For this mitzvah, I worked for an organization that I discovered online called Knots of Love.  Knots of Love donates snuggly, soft blankets to Neonatal Intensive Care Units across the country. These hand-made gifts serve as a sign that each baby is loved and in the thoughts of caring people across the country.  According to their website, these blankets add, ” . . . color and warmth to an often stark Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Parents sleep with the blankets before placing them on these precious new lives. By providing comfort to parents with babies in life-altering situations, often for months at a time, our blankets help make the experience a little less ‘clinical’ and provide a gift to cherish in the future. These treasures become a keepsake after the child is well and are sometimes put on display in shadow boxes or placed in a memory box.”

I haven’t knit in a long time, but I enjoy it so I decided to give it a try.  I followed the directions on the website exactly.  The blanket was supposed to be 18″ x 24″.  I have no idea what I did wrong, but my blanket was only 12 inches across.  I was so bummed because I put so much time and love into that blanket!  I called up the organization and spoke to a woman who could not have been nicer.  She told me that my blanket came out small for a reason — there is a real need for tiny blankets that can be given to babies who do not survive the NICU.  Parents like to have the babies buried in a blanket.  She asked if I was willing to donate one of these “Eternity” blankets.  I was touched.  Of course!  Even mistakes can have a purpose.  And now I’m at work on a much larger blanket, since it was a really enjoyable and meaningful mitzvah.