So, ever since Hurricane Sandy hit NY almost two years ago, I've been working on this afghan for my friend Alyce, who (along with her mom) were directly, and negatively impacted by (and for a while, displace by) the storm. It's a huge project. And one that isn't going fast. But here's the most recent progress photo for the Alyce-ghan:
And in the meantime...
A few days ago, I got some news regarding an aunt of mine (aunt by marriage, who is one year older than I am). Some folks say I'm strong or I've got fortitude. I honestly don't know how this woman is able to get out of bed in the a.m.
When we were in high school, I remember (vaguely) she had a brain tumor removed. I don't recall if it were cancerous or what. But I remember that being a huge drama (rightfully so). Cancer or no, if you get your skull cracked open and stuff is removed, and you're able to lead a functional life after, you should get a fucking free pass on any further health crisis, IMHO.
Several years ago, she was T-boned in a car accident which left her with an unpredictable, yet persistent brain injury, which at times will cause her body to seize up into spasms, and affect her speech. She's got a hell of a sense of humor to get thru this, as the times her speech is affected, she sounds alternately like she's Russian or Hispanic. I don't recall the nickname she's got for the Hispanic affectation; however, she refers to the Russian speech issue as "Natasha." Srsly, no words can convey how I just feel about this. Again... she should get a fucking free pass.
Recently in the midst of the never-ending drama with my mom, my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went in for a lumpectomy, and was told initially it was a stage II; however, she was given a blow recently saying she's also gotten liver and bone cancer (which has spread to her spine). I knew instinctively before she got the news on Friday that this wasn't merely a stage II, but a stage IV, with mets. So she needs to get a port installed, they're starting chemo soon, and hope it will stall the spread of the other cancers long enough so she can go in for her second breast surgery.
She's not an aunt by blood; and to be honest, in the near 30 years she's been married to my uncle, I've avoided investing too much of a relationship with her because of issues I have regarding my uncle. And also not to belabor the point, there were huge issues when she married my uncle, because GASP she had their first child out of wedlock! GASP! And there was MUCH LAMENTATION in the family. I don't remember many specifics, but there was a lot of drama, and gossiping, etc. All that said? Here it is, three decades later, for all intents and appearances still in love, three kids, and now three grand kids. Her life has been one of defeating and beating the odds.
I've said this elsewhere, but I'll say it again here: She is my Viking Warrior Aunt. If anyone can come out of this situation, it will be her. She's like a cat with nine lives.
So rather than do up a comfort-ghan (see above, it's taking me nearly two years to get to the point where I am with the one afghan I've been working on, ugh), or a prayer shawl (she's not fussy, doubt there'd be much use for it), I figure I'll make her a cardigan in one of her favorite colors. I started working on it yesterday, and it's an adult version of the sweater I knocked out for my niece (which never got worn because, sadly, it was too small). I'm making the cardigan with a bit of ease, because even though I think she and I are close in size, possibility exists she could in fact be bigger than I am. So, started working on it yesterday and as of 9:30 a.m. today, I broke for the sleeves, so it's official, a sweater is being incubated. I present my WIP:
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