The Cardigan

My 91-year-old grandmother hosted Thanksgiving this year. A few holidays have passed since she's felt up to it, and a rush of nostalgic bliss came over me when I heard it was going to be at her house. My grandmother is such a strong woman, and she continuously surprises me with her wit and undeniably upbeat nature. In honor of this giving season, I wanted to share one of the many moments where she's unexpectedly impacted me through her generous and kind spirit. You see, my grandmother was single for many years in between her two husbands, and whenever she finally met her second one, Bob, she fell hard. This was what love was supposed to be like. This was compassionate, gentle love she hadn't fully experienced in her first marriage. I was born shortly after they were married, and grew up knowing only Bob as my grandfather. I remember his kind eyes and the way he'd talk to me while I sat on his lap, like he was truly interested in getting to know me at such a young age. He passed away when I was only seven. Again, my grandmother was alone, this time left by her true love. She's one of the strongest people I know, yet it still surprised me when she gave me his cardigan in college. She knew how much I loved wearing oversized clothing, so she offered it to me. Every time I wear it, I feel like I'm wrapped up in his arms again, sitting on his lap as a little girl. For her to let go of it meant so much to me. That's why, whenever her daughter became extremely ill, I gave it back for her to wear when she visited her. We didn't know if my aunt would make it, and I knew my grandmother needed her man by her side, wrapping her in love when she went to see her. Turns out, she made a miraculous recovery, my grandmother returning home, and simultaneously returning the love-laden sweater back to me. I hope this holiday season, you reminisce on the memories of years past, while fully experiencing the company of the family still surrounding you.