I began learning to knit almost two years ago and have continued to take more classes along the way. I just completed a sock knitting class! I have one complete and vow not to get “second sock syndrome”….when you don’t finish the second sock! I find knitting so much fun….it’s a process just like mosaics….one stitch or piece at a time.

These socks though! They have stirred up memories over 50yrs old. It was that long ago while at church camp I noticed one of the male counselors wearing striped knee high socks. They were a striped combination of greens and blues. I told my counselor I had some just like those but mine were red, orange and yellow. She told me I should go put them on….so I did. Shortly after that we all gathered at the pavilion to choose teams for volleyball. I am notoriously not the athlete. Because of those socks….for the first and only time in my life….I was picked first! The counselor, Mike Sinks, said…”I’ve got to pick the girl in the striped socks!” That was the beginning of one of the most impactful friendships of my life. Mike lived in Clarksville and I was in Goodlettsville. We corresponded by writing letters…many I still have. Mike would type a letter on the free stationary he got at the store…a paper bag. He once drew a self-portrait. After losing touch for a few years I wrote to Mike in care of his mom. She wrote me back to inform me Mike had died in a car wreck in the same area we met at church camp on June 13, 1982. This was the first great loss of my life. I began wearing my seat belt then before it was required. Two years later, my first son, John, was born on June 13, 1984. John and his dad have a thing for funky socks. I look forward to seeing these two special men in my life again…and we’ll all be wearing our funky socks!

Be well,

Lynn