Guest blog by Sara Alexander
Everyone knows that parenthood is a learning experience for both the parent and the child. Patience, self sacrifice, anger management, patience….. all lessons that are worked on during those blessed 18 years. However, the greatest lesson I learned recently didn’t come from the afternoon triathlon of homework, sports and dinner, but came from a simple scarf.
Yes, a silly, poorly constructed scarf that I made for my 7 year old daughter, Ava. I “learned” to crochet in high school from my best friend, Emily. Learned is a term that I use loosely because I never managed to complete any project I started. Emily, however, went on to create numerous beautiful scarves worthy of an etsy store all the while becoming valedictorian of our high school, graduating with honors from college and conquering medical school.
Fast forward 8…9…ahem, let’s just say many years, and I found myself picking up that cursed crochet needle yet again. It was Christmas break and my new pair of hot jeans weren’t looking so hot anymore. I blame the 6 Christmas parties we attended. Simply ignoring the tempting Christmas candy and rich party food (hello cheese dip!) was not going to work. So I reasoned that keeping my hands busy with a craft project would do the trick. After all, M&Ms do actually melt in your hands (and onto your hips, but that’s a different post altogether).
Watching the Orange Bowl was the perfect opportunity to test my “keep your hands busy with yarn and not stuffing your face theory”. You see, I married into a Clemson loving family, and a football party at my in laws house meant not having to cook dinner that night, but it also meant lots of tempting foods.
My daughter Ava immediately noticed the yarn because 7 year old girls are drawn to all things pretty and crafty. As she flitted around me in her adorable and joyful way, she innocently asked, “Are you making something for me?” While I knew my pitiful skill level would never create anything wearable, nor would she understand my new diet plan (not until she has 3 babies and a thyroid condition), I sweetly smiled and said “Of course, honey. This is going to be a scarf just for you.”
The pressure was on. I now had a greater purpose for my busy work. Y’all, I tried my best, I really did, (only 2 breaks for Rotel dip!) , but the scarf I created was pitiful. My store won’t be launching on Etsy any time soon. But my girl put that scarf on, wrapped it around her neck and danced like it was the most beautiful accessory in the whole world.
I learned that day that practice does in fact not make perfect, nor is sloppy crocheting a perfect dieting plan. But most importantly, I learned my daughter doesn’t want perfection from me to make her happy; she just wants me. They say that it’s the little things in life that matter and while I know that Ava won’t be wearing that scarf forever, I hope she will always know that I love her as I try to daily show her that with my time, my unconditional love and an imperfect scarf.
