LITTLE HATS, BIG HEARTS

As several of you know February is National Heart Awareness month. And yes I know that February is almost over, but the month has gotten away from me and I really want to acknowledge the #AmericanHeartAssociation for all that they do to educate families about congenital heart defects when their new born babies are affected. 


This year I found out about a program called #LittleHatsBigHearts.  The AHA provide red premie and newborn hats to hospitals that request hats throughout the state.  And the need is overwhelming.  It's a volunteer program for anyone who wants to #knit or #crochet these hats.

     When I began I just thought I would knit a few hats and send them on their way.  But in doing so I learned that these hats go through a process before being sent to the hospitals.  The hats are sent to the AHA staff who properly wash, package and pair them with educational materials for the new parents.  Each family receives a letter from the AHA that highlights resources for healthy living. 


After finding out the process it made me feel even better that I had decided to make this small contribution.  As they need hats all year long, not just in February, this will be something that I add to my other knitting projects.  As long as my stiff hands hold up I'll be knitting for AHA, #PracticalArt and family members.


www.heart.org/littlehatsbighearts
www.practical-art.com

What to give.......

It’s Monday morning and I’m sitting in front of my computer reading my email while drinking a second cup of tea.  I just read Cheryl Richardson’s blog about a kind jester that was made in honor of her Dad that passed away a few weeks ago.

As I just lost my Mother a few weeks ago, she is often on my mind as well.  Over the weekend I had been trying to figure out what I could get for my Mom’s wonderful caregiver that would have meaning and show her how much I appreciated what she did for our family.  Mom loved Christmas and loved to make cookies, cinnamon rolls, candies and treats for neighbors and friends this time of year.  That gave me the idea of doing the same for her caregiver.   Wondering if that would be appropriate, I remembered the late days I would be at the assisted living home and watching as the girls put the other residents to bed and complete their daily chores.  They would then go into the living area to relax for a while with snacks and visit among themselves.  Knowing they didn’t have time to make special holiday treats for themselves, I hope this small jester will bring her joy and remind her of Mom.

I’d like to pass this thought on to you.  If you feel like doing something special for someone in honor of a parent or loved one, I know it would mean a lot to them.

Now I have to get busy and start baking.