My maternal grandmother was an avid cross stitcher. She would make them for every major event; this was her way of documenting history. My birth was the last event for which she was able to make a cross stitch. I didn’t get the chance to really know my grandmother, because she had dementia, and wasn’t really able to interact with us. I have this cross stitch piece hanging up in my room, in remembrance of her, so that even though I didn’t get to know her the way I wanted to, she’s always there with her love. I love that I am able to have this piece, as I have something to hold on to, and I get to hear stories about her from my mom, and I feel as if I do know her. 
My great-grandmother and my great-great-uncle both did cross stitch, and they taught my grandmother. During that time period, it was really common for girls to learn, so that’s exactly what she did, and I’m so glad she did. My mom never liked doing it, but my aunt does them, and even finished a few that my grandmother couldn’t. Both my brother and I have picked up some cross stitch here and there, and being able to do it connects me to my grandmother. Although I’m not as talented as she was, it fills me with joy to be able to create things that would’ve brought us together. I hope that my brother and I can pass this tradition on, to always keep the memories of our family alive, and to record our history. I love being able to have something she poured her heart into, even if I couldn’t pour my heart into loving her. 

– WC

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