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A Mother's Intuition

3/4/2015

10 Comments

 
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When I was in college my mother suffered a heart attack. Thankfully, it was not fatal, but as a result of it she had to make some life-style changes. One change she made was to quit smoking. This was the early 70’s, so we were just beginning to understand the full nature of the dangers of smoking. This task proved to be daunting for her as she had been a smoker since a young age. In order to succeed, she decided to take up crocheting in order to keep her hands busy and take her mind off cigarettes.

 Over the course of the next few years my mother made afghans of all sizes and colors for just about everyone she knew – relatives, friends, neighbors, the children and grandchildren of friends and neighbors, even the parish priest. There were extra-large afghans that could be used as bedspreads, and smaller versions intended as throws. Some were made in one piece. Others were made of individual blocks which were put together in strips. The strips were then crocheted together to complete the project. One of my favorite designs was made of individual blocks that each held a three-dimensional rose at its center. She made a few of those, one of which I still have.

 My mother carefully chose the yarns and designs to suit the person she had chosen as the recipient. Bright colors for friends who helped brighten her days, greens and browns for the men, and soft pastels for the babies.

 During those years I brought home several boyfriends, but only one received an afghan. Maybe it was because he stuck around the longest, but just maybe it was my mother’s intuition that told her that he was “the one.” That boyfriend became my husband whom I have been married to for almost 38 years.


10 Comments
Aileen Hower link
3/4/2015 03:28:57 am

You are such a seamless writer, Rose!! I wish that my mom had followed your mother's path. I received the gift of an afghan once. I still have it, from 1988.

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Lisa
3/4/2015 04:12:15 am

This was a sweet, endearing slice! I love how you describe the afghans, but even more how your mother deliberately chose colors, and designs for special people. Great slice!

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elsie
3/4/2015 04:16:49 am

Your mother was a wise woman. She knew who would be perfect for her Rose. This year I celebrate 38 years too.

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Rose
3/4/2015 04:27:57 am

Thanks, Elsie! And congratulations!

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Maria Selke link
3/4/2015 04:53:41 am

That's a great way to keep hands busy! I actually learned how to crochet while I was in college, but I haven't done it in so long there's no way I'd remember how to do it anymore.

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Alan j Wright link
3/4/2015 06:07:07 am

Rose, your story about your mother's lifestyle change singled some significant memory markers in your life and its ultimate outcomes. Having grown up with smokers, I found it easy to make a connection to your story. A well crafted memoir piece. Thanks for sharing

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Barbara Suter link
3/4/2015 06:11:51 am

Mothers know best! Thanks for the memories

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Kristine Williams
3/4/2015 06:19:42 am

Your post reminds me of my Nannaw, who also beautifully crocheted afghans for all of us. I still have them and use them. They were made in the 70s and the colors are back in style. Thank you for your post.

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Mary Ann Reilly link
3/4/2015 06:39:25 am

Love how the opening leads to the ending. I can recall my mom making afghans. This too was begun in the 1970s. Small moments make for big stories.

Reply
Tara link
3/4/2015 08:12:35 am

Her careful choice of what kind of afghans to make was such a lovely thing to weave into this slice.

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