Amanda Hedges and Blake
Having never knitted anything more elaborate than a square blanket or rectangular scarf, I foolishly set out to knit my boyfriend an intricate stocking. It was to be his first Christmas with my family and I wanted to make sure he was prepared. Christmas with my family is no small undertaking. There are often upwards of twenty people all in one room at my grandmother's, stuffing themselves with presents and food. I was excited and proud to include Blake in the festivities. Carefully hiding my endeavor from Blake and starting early in the fall, I enlisted the help of my grandmother, aunt, and mother, all seasoned knitters. Cursing through the language of knitting and intricate patterns, I kept telling myself that Blake was worth it, or had better be.
Finally, that stocking debuted Christmas morning and did all it was supposed to do, despite its crooked bell. It stretched around the crooked angles of gifts, and was filled well beyond the capacity of others. Blake truly appreciated it, as did I. It was more than just a long sock. It was a welcome of sorts, echoed by three generations of women in my family, to the man I'm going to marry.
As it always does, Christmas came again the next year and Blake was once again spending the holiday at my grandmother's house, except this time as my fiancé. Next year it will be as my husband. My heart went into that stocking and look forward to its use for many years to come.