The Heart of Gratitude: A Lesson in Saying Thanks

By Eleanor

Expressions of Gratitude

My name is Eleanor, and the way I approached gratitude in my young years was deeply influenced by my grandmama. My mama, a skilled educator, imparted to me the importance of expressing gratitude for all gifts, no matter their worth or personal preference. 'Be grateful,' she taught, 'because people spend their hard-earned money for something for you and if they know you, they should know what you like. But if not, and they still give you something, then just say thank you.'

This lesson in gratitude has stayed with me for years. It's as simple as saying 'Thank you' with my lungs and vocal cords or sending a heartfelt thank-you note expressing my appreciation in writing. Gratitude is a powerful expression of grace and respect.

The Gratitude of Knitting and Crochet

My grandmother belonged to a group of women who did needlework over one day a month. They would gather, rotate houses, and focus on important needlework projects, all while maintaining the rule of no bragging about their families and no boasting about their skills.

My grandmother was not an expert knitter or crocheter—the rules were simple, but the outcomes often were not. She would frequently need help from others to start her projects, especially with knitting and crochet. While many of her ends raveled, the act of gift-making and the spirit of shared gratitude remained intact.

A Lesson in Fixing and Restoring

During the 1970s and 1980s, my grandmother was the most productive, which led my mother to ensure we each wrote a thank-you letter as quickly as the gifts were unwrapped. Sometime, instead of simple introspection, the gifts were transformed with lessons. For example, the gift of learning how to unknot my grandmother's projects to better bind them was invaluable. When I gifted her afghan to my sister, I restitched every section and mended the holes I had missed. This was a lesson in kindness and repair.

The real gift my grandmother gave me was the love, the time, and the thoughtfulness behind her projects. It wasn't about the odd ponchos that didn't fit stuffed animals, the oversized sweaters, or the afghans that couldn't keep people warm. It was about the effort and the care that went into each project.

In today's world, where the impact of kindness is immeasurable, it's easy to forget the simple actions that can make a profound difference. My grandmother's lesson in gratitude and the art of fixing even when it's not necessary is a testament to the power of small acts of kindness.

So, the next time you receive a gift, be it a practical item or a thoughtful one, remember to express your gratitude. It's a way to honor the giver's effort and, in turn, to spread kindness and positivity.