Amy's Story

Back in October, I received this comment in my regular blog:

This is going to sound like the randomest comment ever...I'm in a play with your daughter. Haha, we were talking about Rhinebeck (because I live there) and the sheep and wool festival and one thing led to another so here I am! I love this blog.

Tonight I received this in my inbox:

Red Scarves knit by Amy, who was in a play with my daughter at college, a college student who lives in Rhinebeck -- a college student knitting scarves for other college students.

Amy writes:

I'm a college freshman, and recently a friend of mine (who is not a foster child but an international student, so she does not receive much mail) told me that she never checks her campus mailbox because it makes her sad that she never gets anything.  My mother, without fail, sends me a snail mail card every week.  I asked my mom if she would mind sending my friend a card, to which she gladly obliged. Hearing how overjoyed and thankful my friend was upon getting this simple card was unbelievable.  When I heard about this project, I thought of this friend, and realized how sad it must be for one of my fellow students to see classmates constantly receiving elaborate care packages when he or she receives - and expects - nothing.  I knit only two scarves this year, but I have a bunch of red yarn to get a head start for next year.

Could you just die?!  Amy, thank you so much!  Best of luck next semester!

Comments

[Chris Nielsen]

Amy's story did a great job of summing up my reasons for participating in the Red Scarf project. I was a student at a small college in upstate NY and I remember both the effects of mail from home and the disappointment of those who rarely received mail.

I think the fact that a scarf is a tangible, transportable, shareable (is that a word?), long-lasting statement of caring is what appeals to me about the project. The fact that it can envelop the recipient like a hug is also a joyous thought for me.

Chris Nielsen

[MJ]

This is SO inspiring!! The heart and attitude of giving is wonderful!!

[jpt]

Love it. My scarf=32" and counting. The red yarn is a great antidote to the leaving-London blues. I keep stealing time away from my obligation knitting to do the scarf!

[Sue]

That's awesome. When people see me knitting my red scarf (yes, I'm still working on it ... argh ... but it will be done, I promise!), they ask me about it and I am glad to tell them about this project. Upon hearing about it they always have such a positive reaction -- and really, how could you not?!