I recently delivered my first child via c-section in the Cranbrook hospital. When I met my daughter (an hour or so after she was born- once the meds had worn off) she was sporting a purple knitted tuque. She looked adorable! Apparently, it was made by a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary; many babies are given one to wear while in hospital (some even get to take them home!). I am blessed with a loving and generous family and my daughter and I received a number of gifts that first day. But I must say, there was something uniquely wonderful about having my baby welcomed into the world by the handicraft of a complete stranger. The tuque was made with genuine care- the knitter obviously had no obligations through kinship or friendship, and she even knew that her anonymity meant she couldn't be thanked. I couldn't help but appreciate what a wonderful place my little girl had been born into! For those mothers and infants who are otherwise alone, the gesture is probably appreciated in even more ways.

As an aside, just the other day I stopped into the Marysville Thrift Store and found a hand-made infant sweater. It's white and delicate and my girl looks like an angel in it. Of course it was initially made for another baby, but nonetheless, like the hospital tuque, I was thrilled by the knowledge that many hours of love had been invested into its creation. Mass-produced clothing can never offer this most important feature.

Jodee Owen

Kimberley