Hey all-

The following story is penned by my wife Barb Hughes. As many of you know my mom passed away a few days after Thanksgiving. As our family heads into this holiday season without mom, our hearts are heavy. However even in the midst of her death she still found time to give a Christmas gift. Some names have been changed but the story is still true.


Grandma’s Christmas Mittens
By Barb Hughes
Dec. 2006

I found the perfect Christmas present for my mother-in-law - an avid gardener and liturgical clown(!) with a whimsical streak: green knitted mittens with a knitted carrot on the back of one hand, and knitted peas in a pod on the back of the other hand. I showed my daughter and she was thrilled, knowing that her grandma would be delighted in such a perfect gift.

However, her grandma died of a stroke before Christmas. As the family slowly tried to crawl out of the pit of grief, tried to enjoy the Christmas season through the veil of grayness that had overtaken them, the discussion came up between my daughter and I about what to do with grandma's Christmas mittens. I could see my daughter get a serious look on her face as she thought about who might appreciate such an unusual gift. "Evelyn next door needs those mittens" she announced, very sure of her choice.

Evelyn and her husband John had lived in Boston their whole lives: same town, same neighborhood, same friends. When John became too sick with diabetes to take care of himself, Evelyn had taken over his medical care, nursing him as best she could. When Evelyn became too ill to take care of John, their only daughter Joan had insisted they come live with her and her husband in Portland this past summer. Right across the street from our house. Our daughter had taken to Evelyn, and Evelyn had taken to our daughter. Evelyn had been key in developing educational tools and teaching special needs children - before it was considered possible. My daughter also loved little children and had a big heart for those smaller and weaker than herself, so the two women had things in common.

Joan mentioned in passing that Evelyn's birthday was December 14th. Our 13 year old daughter would be so excited - I'd tell her when she gets home from school that today would be the perfect day to deliver the Christmas mittens - Evelyn's Birthday! So I brought down grandmas Christmas mittens and wrapped them in a pretty bag, including a lavender sachet our daughter had made from lavender in our garden. When she got home she had a lot of homework that was due, then she wanted to go shopping for Christmas presents for her middle school teachers. It wasn't until nearly 9 pm that I remembered the present for Evelyn - her birthday was today, and today was almost done! I asked our teenager if we should wait for tomorrow, but she said "Call now and see if I can come over!" As I called, she was already straightening the package and nearly out the door as Joe answered the phone. "I'm sorry it's so late" I began "But our daughter has a birthday present to give to Evelyn. Would it be alright if she brings it over tonight if it's not too late?" Joe's voice had been concerned at first, but as he heard why I was calling I could hear his voice lighten and brighten "Yes, please come over, that would be nice!" he replied. Our daughter was out the door in a flash.

"She had socks on her hands, mom!" our daughter said upon her return "her hands are arthritic and cold, and she didn't have warm mittens - she was SO HAPPY to get grandma's nice warm Christmas mittens - and you know what else? Green is her favorite color!" As our daughter hurried off to complete her homework, I was left with tears in my eyes. Thank you, grandma, for sharing your special Christmas garden mittens with a housebound woman who has cold hands but a loving heart. A woman who sorely has a need for something whimsical, happy, and warm. Someone who misses her Boston home and friends, and is housebound in a new town. Warm and kindness delivered by your own granddaughter. Thank you, Grandma, and to the granddaughter you taught how to show kindness, warmth, whimsy... and love.


Merry Christmas to you all. Chris

Merry Christmas back at ya!

Thanks for this. It's a great story.

Thanks for the good cry! Very sweet!

You're welcome.

Chris,As you and I know,all things work for good to those who love the Lord.I'm sorry about your mother but she still seems to be giving although she is not here.Quite an example.He's still in charge even when we don't understand Him.
Merry Christmas to you and your family and your neighbors.I'll see you in 4 weeks.