April 30, 2008

The Gift
"Something To Ponder"

Her name was Vera. I first saw her as I entered the facility where my Mama resides. She was sitting in the lobby, hunched over in her chair, busily working on something. Every time I would walk through the lobby there was Vera, still sitting, still working. One day I went up to her to say hello and asked her what she was working on. She looked up at me with cloudy eyes and gave me a big smile. She told me that she had been a knitter her whole life and for many years she had made beautiful blankets and sweaters, but her poor eye sight and arthritic hands kept her from doing so any more. When I looked down I saw that her hands were indeed, gnarled and swollen.

As I started to leave Vera told me to wait and she opened up her purse She reached in and brought out a pot holder that she had made. When she went to close her purse I noticed that it was filled to the brim with them. As she handed me the pot holder she told me that the stitches weren't perfect but that she had tried her best. Tears filled my eyes and I reached over and gave her a great big hug and a kiss on her cheek. As I was walking away, I could hear the steady rythmn of the clicking needles again.

Later, as I was talking to my sister, I told her about the gift and she said, "you must have met Vera." She went on to tell me that every person that Vera meets is gifted with a pot holder that she has made. Why, even my four year old niece and one year old nephew have one! As I pondered all of this I knew that I would treasure this pot holder forever, imperfect stitches and all. In my heart I knew that Vera had given me a much greater gift that day. You see, sometimes gifts aren't just felt with the hands, they are felt within the heart.

12 comments:

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

What a lovely story! I worked in nursing homes for several years in my youth, and believe you gave Vera a gift by accepting that pot holder that she lovingly made. What a treasure for both of you! Linda

Susan said...

What a heartwarming story! A gift more valuable than silver or gold.

Kelli said...

What a precious story and a special treasure, Susan!
~Kelli

Firefly Nights said...

This is a very touching story. It has to be so hard for older folks to lose some of their lifelong skills due to infirmities. I'm glad she was able to still continue her knitting even if it wasn't as good as it once was. The gift of a potholder came with a gift of love, both given and received.

Anonymous said...

I think I could cry just reading that. So many times we get caught up in our worlds and forget the important things, huh? Paula

Dorothy Aichele Conway said...

Thanks for sharing that story. My hands are not as good as they used to be, but I'll keep on doing the best I can. She has inspired me.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely story. People are so lonely these days and it was so nice of you to stop by her chair to say hello. God will bless you for that.

Lallee said...

I loved this. Vera still has the gift of giving. Bless her. A friend who visits a nursing home takes yarn to a woman who is now 100 years old and still crochets beautiful blankets. You came home with a treasure. Susan, you mom will be in my prayers and you, too!

Hugs,
Lallee

Anonymous said...

Thank you. Please let Vera know that her stitches (and story) have touched many, because of your kind appreciation.

Renna said...

What a precious woman. That story brought tears to my eyes!

Thanks to Firefly Nights for linking to it!

Now, I'm off to take a look around your blog. :-)

Rhonda said...

Very sweet Vera~ but are you sure that is a pot-holder? I think it might be a crocheted dish cloth.....

Anonymous said...

This is my first post I'd like to congratulate you for such a terrific made forum!
Was thinking this would be a perfect way to make my first post!

Sincerely,
Monte Phil
if you're ever bored check out my site!
[url=http://www.partyopedia.com/articles/john-deere-party-supplies.html]john deere Party Supplies[/url].