August 21, 2016 is the 100th anniversary of my father's birth. He was not famous, or a world-renowned leader, but he was my dad so that makes him the most amazing man ever to me. A 100th birthday - even though he is not here in person to celebrate - seems like something that requires special notice.
I will turn 60 years old in 2016, so it's a landmark birthday for me as well. Assuming I make it to then (and I have every intention of doing so!), I will have lived seven years longer on earth than my father did. I have been thinking, and have a nugget of an idea.
I want to try and get my knitting, crocheting, sewing, and other crafty friends to try during 2016 to make something for a man, young man, or young boy who is living in a shelter, a nursing home, the VA hospital, a regular hospital long-term - you get it, right? And in theory, we could have a total of 100 items made by the end of the year and distributed in our own communities. I would call it "Harry's Hundred" (my father's name was Harry), and it would be my gift to his memory. Anyone who participated could do so in honor of him, or in honor of anyone else they chose.
My dad grew up poor, and he was a WWII Army veteran, and I think he would approve of any type of organization like the ones listed above (and others I've not added) being recipients of gifts from others' hearts.
I have nothing against donating to women's organizations/shelters/whatever, but this is for my dad, so I wanted it to be for the males of the species, who need help and some love as well.
As I said, I don't have details worked out, but I wanted to see if you thought this was something you might consider doing, and/or asking friends to join you in doing. In any event, I plan to do what I can on my own, but my dad was a true extrovert, and I'm sure he would think the more, the merrier.
Thoughts? Opinions? Criticisms? Ideas? Please share in the comments.
And have a wonderful weekend. :-)
(a newspaper clipping photo of my dad from 1969, the year he died)
NaBloPoMo Day #21
12 comments:
Brilliant, and sweet. The yarn shop here has been making hats for low-income students throughout the district. Schools, shelters, and the VA all sound great. I'm in. If my squares can help in any way, let me know.
I think it's a wonderful idea! Count me in!
I think it's a lovely idea.
What a wonderful way to celebrate your Dad.
Hugs,
Meredith
I think it is a swell idea.
hi bridget...a great idea...i am in...take care...sally
For one of the Greatest Generation who helped kick Hitler's butt? Count me in too!!!
I think this is an awesome idea and would be happy to help and contribute!
I think this is a great idea! I actually saw (on Ravelry) I think - a scarf that was called World War II scarf (but I'm probably wrong about that name). My Dad is a WWII Vet. He just turned 89.
Linda in VA
What a wonderful and meaningful idea! I would be glad to participate -- and I'd be happy to help you promote it (via Facebook and my blog, for example).
What a lovely and creative way to honor your father! I'd be glad to contribute and am already thinking about good hat patterns to knit.
It's a lovely idea. I like that the nature of it honors your father all the way around.
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