Sparkly and kind

Sometimes someone does something that just touches you in some special way. It makes you grin for no reason, gives you a giddy feeling in your tummy. Taken by itself it may not seem like such a big deal, but each time you replay it in your mind, you are touched again and again.

Whenever I started knitting, I never knew how much I would enjoy it. I never suspected how "into it" I would get. How obsessed with yarn I would get. How much I wanted to learn and explore.

I have gotten lots of support for my new hobby from my enablers (Kristi and Jennifer) and Cynical, well, he doesn't complain about the yarn and is a good critic. Everyone else, on the other hand, kinda thinks I am crazy. Knitting? Why?

All except my dear buddy, Bestest Girl. I showed my creations to my folks, and they kinda said, "Hmmmm." I mentioned it to a few of my other buddies and they playfully teased. Bestest Girl, however, ooohed and coooed and encouraged. She felt the yarn, noted the colors, bragged on my abilities. I swear she was channeling Mrs. Bagget, my fourth grade teacher, the bestest teacher ever and I mean EVER.

There is nothing better than knowing that someone is pulling for you, that someone thinks you are cool and is proud of you. That kinda encouragement used to come from your folks, but as you get older, it seems to come from those that surround you, your "made" family.

Well, let me get to the point: each year Bestest and I exchange gifts. We know each other pretty well, so it's amazing how on-target we are with each others tastes and needs. She's an awesome giver. It's true and cannot be denied.

So, when I shouldn't have been surprised when I spied the tiny box in the bottom of the bag. She got all excited as I gently pulled it out to open it. She clapped as I lifted the lid and peeked beneath the cotton. She giggled as I pulled out a tiny silver ball of yarn with two knitting needles. She had gotten me a knitting charm for my bracelet.

How very, very sweet. How very, very appropriate. I am the most blessed girl in the world, not just because I got a shiny new gift, but because someone wanted me to know that they cared about me, encouraged me and loved me in the smallest of ways.