One of the most wonderful things about having been raised in the interior of Alaska with a bush-pilot father and a colportuer mother was traveling to many of the remote towns and villages that dot this wild region.
The people fascinated me with their uniquely beautiful, independent, and creative ways. As I spent time around the fire, often attempting a hand at their crafts, I heard their amazing stories. Though for some, these stories where painful revelations of domestic abuse and violence.
These unforgettable experiences, as well as my own life journey haunt me and compel my quest for hope, emotional healing and a deep desire to make a difference for others.
So when I heard my friend, Mable Dunbar, sharing her dream of Polly’s Place Network, the counseling and country retreats they have begun to establish, providing a safe haven from domestic abuse, the first thing that came to my mind was, “When are we going to build one in Alaska?” and I knew this was a project I had to support.
As a stay-at-home mom of five children, I already make my time and dollar stretch rather far. Then I thought of the hats I crochet—each an original. And at the suggestion of a friend, I began to prepare these patterns into a marketable form to sell and share the profits with Polly’s Place.
I had no idea of the time and energy it would take, but my family was supportive and my proudest moment was when I stood back and looked at the results of this idea—a line of five “Cumi” crochet patterns, several of which can be felted.
The resulting profits remain to be seen. Like the widow's might, I believe that when we see a need and are willing to care enough to roll up our sleeves, using our abilities no matter how simple or insignificant they seem, each of us can make a difference!
