Can crochet help to heal a broken heart?

This story begins with a phone call. It was one of my best friends calling me - nothing unusual. But, once I asked her if she was OK, she couldn’t stop crying. It turned out her 16 year old cat Milou was very poorly and she had slim chances of surviving the night. This news hit me like a cannonball. Milou was my friends little baby girl, her best friend for 16 years and now Milou’s life was hanging by a thread while the vet was doing everything he could to help her see another day.

Milou didn’t make it. She passed away peacefully that day and my friend returned home alone and brokenhearted. She was devastated and there was nothing anyone could say or do to take her pain away, only time could help her heal.

As I sat looking through pictures of Milou and my friend I suddenly realised that I might actually be able to help ease my friends pain. She knows that Milou had the best life any cat could wish for because she was loved and spoiled every single day and she believes that Milou is in heaven now and that one day they will be reunited.

So how could I possible help? I would crochet a Milou lookalike cat that would remind my friend that Milou is still happy and she will be patiently waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for many, many years until they are reunited once again.

For the next 2 weeks every spare minute I had I would spend surrounded by crochet hooks, a pile of yarn and pictures of Milou. While crocheting I carefully studied her fur pattern, eye shape and colour, posture and overall appearance. Minutes, hours, even days flew by and, before I knew it, the weekend me and my friend agreed to meet for a cup of coffee and a walk was here.

We were going to meet lunchtime Saturday and I barely slept the Friday night. Suddenly I was worried she wouldn’t like the gift. I found myself thinking: “What if she get’s offended? What if she thinks I’m actually suggesting this stuffed toy could replace her beloved friend? Was this a bad idea? Maybe it’s too much of a reminder? Maybe it’s too early? Maybe I shouldn’t give her the toy at all?”

Saturday morning I decided that crochet Milou was coming with me after all. I met my friend and nervously handed her the gift. She opened the gift bag and couldn’t believe her eyes. “Oh my God, it’s my Milou!” she said and gave the toy the biggest cuddle. Days later she would tell me how the crochet cat sits were Milou used to sleep and it actually gives her great comfort to see her there.

Don’t underestimate the power of a handmade personalised gift. You could make a real difference in someone else’s life!