My scarf of many colours (and the gift that took my breath away)

Here’s a story about a gift that left me speechless. Well, for a good few moments.

Years ago, I had a wonderful scarf — until I no longer did.

It was long, warm, striped and rich in chromatic colours, and I wore it everywhere. It was warm and great in cold, windy weather … ideal, then for eastern Newfoundland and its skin-stripping winds. I also liked that there was at least one colour in the scarf that went with pretty much anything I could wear.

Somewhere along the line, though, I lost it. I think it slipped out of the arm of a coat after I hung it up. Who knows.

Martha had found the original in England; I spent some time searching retail websites for another. Eventually, I parked the notion and moved on.

Fast-forward to last Christmas.

Nick, our child, and their partner Mary presented me with a handmade scarf, which emulates the lost treasure. It’s the one on the right.

Mary crocheted it, one colour at a time. Nick had combed through their family photos, looking for glimpses of me wearing it, trying to figure out not just the precise shades but the sequence.

I was both impressed and grateful. It’s tucked away now at the top of our front closet, and goodness knows, it won’t be long before I pluck it out again.

Thanks, Nicole and Mary: you are the very, very best.