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This posting is about a special project I have started in my son's memory...a project that started with a 'seed'...

Last year around this time, a box arrived at work. Inside was a hand-knit blanket with a beautiful note. The note simply explained that a special baby needed a special blanket. I was completely humbled and touched by the thought and love that was put into each stitch by a complete stranger.

A few weeks later, my Uncle Larry contacted me. He wanted to let me know that he had started a blanket for Palmer. He said he has made them for his other great-nieces and nephews and felt Palmer needed the same. My Uncle Larry was on the heart transplant list and he would cross-stitch to pass the time as he patiently waited for 'the call'. I can use the word 'was' because he is now off the list. He received his new heart this past November. This blanket represented the circle of life - giving and receiving - death and life anew.

These were just two of many thoughtful mementos I received from family, friends and complete strangers. These mementos are so much more than a tangible possession... they all enhanced our memories of Palmer. And so the 'seed'  of  Project Palmer began to grow.

Around Christmas I NEEDED something to keep my mind and hands busy. So with the help of You Tube and a borrowed crochet hook, Project Palmer was conceptualized.

Knowing that any day could be Palmer's last, we were able to think ahead and prepare. Unfortunately many families do not have this opportunity. What is supposed to be a joyous day turns into their worst nightmare. Their empty arms hold only memories.  My goal for Project Palmer is to enhance these memories by providing memory boxes to the local area hospitals. These boxes will include at least a hand stitched blanket and hand mold kit. I would also like to provide an option for a cocoon/hat combo to be used as a photo prop. The photo prop idea was something that I thought about doing for Palmer but decided against....it is a decision that I regret. I want the love and thoughtfulness we felt from others to translate through each stitch created.

I have been blessed with wonderful family and friends and honestly couldn't have done this completely on my own.  My cousin Linda has graciously volunteered her time and talents for Project Palmer....wielding her knitting needles and also as an administrator for the Facebook page.  So please stop on over, 'like' the page and check things out... including photos of current projects and shipping/delivery updates.

I will leave you with the words of Dr. Seuss. Words that can be applied to so many things in life...

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
                                                                          ~ Dr. Seuss, The Lorax