16 Comments
User's avatar
Jeanne Church's avatar

Those dolls are adorable! What a wonderful use of you knitting talents! Very interesting information about the therapeutic benefits your little dolls could provide. Keep up the good work, Bev!!

Expand full comment
Beverley Bley's avatar

Thanks Jeanne. I appreciate your support & interest in my posts. ❤️

Expand full comment
Jane Coleman's avatar

Wow, Beverley, what a lovely read. Your mom was such a beautiful knitter who, as you know, donated many childrens’ sweaters to Head Start here in Moncton. She would have loved knitting these dolls as much as you do. Thank you for your act of kindness, a testament to and encouragement for the rest of us to do random acts of kindness ourselves.

Expand full comment
Beverley Bley's avatar

So happy you remember mom's knitting and her love of donating her sweaters. We carried on the tradition after she moved to Ontario until she stopped knitting when she was 90. Thank you for your very kind comments.

Expand full comment
Jane Coleman's avatar

I fondly remember the absolute treat it was to be with your parents, in their living room, and your dad proudly telling me about all the knitting your mom had done. She would then bring out a pile of beautifully knitted sweaters, each one different. I was always in awe.

Expand full comment
C. Charles Bley's avatar

Best article you've posted in the past year, I'd say. Glad you found a new way to inject even more meaning and purpose into your visits to your mother's managed care community.

Expand full comment
Beverley Bley's avatar

You haven't seen my grocery shopping list. Now that's some good writing!! 😆

Expand full comment
Mel Church's avatar

Your knitting project has brought a lot of happiness to those folks. Your explanations about the therapeutic value of the dolls was enlightening. A sad story about the originator's son, killed in the war.

Expand full comment
Beverley Bley's avatar

Thanks Mel. Yes, I think the original story is remarkable. Today, many Izzy Doll knitters create dolls in the uniforms of the armed forces for Veterans Day & Armed Forces Days around the world.

Expand full comment
Dianne Griffith's avatar

So awesome to read your precious story. My mom had dementia and passed away a few years ago at 91. She knit and crocheted and tried to teach me but yarn and I don’t communicate well. I prefer cross stitch or other embroidery. But your Title caught me eye so had to read. Love your IzzyInspired knit dolls. And such a blessing to give away to those in MGM. Know there are many smiles and sweet memories. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to reading more of your stories.

Expand full comment
Beverley Bley's avatar

Dianne, thank you for your lovely comments. Before my mother fell down the dementia rabbit-hole, she also cross-stitched and I have some beautiful, framed pictures that I treasure. My Substack, originally titled Write What You Know, (now a subtitle) touches on many different subjects including family and history stories, health, daily observations and, of course, my mother, Irene. She is a constant source of inspiration. I do hope you will continue reading--and commenting. I see that you understand how important it is to interact with dementia patients in a positive and loving manner. I'm sure you made your mom's last years happy ones. Many hugs.

Expand full comment
Toni's avatar

Bev you are fabulous. These dolls are adorable. I remember what a talented knitter you are. Emily still has the lovely doll sweater you made for her doll one Xmas. I love your stories even more. Keep writing!

Expand full comment
Carol Duczyminski's avatar

Beverly, this is the most beautiful story! Having experienced the time my mother was in a long-term care facility, I am so relieved that you and your mom are having a positive experience! Your dolls are beyond adorable and such a gift to folks. Keep up the good work!

Expand full comment
Beverley Bley's avatar

Thank you Carol. We are very fortunate that mom is in such a caring home. Each time I visit I learn so much about the residents & staff…such lovely people.

Expand full comment
Graham Strong's avatar

Great story, Beverley! I had to scroll down to make sure you included a picture of the ones you made. They look great!

Expand full comment
Beverley Bley's avatar

Thanks Graham. Of course I had to include my hoard! It was tough letting some of them go. But "Have Yarn, Will Knit" is my motto and I'm happily reproducing my favs. Now, if I could just apply the same motto to my writing! "Have Keyboard, Will Write!" Or on some days, "Have Crayon, Will Scribble." Whatever.

Expand full comment