Monday, August 11, 2008

The strength of family:

This past week my family experienced a horrific tragedy. Our lives will never be the same, these children will never be forgotten, the pain will never go away. But because of the incredible strength and support of our family – the survivors will survive; will have productive and worthwhile lives. While at a family service to celebrate the lives of the little ones lost, I realized that the strength that surrounded us comes from the cement of our families; our Parents, the Aunts and Uncles, the Grandparents, our Siblings(my sister is the family rock!), our Children. We have always been close, celebrating together the joys of our lives, supporting each other in our sorrows. Although children's lives have been taken from us in the past, nothing could have prepared us for the magnitude of this tragedy. But we were all there sharing in the grief, moving toward healing, hoping for recovery and health to come. I am so honored to be part of this family – to witness the strength and courage, and be wrapped in the blanket of familial support.

Now I need your help. The my dear cousin and her children will spend many months recovering in the Burn Center and will need super soft socks and hats. I think that wool is out – too fibery…but maybe bamboo? Does anyone have experience knitting for Burn patients? I need your help.

I know it’s a cliché – but hug your kids and live each day.

7 comments:

Pat K said...

How absolutely horrible! Are you related to all the victims? I know nothing about knitting for burn victims, but if you find anything out...Until then, many prayers will be heading your way for healing and recovery. Wish I could be there to lend more support.

PJ said...

Oh, Julie. I am so sorry for your family's loss. What a terrible tragedy. I will certainly do what I can in the way of hats. Please let me know what you find out re: suitable fiber and we'll go from there. Take care. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Polly

Rhonda the Stitchingnut said...

Oh how horrible! I remember hearing about it on the news.

I'm afraid I don't know anything about knitting for burn patients. Should ask someone at the Burn Center. They could give you an idea of what materials & when they might be able to wear the items, depending on the severity of the burns, maybe?

Sarah said...

My heart cries out for your loss, Julie. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I'll definitely knit socks and hats. Please let me know sizes and fibers needed.

Mette (Mettuska) said...

Crying here, too... What a horrible thing... Many prayers with the victims and with the whole family.

roxie said...

I'm so sorry! We might have to try a variety of fabrics and patterns and see what works best. Bamboo is quite in-elastic, so head and foot sizes would be a help.

High Desert Museum said...

Oh, Julie, how heartbreaking. My thoughts are with you. How can we help?