These child-size mittens were made in the 1970s by Mrs. Downs, my kindergarten school nurse, who later became Aunt Phebe, a close family friend. Although they were made over 40 years ago, they still belong in my life today. (The spoon was carved by Mr. Downs, aka Uncle Nel.)

The mittens are made in a very basic pattern using DK-weight wool yarn. They are embellished with daisies made on a flower loom and embroidered stems and leaves. My pair is so old, the yarn ends are popping out but I don’t want to “fix” them and make them perfect. To me, they are perfect as is, with every flaw representing love and wear.

The past is not fleeting. It lives on forever in memory. The smallest act of kindness can ripple out for eternity from person to person and from generation to generation. Every tiny act can become an eternal spark of joy or hope or love. Never underestimate the power of your actions.

Everything I am and everything I do sprouted from seeds that were planted in my childhood. And I hope to plant seeds of my own in every word that I write and every stitch that I knit.