I, Clarence, 74, has always considered my wife, Jenny, 73, to be the nicest and kindest soul. This was especially true for our grandchildren. Every year, she knits lovely, complicated sweaters for their birthdays and Christmas.
She is deeply committed to this tradition. She’d frequently begin new crafts well before the occasion. This was done to ensure that each child receives something unique, designed just for them. For their birthdays, she would manufacture plush toys for the children. Or a blanket for the elder grandchildren.
On a recent trip, we decided to stop by our neighborhood secondhand store. We were hunting for old pots for a landscape project. What could have been a relaxing outing turned into a heartbreaking experience I will never forget!
I wish we could delete this event from our collective memory. My wife paused as we strolled through the aisles. Her gaze fixed on something, causing her to freeze in place. “Wha…what is that?” “Am I seeing things?” she queried, pointing a trembling finger.
There, hanging among countless other discarded items, were the sweaters she had knitted for our grandkids! They were all for SALE! One in particular—a blue and grey striped one—was unmistakably the one Jenny made last Christmas for our oldest granddaughter.
The look on her face was unmistakable. Her heart broke as she reached out and gently touched the fabric. She tried to smile while holding back tears, masking her pain. “It’s okay,” she murmured, her voice hardly a whisper:
“I understand that kids might be embarrassed to wear grandma’s sweaters.”
I could barely keep my cool as I drew her in for an embrace, realizing how hurt she was. No, this was not acceptable, and unfortunately for our family, I am not as forgiving as my wife. What they did was reckless, damaging, and simply nasty!
While she maintained her cool, I felt myself fuming with rage! That evening, after confirming she was asleep, I returned to the thrift store and purchased every single item she had created!
I was determined to make it right. Without speaking to my wife, I vowed to teach our youngsters a great life lesson! One that will teach children to be thankful for what they receive in the future.
The next day, I prepared a package for each grandchild. I packed each with wool, knitting needles, and a simple set of knitting instructions. I also included a photo of the sweater they had discarded, as well as a note with clear and harsh language:
“I know what you did. Now, you better knit your presents yourself!”
My note continued, “Grandma and I are coming for dinner, and you better be wearing her presents. Or I will tell your parents, and you won’t see any presents anymore, not for Christmas or birthdays.”
The reactions were as varied as you might expect! Some of the grandchildren called, sheepishly apologizing. They confessed that they hadn’t realized how much these gifts meant. Others were silent, likely embarrassed or unsure of what to say.
But the message had struck home.
Dinner day arrived, and the air was thick with expectancy. Our grandchildren arrived, one by one. Each one is wearing the sweaters that were once thought unworthy. I have to be honest: some of the work they performed was hilariously terrible!
I couldn’t help but laugh at the one long hand and one short design! While others were too big, it was clear some sweaters were abandoned mid-project! None of the recreations did justice to MY Jenny’s original work.
The air cleared as apologies were offered, genuine remorse in their eyes. “We are so sorry for taking your gifts for granted, Grandma,” stated our eldest grandchild as their parents watched. “We promise to never again give away anything you’ve created for us with love.”
