I'm making a 'hug' to give away to someone I don't know.

When I was a little girl, my granny taught me how to crochet. It's something I've enjoyed doing ever since, but it hasn't been very high on the priority list for years. Every time I pick up a hook or look at the new amazing yarns available now, I think of summers at Granny's house and it makes me feel as warm and cozy inside as if I were wrapped up in one of her afghans.

I've been visiting a wonderful little church for a while now, and I had heard that they have a 'crochet class' that meets on Monday mornings. I went for the first time last week, and had a great time. I was greeted by a lovely bunch of women, I was given my very own 'crochet tote' with scissors, several patterns, a hook, and a HUGE skein of yarn. I heard a little bit about the prayer shawl ministry that they have been involved in for the past 4 years, and I was so excited to be included in that!

These ladies have made OODLES of prayer shawls. Mary Anne would know exactly how many, I should ask her. Anyway, they make them and donate them to people who are having surgery, or dealing with cancer, or several other situations when a 'hug' would comfort them. There are special tags that go onto each one when it is finished, and then they are put on the alter at church. Every month the pastor, the 'crochet gals', and the congregation pray ... not only for the people who will receive these shawls, but for people who have in the past, for the ministry and for the ladies who make them.

This is a picture of my first one. Obviously, I have a lot to go yet. My goal is to finish one per month .. though I think that some of those ladies in the group can whip them up in about a day. Every time I pick it up to work on it, I clear my mind of anything unpleasant. I relax. I take a deep breath. And then I start crocheting. I don't know where this shawl will end up, who will get it, or why they will be in a position to need it, but it is MY prayer that it will let someone out there know that a woman who doesn't even know them cares.

If anyone would like to join me, let me know.