Delving Into My WIP's Goodie Bag...Again!

So summer is finally creeping up on us and well what will you be working on during the warm weather?  Me, I'm going to dive back into that seemingly bottomless WIP's bag. You may have remembered a post back in January, where I talked about delving into my WIP's goodie bag.  Well here I am again, back to that bag, trying to get some of those unfinished objects (UFO's) - finished!

I returned to working on a granny square afghan I started almost 5 years ago. It was originally started for my son, because I thought it would be something he could cherish and pass on to his children.  But after I had a friend make him a quilt out of some of his old t-shirts; the need to finish this afghan took a back seat.

But recently, I received some surprising news from my family back east, news that saddened me somewhat, but at the same time gave me a reason to finish the afghan, now more than ever.  One of my sister's children (her youngest who is 4 years old) has been diagnosed with Leukemia.  While even though I'm saddened by this news, I know that he is strong and healthy and will pull through and won't be the worse for wear afterwards - because children are so resilient.

Popcorn granny square afghan so far

So, when I heard he had to undergo an operation to prepare him for chemotherapy, I thought that the afghan would be a nice keepsake that he could have with him while he's in the hospital, something that could remind him of home and not feel like he's in a hospital.  I know it must be frightening and confusing for him and I wanted him to have something from his Auntie that would comfort him during this scary time - to let him know my son, Aiden and I are thinking of him and want him to get better.

So I'm diligently trying to get it done before I leave for vacation next month, so I can give it to him when we go home for our visit. It is made up of 36 - 5"x5" crochet granny squares (popcorn design) that I sewed together and now triming it in double-crochets in a navy blue color (perfect for a little boy).  Since he's a little guy, it will be the size of a couch throw which is probably plenty big enough to keep him wrapped in warmth while he is going through his chemotherapy.

I also, decided the pineapple shawl that was originally for my sister who lives in NY will now go to my sister in Maryland.  Ever since I received the news I knew I wanted to keep her in good spirits while she's comforting her son as he undergoes the chemotherapy treatment. Once its finished I'm having a friend take it to her prayer group and give it a healing blessing so that it will surround her with our love and blessings from 3,000 miles away.

I would like to ask all of you who reads this to keep my little nephew, his mom, and their whole family in your prayers.  Thank you.