Sewing Sunsets

I promise that I’ll post a picture of the finished apron here soon, as well as a tutorial for sewing pajama pants.  However, today, I want to give you a few thoughts about December and this “most wonderful time of the year”. 

December signals the beginning of a month filled with holiday gift giving, parties, church services, and family get togethers.  The music heard often contains lines about how magical and wonderful this season is, and for some, that is true.  For others, this is a difficult time of year.  That is true for me because I struggle with just trying to keep my head above water and put on a fake smile and appear to be “happy”.   Part of the reason is that my dad passed away in mid December a few years ago, and some years, I handle that well, but this year just seems more difficult for some reason.  Part of that reason may be that my family won’t be together this year, and watching my mother decline is beyond difficult.

In spite of the sadness and disappointment that I feel during this year’s holiday season,  there are others who have much more difficult situations in life.  Those who live in poverty on a daily basis, face each holiday season wishing and hoping that things were different.  At this time of year, I always think  of Mission of Hope (www.missionofhope.org ), which is a charity that helps people in southeastern Kentucky.   Many of the people who live in that region are deeply rooted in poverty, but often seem to find ways to be content  in spite of their situation. 

Mission of Hope provides tangible, physical needs for the people of southeastern Kentucky, but they also provide what is needed most—hope.  Even the smallest gift or act of kindness may help to foster a glimmer of hope in the hearts of the people of this Appalachian region.  I would encourage all of you who sew, crochet, quilt,  or knit, to use your talents to help foster a glimmer of hope in the hearts of those less fortunate than you.

While I tend to find this holiday season a sad and difficult time for me personally, I find that the one thing that puts a genuine smile on my face and makes me feel happy is sewing items that will be donated to Mission of Hope.  I like to imagine the children’s faces lighting up as they receive new clothing, blanket, or toys.  It gives me a feeling of hope to think that in some small way, my little bit of effort might give at least one child hope for a better life.

Happy Sewing!

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