The Blue Sweater
Hello!
I am so excited and just honored that sharing my story of the blue sweater is really touching peoples hearts! I know in your line of work sometimes appreciation is not always shown as it could be.
It wasn’t until I was in my 30s, mature & responsible that I could really appreciate all that you guys had done for me. Community action in Albion and the community center in Holley helped me through more times than I can remember. From Christmas gifts for my children, security deposit’s for a place to stay, to food when needed and even gas for my car to get to work. Honestly community action gave me hope when I had none many times. So many answered prayers from this organization and the volunteers.
So yes you may absolutely share the story with whomever you’d like however you’d would like. Sometimes people do need a reminder that they’re doing a good job and that what they’re doing really does touch people more than what may be shown.
Thank you so much for reaching out to me. It really means a lot to me that this story is making an impact on those who made one on me.
Ashley
The blue sweater.
This isn’t just any blue sweater you see, it’s been passed down to all the girls for the last twelve years.
When my sweet Riley was about three years old I picked up this blue sweater from a local charity center that helped people in need. At the time I was not in a comfortable place in life and this establishment helped me quite often.
I remember thinking what a lucky find as I pulled the blue sweater out of a box of clothes left out for those in need. At the time I had no idea how truly valuable this blue sweater would end up to be.
Riley outgrew the blue sweater after about two years. The sweater was still in great condition, through all the play dates, spilled juice, trips and tumbles the blue sweater remained resilient. It was only right to pass the sweater down to the next lady in line my niece Haidynn. She too has many great many memories & pictures in the blue sweater.
A little over three years had passed when the blue sweater found its way in a bag of hand me downs from my niece back to my house for my younger girls Jaidynn & Jetta.
Jaidynn and Jetta each took their turns in the blue sweater over the next five years. Many pre school and kindergarten pictures of theirs they are wearing the loyal blue sweater. Many walks to the park, warming up at big sis’ cheer events, always the extra layer for the cubby at school on those chilly days. This blue sweater has become a priceless most valuable piece of time. A walking memory.
Now my sweet grandbaby has been presented the blue sweater.
To some, maybe most, they will not understand my connection to this blue sweater. For me however this blue sweater is so much more than a sweater. It represents tradition, value and most importantly growth. I look back now on the day I was rummaging through that box at that community center and I thank god, I thank the universe and all the powers you can’t see. Most importantly though I thank myself.
I never gave up just like the blue sweater.
Now I donate whenever I can im always trying to give back for all the times my prayers were answered. You really never know the impact something so little can leave on a person or even a whole family.
So to whomever donated the little blue sweater to the Holley community center twelve years ago, thank you. Thank you so much! ♥️