The idea for Breelyn’s Blanket Brigade came to me when my niece Rose crocheted a square. She was quick, agile, eager, and seven! I thought, if she can do this, maybe others will be interested too. And so, it began. I made a video, shared it on Face Book and soon I was receiving squares and blankets from around the world.
Our child Breelyn died of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). When we were able to see her at the hospital, she was covered in a home-made blanket. The blanket made me feel like when I couldn’t be there, my baby was still provided for- she was shown love. And so I wanted to make blankets for other families who experienced similar losses. But it hadn’t occurred to me that other people would want to help…until Rose made her square…
And frequently, the squares and blankets either come from kids or are inspired by kids. Home-schooled siblings in California sent me squares in fulfillment of their community service hours. Beltsville Adventist School, Spencerville Adventist Academy, College Park Academy, Thunderbird Adventist Academy, and Camelback Elementary made and are still making squares. A dear father who’d lost his son to cancer, made and sent a beautiful blanket in honor of his sweet boy. At the live gatherings of Breelyn’s Blanket Brigade, kids sewed squares into blankets. And finally, recently, Rose’s younger sister Ella, sent me her own square- a contribution to Breelyn’s Blanket Brigade.
My daughter Breelyn is no longer alive and it’s hard (that is a huge understatement!). But, the kids that I’m writing about give me hope. They know where these blankets are going. These are kids who won’t have their own children for twenty years and yet, they are moved to action now. They get it. They understand that these blankets can show a grieving family that their child mattered- that they were valued. Our kids are showing love to families when they need it most.
I know that everyone isn’t interested in learning to crochet, knit, or quilt. But, I’m finding, that often, your kids are. They are great with hand/eye coordination. And, they love a project. So maybe it is time to give it a try… SimplyDaisy on youtube gives great instruction! Family projects are the best!!
Love, Summer
P.S. As always, thank you for your love and support. Together, we’re making a difference!!
P.P.S. My five year old is always asking me to teach her to crochet and this Christmas I bought her a loom. Stay tuned for how that works… I’m putting my spouse in charge of that project!