Barbara’s Shawl

Through the difficult days amazing gifts have come and this one has touched me so deeply I barely knew what to say. I cried when I opened it, it is so beautiful, and the note in the card moved me more than I can say. And the lovely woman who sent the gift, Barbara, has been a lovely presence, a rare jewel in my life. She is my eldest daughter Jenny’s mother-in-law. I can’t tell you how kind she has been to me through the years.

Yesterday, having just been at the hospital the day before and having come home frightened and on a strict medical regimen for the large bloodclot in my leg, I was overwhelmed, afraid, and very down. The doorbell rang and when I got to the door the FedEx man had just pulled off having left a large box in the doorway. I couldn’t imagine what it was.

I opened the large cardboard box and inside the outer box was another box wrapped carefully in brown paper. I opened it slowly not being able to imagine what might be in it and I gasped when I saw the most beautiful box I had ever seen. (You will see it below.) Inside the box I found this incredible shawl. I happen to particularly love shawls and always wear one but have never owned anything this exquisite. Inside the beautiful card that came with it Barbara wrote “I am so sorry for your loss of the beautiful Delilah so I am sending this shawl, made by me with loads of hugs incorporated and woven into every thread. It’s made of 3 different types/variations of 100% alpaca, grey thread Baby Alpaca, pink thread Suri Alpaca, dark grey, American Top Coat Alpaca. No synthetics…” I absolutely could not believe how soft and luscious it is. She sent it for the loss of my little Delilah and it arrived when I was just home beginning to deal with the blood clot, in rough shape, and needing comfort. It would not be possible to imagine a more perfect gift at a more perfect time. I was in awe of both the thoughtful gift and the amazing timing.

And the wonderful thing is that not only did Barbara send me this beautiful shawl, the box that she sent it in is a gift that will keep on giving. I am just beginning to gather embroidery and stitching supplies that I will be using as I rest with my feet up and I have been trying to figure out what I could put them in. Could there be anything more perfect than this beautiful box? It is now here beside me on the stool next to my chair where I sit with my feet up as the doctor prescribed. I will add bits and bobs and fabric to the box and as I rest and heal and sew Barbara’s beautiful box will be right here beside me.

When I put the shawl on I feel as if I am in a dream, I can’t believe how lovely it is, how thick and soft and luscious, and how truly comforting it is to wear. It is a healing shawl, handmade by the dearest of women, and filled with love. Nothing could mean more to me and I will treasure it for the rest of my life. These last months have been so hard, so many losses, so many scary, heartbreaking things, but through it all have run threads of love from dear family and friends, and despite everything I absolutely know how deeply blessed I am. My heart is so full. I am so incredibly grateful.