It all began with a promise. Don’t most things in life begin that way?
I completed this promise… for you, Erin.

Erin,

Twelve years ago my grandma, Noni, started to make this blanket for you. She adored you the first time she met you. She knew you such a short time, but affection is not always measured by years. It may be brief periods of our life, as it was for Noni, who saw the angel in you. She saw how happy you and Dad made me. She saw the blessing of your love, genuineness, and shining light. As I think about it now, I realize she saw “my future.” Noni and I were kindred spirits so it doesn’t surprise me how much she loved you and Mike like family – instantly! And it didn’t surprise me when she said she wanted to make you, Erin, a blanket. She made blankets for all her family – and you were family to her!

Noni began making your blanket in 2002. She wanted it to be a surprise so she asked what colors you might like. Your jungle-themed room at the time is the reason for the creme, taupe, and black colors. Noni started with the Taupe yarn. If you look closely, the Taupe stitching was the best by crocheting standards. Remember the Taupe color – it was Noni’s hands that crocheted that section. Taupe was the start. It was Noni’s idea and her own hands that started this gift. Soon after, though, her health was failing. She was 89 years old. I remember being in her house when she asked me to make her a promise. She knew she was going to heaven (and kept saying she was ready) and she spoke so frankly about earthly matters that were important to her. One matter was a promise she asked of me. Oh dear, I thought, what could this be. Noni asked me to finish the blanket that she started for you, Erin.

I agreed to do it! I would not let my Noni down… even though it had been several years since I made a baby blanket, and I was concerned about this BIG, multi-colored blanket of Erin’s. So my promise to Noni was made in early 2002. Noni died in September 2002. Had she lived another 6 months, I’m sure you would have had this blanket sooner ☺.

So why did it take 12 years to complete my promise? My short answer is “it makes the story more fun.” My real answer is “Obstacles, Doubt, and Choices.” Who would think that Obstacles, Doubt, and Choices could get in the way of finishing Noni’s blanket? Life throws us curveballs though.

Obstacles
One Obstacle was finding more Taupe Yarn that ran out. I waited a few years to actually start crocheting your blanket because I could not find the correct Taupe match. I searched everywhere. You were even with us in Eurkea at Gma’s and Gpa’s house when I tried to find the exact Taupe match. I went to so many stores in the many cities I traveled to, but the color must have been discontinued.

Another obstacle was “starting over” every time I pulled it out of the closest after a year or more. I would forget the stitches so I had to constantly re-train myself. Another obstacle was that my patience was tested when the yarn would get tangled up. Dad and Tonja helped me many times to untangle the mess.

Another challenge was dealing with your Dad teasing me that the blanket wasn’t getting done. Every year it would be one of my written Goals to “Finish Erin’s blanket.” Finally, in 2011, I made big strides. And, in January 2012, I was just fed up of seeing the goal on my list! So, just as I would pull all-nighters in college studying for exams, I was relentless that I would finish it on your birthday. By the way, it was supposed to be your birthday present in 2003. Just a little late, and while I have a reputation of being late, this takes the cake! I finished it on March 3, 2014 after lots of all-nighters… and some good Paso Robles wine!

Doubt
Guess those all-nighters got to me because a week before I finished it, I laid out the blanket to see if I was close to the finish line, and much to my dismay, I saw all the many flaws in it. It was uneven; loose crocheting in some areas and tight in others (like Noni’s taupe); and popcorn stitches were in the wrong areas. I broke down crying! It was ugly, I thought. I called Mike balling. He was next door and rushed over with Jon and Tonja to cheer me up. They all said it “was beautiful” and don’t worry because “Art is not supposed to be perfect.” The next day I got back on my crochet horse and refused to let any negatives in my head.

Choices
Like anything in life, when you get that Fired-up, Can-do, I Got This, God is with me feeling in your belly that you will achieve something… nothing can stop you! I made the firm and unwavering choice in 2011 to finish it! And, let me tell you, the blanket has seen more of the U.S.A. and been to more countries than most people will ever go to. “She” has been to Mexico, Germany, Singapore, Madrid, and half of the states in the U.S.A. “She” has been in planes, trains, autos, and boats. “She” has enjoyed several cases of wine in the past twelve years too ☺. I made some good choices, despite the doubts and obstacles.

I feel a great sense of accomplishment in completing the promise to Noni. I proved to myself that a constant commitment to crochet would bring me to the finish line with it, and that taught me the importance to NEVER NEVER NEVER GIVE UP.

Erin,
Noni used to say “Have I told you lately how much I love you?” Have I told you lately, my dear Erin, how much I love you? You mean the world to me. May this blanket be a reminder of the love that Noni and I have for you. And may it be a reminder to NEVER NEVER NEVER GIVE UP on your dreams and goals in life. There will often be delays to your dreams, but stay strong and know that God, me, Dad, and many others (Angel Noni too) believe in you and love you so very much.

We Love You,

Shelley & Noni

P.S.
A message to my grand-pup Galactus: I have faith that you will not tear at this precious blanket. I’ll make you your own… should be ready in 5 years.