - even with these strangers - definitely made it easier, and speaking about it made it more real.

I can't thank you enough for reading, for commenting, for reaching out and sharing in something totally unrelated to you. It has helped me immensely to be able to speak to this, and hear kind words in return. So thank you - thank you - thank you.

However. As painful it may be, it is unwise to get lost in our grief. Mine has led to productivity. Over the past two weeks I have been knitting - both by Nana's bedside and to and from the funeral. Consequently, I have something to show you. A couple of somethings to show you, actually.

Shawl Collar Pullover - AVittadini - Vogue Knitting Winter 2004/05

I'm on the collar right now - and it is taking a REALLY long time. *sigh* So I started something quicker.

The Duchess Raglan
Debbie Bliss Chunky Cashmerino - Yummmmm. Can you just feel the yumminess? This took me all of two days. I'm on the sleeves now.

I have also been "enhancing". Now that my year of "No yarn purchases" is over, I thought I'd start out the new year right.


Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky - currently being used for the Duchess Raglan.
Rowan Cashcotton 4-ply. This will be used for the Apres-Surf Hoodie. All on mad sale at Webs. I am happy to report that my yarn-a-holic nature is back in full swing.

As you can see, I am moving forward. I will always think of Nana when I knit, and I will do my best to carry on the legacy. Given that I seem to have inherited the most atrocious patterns, I expect to rally quite magnificently.

5 comments:

Katherine said...

When I've been grieving, I've always been struck by just how good people are during all those hard times. I'm so glad you're tapping in to that. {hugs}

I'm also glad your yarn diet is over! I think as long as you're stashing, you're going to be all right. ; )

Hilary said...

That's what we're here for. :)

Knitting can be so therapeutic, and it looks like you've got some gorgeous stuff on the needles right now. And I agree that you started the year off right with those yummy yarn purchases!

a friend to knit with said...

i really have been thinking of you all week.

i love that you knit on the way to your nana's funeral. i am sure she was thinking that the "titty pink" was quite lovely.
(as do i.)

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry that anyone has to go through this. Thinking of you.

Claudia Bugh said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is so very hard and sad for the children. I'm glad your aunt came because whatever the differences they really aren't important in the scheme of things.

Love your stash enhancements! Enjoy :)