When I turned eighteen, my grandmother gave me a hand-knitted red cardigan, crafted with months of love. Too caught up in my own world—college, friends, parties—I offered a half-hearted “Thanks, Grandma,” not seeing the hurt in her eyes. Weeks later, she passed away unexpectedly. Grief hit hard, but I buried it, tucking the cardigan away in my closet, too painful to face.
Years later, married with a fifteen-year-old daughter, Emma, we found the cardigan during spring cleaning. Emma slipped it on, its red wool vibrant against her dark hair. She discovered a note in the pocket, written in my grandmother’s delicate handwriting: “For my sweet girl, may this keep you warm when I no longer can. Always remember how deeply you are loved.” Tears fell as guilt and love flooded back. I hugged Emma, sharing stories of my grandmother’s strength and warmth.
Now, Emma wears the cardigan often—to school, on walks, at home. It’s a family heirloom, linking three generations: my grandmother’s hands, my regret, Emma’s joy. The note, fragile but powerful, reminds me love endures, woven into every stitch. When Emma wears it, I feel my grandmother’s laugh, her love wrapping us still, eternal and unbroken.