“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
~Kahlil Gibran
A one year anniversary is around the corner.
I’m talking about the Share A Square project, of course.
It’s been an exciting year of watching as people gave of themselves; gave generously from their hearts. At times, the work has been overwhelming, occasionally it has been frustrating, but always it has been rewarding. Even now, I hold afghan squares that have come from all over the world and am filled with awe and gratitude.
We are “almost home.”
On June 14th, 2007, I first posted about a dream I wanted to fulfill. I posted searching for people with big hearts. I wanted to make 140 afghans for children with cancer and blood disorders. Those children will attend a summer camp called Camp Sanguinity in just a few short weeks. My plan was that each afghan would have 48 squares from 48 different people, and I was hoping that the idea would catch on with a few people.
I didn’t have a clue!
Over the past year, more than 10,000 squares have poured into my mailbox. In the Afghan Gallery, you can see pictures of 133 afghans that are packaged and ready to go. I have three more here at the house. There are 15 in the process of being put together by the wonderful volunteers for the program (extra afghans will be given to children who are too young, or too sick, to attend the camp).
I’ve had help from people who are bloggers, and many people who are not. The stories behind some of the squares, and some of the letters I have received, are amazing. When I sit with folks and tell them the tales, I have to take a box of Kleenex because I don’t think there has ever been a dry-eyed listener at the end of the saga.
I get all teary-eyed just thinking about it. The outpouring of love has been amazing.
Thank you. Just…thank you.
I’ll be telling you more in the next few days. I’d show you “purdy pitchers,” but my camera is broken. My blog seems to be having some problems, too. It might be “broken” for all I know. Let me get those issues resolved, and I’ll be back.
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Wow, a year already! How cool is that? I have almost my goal of 70 bags…just a few more!! Whoopee!! I’m telling you, I got a little worried, but just like the afghans, it all worked out! I’m just honored I am a small part of a beautiful program like this. I can’t wait for camp time!!
YellowRoses last blog post..Have you ever?
Oh Shelly you are truly an inspiration. I so wish I could crochet. I’ve tried many times, maybe some day. I so love this idea though. I work in a long term care facility and I know many people that would love a hand made afgan.
Congratulations for making such a wonderful contribution to this world!
Coris last blog post..First Day Of Work
two granddaughters came to visit me yesterday and asked me about the bags I was knitting. I explained about the project (in little people-ese) and told them what the bags would do. The younger asked if they were for little kids like her who had the sniffles and a cold? Older cousin said, no, they are for really sick kids who have cancer like your daddy and nana did.
Now, what more can a proud gramma ask – than that her two youngest granddaughters GET it?
Thanks, Shelly. It’s been fun – and, like Yellow Rose, I have almost reached my goal of bags – soon!!!!
One year and thousands of squares. Shelly you and all the contributors have done a beautiful thing. Congratulations.
Jamies last blog post..Meet Me In Dreamland
A year! This is SUCH a wonderful thing that you are doing! Congrats on making such a success out of it too. I know the afghans will be appreciated.
kaceys last blog post..Road Trip-Cadillac Ranch Version
One year… your reflections? Are you further ahead than you imagined? I’m sure your heart is bigger.