Traveling hook II ...Hooking for a Cure

My squares

2008-08-31T13:37:00.002-05:00

I really like the basic granny square so that is the pattern I chose to use for my Traveling Hook Squares. I made 2 lime green squares in honor of my mother whose lymphoma has been in remission for 3 years. I made 2 burgandy and ivory squares in memory of a young lady who was a member of our church youth group, she lost her battle to cancer a couple of years ago. I also made 2 lavender squares in honor and memory of all the others I've know who have battled cancer.

2008-08-18T09:23:00.002-05:00

I had the hook from July 28 - August 4, 2008. I made my squares in honor of my brother. Within a four year time span he was diagnosed with kidney cancer and then prostate cancer. Luckily both cancers were caught early and surgery was all that was needed. I hope and pray that some day, medical science will find a cure for all cancer.

A long time in coming.....sorry for the delay but still done with love!!!

2008-04-09T20:12:00.005-05:00

The squares have been sent - I apologize for the delay in sending the squares out as well as posting pictures and information about the squares. I loved working with the hook and doing my part for the cause. Kind of odd ....when I first choose to join the group "hooking for a cure" I did not think there were many in my life that I could dedicate squares to ....then I start to remember and think of all who have touched me in my life in one form or another. To those who have gone (too early) and lost their battle to those who have won and to those who continue to fight.....it is to you that I have made these squares for with love and graditude for knowing of you and embracing you in my life.

My first square made with the Jimbo hook was for Mr Stadler, while growing up my family belonged to a campers group and one of the most notable people of the group was Mr Stadler for many reason but the one I tend to remember the most is his campfire skills.........many times the leaves on the lower branches of trees lost their green leafs ....as kids we thought that was the best!! Mr Stadler did not survive his battle of brain cancer and in the end had his own "circle of friends" around him, thus this square is dedicated to him.

This next square made was for my friend at work Bonnie, she was diagnosis with lung cancer and she battled the cancer and at the end of December was told she was in remission, until this past March.......just found out she has brain cancer and is once again battling against the odds. She is nothing but a trooper and will be on the winning end of this too.

This square is dedicated to my husbands cousin Steve, Steve took our wedding pictures and is a great guy. When we found out he had Prostate cancer my husband was beside himself as he thought that the both of them were invincible. Steve is doing well but is still battling ........

A pink square that is a tribute to my Aunt Jeanette who has lost her battle to breast cancer. The one thing I remember about her is after being diagnosis with it she would take women aside and remind them of the importance of breast exams and mammogram.

This square is for a friend and co-worker Dolly who had a total hysterectomy due to pre-cancerous cells. She has a great sense of humor and always has a great story to share or a shoulder to lean on.

This orchid square for testicular cancer to honor my husbands buddy Pat....who is going into his second year of remission

The following four squares in periwinkle are to honor those who have lost their battles to cancer

Uncle Bruce for Esophageal Cancer

My sister in laws mother for Stomach Cancer

Both of my Grandmothers - stomach cancer

The gold squares are for childhood cancer, and a lady that I had worked with in the past who was a victim to childhood cancer - has survived and is currently working at the Ronald McDonald house and spends her vacation days with the kids working at camp cancer every year.

The lavendar squares are for the general awareness

Thank you for the opportunity for working on a cure and I am in awe of the work that has been done thus far and I look forward to seeing all of the squares and reading the reasons you've decided to join in the cause.

My time was wonderful

2008-02-24T13:18:00.004-06:00

I had the pleasure of having the Sonny hook from Wednesday evening (Feb. 20) until early Sunday, Feb. 24 before I packed it up to ship to Krystal16. Some of you probably already read my post here about why I chose to participate. Not unlike everyone here, my life has been touched by cancer. I lost both my parents before I turned 25.

It's for this reason, I created these squares

1) All the squares created in memory of my parents

2) Krystal's Daisy square designed to incorporate the memories of both my parents

3) The square in memory of my mother, who died of uterine cancer (or complications thereof)

4) A square in honor of child hood cancers and to remember my mom had cancer in her leg as a child (the scar was horrible)

5) The square in memory of my father, who was diagnosed with 4th stage Lymphoma when I was in high school

The next set of squares is in memory of my friend's mother, Margaret, whom I met six years ago and was diagnosed with metastasized cancer, origin unknown but suspected to be either breast or ovarian

The next two squares (white and pink for ovarian and breast cancer) are in memory of Margaret

This square is in memory of Margaret's husband, Keith, who had bladder cancer

These are my "other" squares

First, there's the square in memory of Sonny. I totally got this idea from Daisy and thought it was a good one. I too wanted to honor the man whose name graces the hook

Next is a square in honor of a co-worker who is battling cancer. He hasn't really said much to anyone about it, there's been lots of whispering in the cubicles. I don't even think he knows that I know. It's blue for prostate cancer

And, finally, for general cancer awareness. The color we always have around at Relay for Life

I just really want to say what an honor it has been to be a part of this venture. I also want to say how much admiration I have 1) for Jimbo and his talents and commitment in making the gorgeous Sonny hook, even giving thought to the kind of wood used; 2) for Bonnie (angelfire), I don't know what to say other than "Wow" what a task you've taken on; and 3) for everyone who is lending their talent to this hook and its purpose. What a joy to be a part of such a wonderful group of people.

Joyce

Squares by Daisy

2008-02-09T15:59:00.000-06:00

Well, I hope my journal posting looks better on the blog than it does as I type this. My introduction is actually at the bottom, on another post I did. I really had a hard time in posting all of these pictures.
I made 20 squares for this worthy cause. How did I do it? I first planned ahead, which pattern I would use the most, and laid out all the yarn colors I planned on using. I did make a list of everyone I was planning to make a square for. This may seem odd, but I timed myself as to how long it would take me to make a square and then, see how many I could make in my 4 days. I made five a day (sometimes it wasn't easy, but I did it). It took me an hour a square. I did not take the time to weave in my ends, until all the squares were made. that way, I could send the hook on to the next person and save the best part of my time, making the squares, instead of weaving ends in. Anyhoo, it was a pleasure to work with the "Sonny" hook and a very humbling experience to make these squares, in honor or a memory of a loved one. When I made these, I thought about each person, remembering good times and the sad times. It was sometimes bittersweet. but none-the-less a labor of love.
Best of wishes to all!
Daisy

The two squares above are "twins" for a reason. They are the color of clear/pearl which represents lung cancer.
The first square, is in loving memory of Sonny, Jimbo's friend, for whom our Traveling Hook II, was named. I'm sure that Sonny is smiling from heaven for what we are all trying to do. He would be proud to have this square made in his memory and the Jimbo hook in his name. He would say, 'Way to go, Jimbo'! So Sonny, this square is for you!
The second pearl square I made (above), is to say thank you, to Jimbo, for his excellent craftsmanship and for making this gorgeous hook for us, to work with. Jimbo, you outdid yourself on this one. It works beautifully! I think it's the best one you've done! Go ahead, pat yourself on the back! You done good and deserve it!
So Jimbo, this square is for you.......thanks for all you have done, for us funny Crochetville ladies. I hope you are staying warm up there on the crick.

<- This Pink square is the color for breast cancer. I made this special square for a dear sweet friend, who is fighting this. She is strong, brave and a great fighter. I am confident that she will beat this thing. She's a survivor! She has a wonderful sense of humor too.......that helps! I love you, sweetie, take good care of yourself!

The three squares above, look terrible here. They really are pretty, but the scanning didn't do them justice.

The first square is a combination of teal and grey. The second is all grey and the third is all teal.

I made these squares, in honor of a dear friend who bravely and sucessfully battled with many cancers and IS a survivor! I'm proud of her.

Pink for Breast Cancer

The two above pink squares, are in loving memory of my mom. She lost her long battle with breast cancer. Maybe she could have been a survivor, if only she had it treated early. It was too late for her. My dad was in denial. He just couldn't not believe or accept it. My mom was very strong on the inside. She never complained one bit. she was silent like a lamb, even though there was no treatment to save her. I love and miss you mom. I wish you could be with my three children and see how much they have grown. I wish you could see me in gray hair....you would laugh. I miss sharing my flower gardens with you. Take care of dad for me!

(my mom & dad died a day apart of each other. Mom on Christmas Eve and dad the day after Christmas (1991)) Together forever!

(Above) This square here, is a Kelly Green square. It looks like teal in the picture, but I assure you, it is Kelly Green. It is the color for kidney cancer. My dad had a cancerous kidney, but had that removed. He was a survivor, thank heavens! He passed away years later (Dec. 26, 1991), from other causes (heart failure), but mostly because he didn't want to live without my mom. He stopped taking his medications and was a total handful. I loved my dad tremendously. When I was a little girl, I used to love to watch my dad make things, and daddy let me play with his tools too. I was daddy's girl. I always held a lot of respect for my father. He was a good man! This one's for you, daddy! I love you and I miss you!

The above, is my lavender square. It represents general cancer awareness. I made this square in loving memory of my dear sweet grandmother, my mom's mom. My grandmother was 72 when she passed away and I was in my early 20's at the time. My grandmother, went to the hospital to have a gall bladder operation. When the doctors opened her up, they decided against doing any surgery at all, because they said that she was "full" of cancer. They just sewed her up, and gave the bad news to the family. She only lived a few days afterwards. Till this day, we have no idea where the cancer started, that is why I chose the lavender for my grandma.

Grandma, if you are watching over me, know that I love and miss you.

(Above) This is a blue square. This one represents Prostate Cancer.

This one is in loving memory of my dear grandfather, my dad's

dad. He passed away before I was born. Because of the cancer,

I never got to see or know my grandpa. He died from prostate

cancer, before there were any fancy medications and

treatments to help him. I'm sorry grandpa, I wish I could have

known you. I hope you are in peace and know that I love you!

This is my yellow square for bone cancer. I made this one in memory of my loving mother-in-law, Katherine, who lost her life to bone cancer. She was a sweet and loving woman all the way till the end. Here's to you mom! Hugs from your DIL

(Above) This is an Emerald Green square. It represents liver cancer.

I know the color isn't showing up, but it's a pretty color of green.

I made this square in loving memory of my Uncle Ollie. What a

jolly man he was, so full of life and laughter and just a pure joy to

be around. He lost his life to liver cancer. It was a shock to the

whole family. We loved him dearly. Uncle Ollie, if you are

peeking in, this one's for you!

The square above, is a lavender square. It represents general cancer awareness. I have made this square in loving memory of my dear sweet cousin, Cheryl. She was soooooo sweet. Always had a kind word for everyone. She passed away from cancer, but I can't for the life of me remember which cancer it was that took her. She was my age when she passed away...a few years ago. She left behind her husband and 2 sons. Cheryl, we miss you, but you are in Divine hands now, so I'm sure you are happy and at peace.

(above)

This yellow square, represents bone cancer. I have made this square in loving memory of my dear neighbor, Rita, who lived across the street from me, when I lived in Canton, MI. She was such a dear sweet lady. She was full of vim and vigor, until the cancer took her away from everyone she loved. I was at her bedside when she passed away. It was hard, it was sad, it was very emotional.

2008-02-09T15:40:00.000-06:00

This Black Square, is in honor of an old dear neighbor. Jack lived next door to us, before we moved. He has skin cancer. Every time he would go to work in his veggie garden, he would be dressed to the brim. I even bought him a new gardening hat, from the Jerry Baker web site. He loved it! He is a survivor! The best neighbors anyone could hope for.

This is a gold color square. This one is dedicated to all the children who are afflicted and suffering from childhood cancers. My heart goes out to them. They are so loving and so brave. No child should have to have cancer and no parent should have to watch their child go through it, but we cannot stop these cancers, until we find a cure! Love to all the children!

This square is an extra square I made....just because.It is an emerald green square, for liver cancer. I don't know why the color didn't show up well, but it is an emerald green just the same.

2008-02-09T15:35:00.000-06:00

This is my orange square, for leukemia.

I made this one to honor those who have suffered with leukemia.

Daisy's Squares

2008-02-09T15:29:00.001-06:00

This is the burgandy square, in honor and in memory of those who suffered with multiple myeloma. This one I did.....just because.

Traveling Hook II ...Hooking for a Cure

2008-02-09T12:48:00.000-06:00

Squares are pictured above.
When I first signed up to participate in the "Traveling Hook II ...Hooking for a Cure" project, I was looking forward to my turn in working with the "Sonny" hook, made by our favorite craftsman, known to all, as Jimbo. I really thought that this would be a "fun" experience, but fun really wasn't the right word that decribed what I was feeling when the "Sonny" hook arrived. I guess the right word would be, humbled. When I think of all the friends and family that have experienced the living with, dealing with, and dying, as a result of the big C, it's heartbreaking. So I turn to the serious side and prayed as I worked on my squares, thinking of everyone for whom I made a square. Oh how I wish there was a miracle cure for cancer, but with this effort, a small one on my part, maybe we will see some new medical breakthroughs to cure this dreadful disease. Too many people have suffered enough and too many have lost their lives. It may not be in my life-time, but hopefully in the future, a genius of a scientist and doctor, will find a way to make cancer become, a disease of the past....to no longer be a threat or a feared illness to anyone. I myself, am in the high-risk category for cancer, but I will not let that fear rule my life.....not now.
Without further ado, let my show you my dedication of squares:
Okay, I will have to post my pictures seperately........cause I can't seem to get my pictures to come out on this post. I am so bad with computers. Me and technology just don't mix well.
My Sqaures are in the above posts. I should have posted from the bottom up. I guess there is a little oops in everyone.

A Very Humbling Experience for Me

2008-01-19T18:37:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of all the squares that I managed to make in the days that I had the "Magical Hook". I call it this because it truly was a magical experience for me. I need to give you a little background so you will understand better. You see, I wanted to be a part of this not only for all the special people in my life who I have lost to cancer, but also to celebrate all the lives of those in my life who have fought the battle and WON! Let me explain who my squares are for and share with you all the beautiful "Ah Ha" moment that happened to me.

This peach square on the bottom is for my dear mother-in-law, Sarah. She was diagnosed with Uterine Cancer back in 1990. It was in the early stages and caught in time that a hysterectomy saved her life and gave us many more years with her.

The 2 periwinkle squares are for two wonderful men that were in my life and lost theirs to Esophageal Cancer. The one on the left is for my "almost" brother-in-law, John. And the one on the right is for a very special friend I had who went by the name of Hop. You know how sometimes you meet someone who just "gets" you? That was Hop! He never judged me...well almost never. He always listened and just genuinely cared. He has been gone 2 years now and I miss him more than I thought I ever would.

These 2 dark blue ones represent Colon Cancer. The one on the left is for a woman I know who is battling the disease at the present time. Her name is Flo and she is one of the strongest women that I know. If anyone can beat this, she can!

The square on the right is for my Uncle Dick who wasn't able to beat this one.

These 3 pink squares stand for Breast Cancer. My cousin Judy (Uncle Dick's daughter) was diagnosed 3 years ago. She had surgery, underwent radiation, and got the all clear! Woo Hoo!

My friend Allene, also was diagnosed. Her surgery was more radical but she always stayed positive and had a smile on her face. She was even proud of her "bird" hair when it started to grow back! Now the cancer has spread to her stomach. Please keep her in your prayers.

The 3rd. one is for my friend Audrey. She beat the disease years ago and has gone on to live a wonderful life enjoying her husband and children.

And these last 3 squares are the most special to me. The orange represents Leukemia. The one with the heart is for my mother-in-law Sarah. While she beat the first cancer, she couldn't beat this one. She was my heart! I would give anything for one more day with her. She fought long and hard and I know that she is reaping her reward in Heaven now! I love you and miss you Mom!

The one next to hers is for my Aunt Lou. She was diagnosed before Sarah and she is doing well. The cancer is in remission and even tho I don't see her very often, I always enjoy the times that I do. She worked as a nurse until the age of 70!

The orange square at the top of this picture is for my Uncle Ray. He is actually my husbands Uncle, just as Aunt Lou is really my husbands Aunt. When I first met Uncle Ray and his wife, Aunt Lorraine some 23 years ago ~ they instantly became my favorite. I know we aren't supposed to have favorites but...you know sometimes you just can't help it! Uncle Ray and Aunt Lorraine were married for 63 years. Can you imagine! They were best friends and went everywhere together. They raised a beautiful, loving family and watched grandchildren grow up and have children of their own. In fact their youngest grand daughter is expecting twins in May of this year! Right around Thanksgiving Uncle Ray fell in his garage...on a ladder, if you can believe...the man was 88, and broke his hip. He had surgery and was able to go home 2 weeks before Christmas. On Christmas he went back to the hospital because he just was not feeling good and was weak as a kitten. Thru different tests the doctors diagnosed him as having end stages of leukemia. They sent Uncle Ray home to die. My husband and I did not know this when we called to see how he was doing. We certainly didn't expect this announcement of leukemia and end of his life nearing! It was at this time that Jimbo's hook appears!

As all of you probably know, the hooks' arrival at my home was delayed due to JoBug falling ill and scaring the daylights out of her entire family! This, I believe with all my heart, was part of the bigger plan. I got the hook on a Monday. You see, besides working full time as a secretary for a Construction Management Company, I also work 3 nights a week cleaning the offices where I work. Mondays and Tuesdays are 2 of those nights. Due to my schedule, we arranged to visit Uncle Ray on Wednesday. Aunt Lorraine felt it would be ok to visit as long as it was a short one. I already had made this square for Uncle Ray. In fact, it was the very first one that I made with the "Magical" hook!

I did not expect to see the Uncle Ray that I seen when we arrived on Wednesday. It was obvious that the end was very close. I sat and held his hand for a while. I silently prayed for him. I enjoyed the closeness that I was sharing with him. He managed to open his eyes and he said to me, "Debbie, I'm dying". It about broke my heart. I told him that it was ok, we all were. He fell asleep and we stayed for awhile and visited with the rest of his family that was there.

On friday morning, January 11, 2008, Uncle Ray died. He was at home. His wife of 63 years beside him. He was a shining star in my life and now I know he is a shining star in heaven! He is up there playing pinochle and patiently waiting for his beautiful bride, Lorraine.

So...to sum it all up...The hook was never LATE at arriving in my hands. It came at the exact time that it was supposed to! I love you Uncle Ray!!!

Thank you to all who have hung with my very long explanation of the squares. And a huge thank you to Angelfire for organizing this whole thing. And last, but certainly not least, a HUGE thanks to Jimbo. For it is with the Magician that the Magic lies!

kittyloverdeb

I have the HOOK!

2007-12-09T15:07:00.000-06:00

My squares are all in PINK, and I made mine in honor of Breast Cancer, which

I am a hopeful survivor. Here are the pictures, I did them all in Circle of Friends Squares, because we are all friends!

JoBug - JoAnn Dillon in Iowa

Honored and Thrilled

2007-11-14T11:23:00.000-06:00

Pete and Maxine, my in-laws, were two very special people to me. Because cancer touched their lives time and time again, I would like to dedicate this project to them. Pete's Mom and Dad both died of cancer. He had four brothers that have died from cancer and three living siblings. Pete's first fight with cancer was with lymphoma (lime green) and later it attacked his lungs (lgt. grey). Pete was a fighter and fought the battle for a good nine years. He went home for the last time in February 1998. Pete was a simple man, proud father of 10 and WWII Vet.

Maxine's Dad died from cancer. She lost her Mother at the early age of three to an accident. She lost both of her brothers to cancer. Maxine also lost her life to cancer in May of 1996. She hadn't been feeling well with a severe pain in her midsection. When they went in to remove her gallbladder they found very advanced pancreatic cancer (purple). She was with us 10 very precious days. Maxine knew how to cook and serve people. Her husband, 10 children, grandchildren and extended family were her life. She enjoyed watching her Soaps and she was an avid crocheter. She helped me with my first afghan. She enjoyed working with thread and built my confidence in working with #10 thread and a small hook. Maxine had patience and a sense of humor.

When I first hoped to be a part of this project, so many names and faces from the past immediately came to mind and I began planning a square for each of them. Then just within the short time that I have been waiting for Jimbo's hook we have ran into a couple of special people who are again battling cancer for the 2nd. or 3rd. time. So I'd like to take this opportunity to honor them with a square.

Jerry H, 51 yrs. young, diagnosed initially with prostate cancer (blue) but recently has been told it has moved to his bones (yellow). Jerry is still trying to work his job through the chemo. His daughter was recently married. Soon after his daughters wedding Jerry had another setback and is just finishing up 6 weeks of radiation and is looking at another round of chemo.

Jerry still remains positive and doesn't miss an opportunity to relate something funny that may have happened to him while having a treatment.

**Our dear friend, Jerry H., passed away from cancer on February 7th. God Bless him and his family.**

Patti M, 50ish, just found out her brain tumor has returned for the 3rd. time. Patti has had two operations. Both times it was benign but was told this time they won't be able to operate again because of the location of the tumor. She is taking oral chemo at this time. She is also on daily barbiturates for seizures caused from the tumors. She showed me pictures of her two children and 18 month old granddaughter. Her husband stood beside her after a long day of appnts. with 3 doctors and said "We got through the other two and we are going to beat this one also." She and her Mom have spearheaded a support group for brain tumor survivors.

As so many of you, I wish there had been time to crochet a special square for each loved one who cancer had touched but life happens and time became an issue for me so I chose two that were important to me. The teal/white for so many brave women who have had ovarian/cervical cancer. Also the yellow one for sarcoma/bone and bladder cancer.

For all of us Crochetviller's who have participated in Traveling II....Hooking For A Cure, here is a "Circle of Friends" in lavender for our "general awareness of cancer." Here I'd like to thank angelfire. Other then sending off a couple charity squares I've never been involved in a project, this is my first time posting on a blog, posting pictures on photobucket and then to add to this journal with pictures and words...well, if you see this here it will be thanks to extra help from angelfire, my DH and other viller's that are always so generous to answer share their knowledge.

And now I have a dream....to own a Jimbo hook. The one amazing thing I noticed immediately is I could crochet much much longer without having to take a break because my carpel tunnel didn't bother me. So well balanced....So sleek....So much easier to slip into the stitch. Thank you Jimbo for donating this luscious creature for Hooking For A Cure.

And yes, thrilled to be a part of this project because on May 23, 2008 I will be a 5 yr. breast cancer survivor. This lone pink square is for the many strong courageous women who have gone before me, most of whom didn't have the medical advantages that I did, the women that reached out their hands to me when I needed their encouraging support and for the women I know of now that are struggling for their lives with this disease.

~Blessings~~

KathyWho

Designers of the Squares:

Warm Jewel Granny Square - Kimberly Andrew

Lady Square Variation - Julie A. Bolduc

Circle Of Friends - Priscilla Hewitt

Starfire Square - Melanie Stiles

Cat Tracks - Drew Emborsky, The Crochet Dude

hook update

2007-10-15T17:28:00.000-05:00

Hi!

Just wanted to let everyone know that I received the hook on October 15th and am planning to mail out my squares on the 22nd or 23rd. My goal is to have the hook a week and then pass it on. I lost my father to cancer a few years ago and I am happy to be taking part in this!

Elizabeth

Why the Traveling hook

2007-10-10T20:46:00.000-05:00

Hey all. I've not received the hook yet, and hope that all is well with Jazziblu but I wanted to post why I was so eager to participate in this project. Here you go:

My first encounter with this scourge we call cancer was at a young age.
I was 17 and beginning my senior year in high school. Months before that, my father was diagnosed. It was a whirlwind for my family and within months, too few months actually, my father died on Aug. 31, 1988, what was to be the second day of my senior year in high school. What we went through was confusing, but a learning experience: the diagnosis, the illness, the end. What we went through after was amazing.
Led by the strongest woman I’ve ever met, my mother, my family made it. We survived the diagnosis, the treatment (including cobalt therapy) and the death. Because of my mom, we persevered. I remember sitting there, on my father’s hospital bed, swearing he was still breathing, and saying out loud “there’s no more reason to go on.” It was after 3 a.m. that day.
My mother, that beautifully spiritual being who put all her trust in her faith (we were Catholic) and, more specifically, the Virgin Mary, proved me wrong. There was plenty of reason to go on. She got a job after being a stay-at-home mom for DECADES and I graduated high school that year, top 10 percent of my class, and went on to college.
Then, more than 4 years in to that venture (I changed majors my fourth year), IT did it again. Cancer struck.
This time, it was my mother. I would find out later she was given only a couple months to live. Never one to prove anyone right, she proved "them" wrong and we lived a roller coaster the next two-plus years. She died Oct. 20, 1995, little more than seven years after my dad and at the same age, 65.
I am here today confident it was her strength that has carried me through. I graduated from college, attending classes while she was being treated and was at her side as much as I could be through all her treatments.
I consider myself a success, not measured by money earned or material possessions, but because of who she taught me to be and the person I believe I am because of her.
Fastforward please to 2001: That’s when I met Margaret.
At 72, she was a retired nurse with a remarkable past. Her daughter introduced us and there is no one more thrilled than I that that happened.
Margaret had been diagnosed with metastasized cancer, origin unknown.
As a journalist, with her permission, it was my job to chronicle her journey...to follow her -- to her death. My bosses and I agreed, the ethics policy was to be followed as much as possible, but there would be times that wouldn’t be possible.
Through it all, I became FAST friends with her oldest daughter who is more like me than she knows.
Margaret died on Feb. 22, 2003. Her passing left a hole, like the deaths of my own parents had.
Fastforward again please to today. That daughter, my friend, is a community representative for the American Cancer Society and she is the “Relay geek” -- Relay for Life that is.
Relay is my summer “thing," -- because of my friend, but also because I believe in it.
I Relay from May to late June like many people golf or boat. It’s a hobby. It’s my “thing.” It’s a verb, a noun. I Relay. I am a Relayer.
Over the course of six years, I’ve watched our survivors take their first lap after opening ceremonies.
At night, I’ve watched the luminaria ceremony. I’ve participated in that luminaria walk where survivors, their caregivers and those walking “in memory of” take a lap around the track, lighted candles of hope burning brightly against the summer night sky as candles spelling hope light up the bleachers, or a hill, and a song of hope urges us on.
The last couple of Relays, I’ve watched as HOPE on the hill, or in the bleachers, became CURE. That’s what we’re all striving for and that’s why I chose to participate in the Traveling Hook II -- to hook for a cure.
Thanks to all who have made this possible: Jimbo for the beautiful hook and Angelfire for the organizing of it and all the wonderful crocheters across the US and Canada who said yes to this venture.
Surely someday HOPE will become CURE and we will walk around that track in celebration of that CURE and in honor of everyone who came before it.

My squares

2007-10-01T23:28:00.000-05:00

(Sorry for the delay in posting my entry... )

Each square that I made with the Jimbo hook has a special meaning to me and/or my sisters. Here are the stories behind each of the squares -

The top left square is for my little sister's best friend who has lung cancer. From what my sister told me, she had surgery to remove a tumor in her lungs in August and it was successful because they caught it early.

The bottom left square is for my grandfather on my mom's side. He started smoking when he was in his teens and didn't stop until his death due to lung cancer at 64.

The blue squares in the center column are for my grandfather and grandmother on my dad's side. My grandmother died of kidney cancer way before I was born and my grandfather died about 15 years ago due to prostate and kidney cancer.

The square at the bottom right is for one of my "su su" - that's Chinese for uncle, what we call my parents' male friends. His family moved with my family from Taiwan to the US and I can't remember a major event in my life that he has not been a part of. He has thyroid cancer and is doing rather poorly right now but he has a fighting spirit and I constantly pray that he will overcome the cancer.

Last of all is the bright blue square. This is for a friend of my two older sisters. She is petite but makes it up with her large personality, hence the very bright square. She had brain cancer and has gone through several rounds of chemo already. The cancer is in remission but my sisters say that cancer has definitely changed her as I'm sure having cancer will change anyone.

Well thank you all for letting me have the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful project. I hope you enjoyed reading about my squares and I can't wait to see everyone else's squares!

My Dedications

2007-09-13T11:04:00.000-05:00

Instead of posting pics of my squares here, I am posting picture of two women in my life that I am dedicating my squares for. The first picture is my Grandmother, Ida, who died from bone cancer. She was a farmer's wife, wore an apron 90% of the time, because she was always working! I can remember her gardening, canning, cooking, baking, making jellies and preserves. I loved going out back to pick blackberries off her vines and stuffing myself! She was a devout Christian and gave of herself to us and to the community.

She sewed and crocheted, as well as doing other needlework. She crocheted mainly with thread. Her work was exquisite considering she created pieces without written patterns. I now have her steel hooks and a few bone hooks. Unfortunately, I didn't learn the art from her, because when I was young I didn't care about needlework. Of course, now, I regret not being able to share my enthusiasm with her. But, when I use her hooks, I think about her. Maybe, in a spiritual way, we are sharing.

The next picture is my dear Mother In Law, Joan, who passed from lung cancer. She was very strong minded and I admired her. After divorcing her husband, she raised and supported four children while attending law school, ultimately passing the bar. She and I "clicked" right from the first time we met. She had a quick, dry wit and I just loved trying to keep up with her!

When my mother died, Joan consoled me and encouraged me to call on her anytime if I needed support. My mom seldom showed love or affection, but her death was hard on me because I knew deep down she loved me. Joan gave me time, an ear, a shoulder to cry on. Later,when my husband and I got married, she clearly approved of our union and asked me to call her Mom. For that alone, I will always love her.

So, here are two reasons for joining in the Traveling Hook II. I have other family and friends that have battled this disease, but I wanted to dedicate publically to these two very special women. Miss you... love you... remembering you..

wooden hook

2007-09-08T08:17:00.000-05:00

i loved working with the hook. so smooth and easy to work with. thank you for letting me join the cure for cancer. i joined because i had 4or5 family members who died of cancer. also have a very good friend who has cancer. i felt that making the squares will help people feel the love that goes into the afghans and that we care. i hope to join another traveling hook. would still like to keep making squares for the afghans so we can give more. if that is ok. thank you again for letting help with the afghans. debi(nana) love and hugs to all.

While waiting my turn

2007-09-07T15:52:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to post that while waiting my turn for the Jimbo hook, one of my parents dear friend lost their battle to brain cancer. I was going to work on a square with him in mind now I know that his square will be in the top two. I also have a dear friend at work who was just recently diagnosed with lung cancer, she is the one that hired me over 17 years ago for a data entry position, I left the department after 3.5 years and was able to work with her again 5 years later. We constantly joke with each other about it being her fault for my hire ....... And in she will be my first square I create.
I see her struggle with this terrible disease and while I have been on vacation I have wondered how she is doing. I heard a week before I went on vacation that she was having a hard time swallowing her breakfast drinks, often time it was taking her over an hour to drink the glass of it.
As I sit and wait for this hook I will keep praying for those in our lives who have been touched by this disease.

2007-09-01T18:10:00.000-05:00

I am sad, as some of the participants have not posted on the blog. I guess it would have been better to send out a hard copy instead. I hope that someone post there journal entry soon. So far I have only received the squares from Deedes and Vonnie. As I received more squares they will be posted here as requested.

FOR MY SISTER

2007-08-01T20:44:00.000-05:00

I knew right away that I wanted to be a part of this wonderful project, and hope in some small way my contribution can make a difference in the fight of Cancer. While I have had several people, family and friends, lose their battle with cancer, I wanted to do this project in honor of one special person, my youngest sister, Marcy, who at the age of 44 lost her battle of bladder cancer in January 2000. She was extremely courageous during her fight, and even though she knew early on that she was terminal, she never wanted us to know. I am very proud of the person she was, and hope that she is looking down on me and knows how much I love her, and miss her. So, this is for you Sis-

My intention was to make one square of each color, but time ran out. Here are the other squares I made-

OK, my turn, I really feel honored to be able to do this!

2007-07-21T14:35:00.000-05:00

I got the Great Jimbo Hook and got right to crocheting. This hook is fantastic, very light, very easy on the hands, and just gorgeous to look at...Thanks Jimbo, now I guess I have to buy one...

I began with PINK, I have three close friends who have had Breast Cancer, they are all doing well, one has been cancer free for over 20 years... And I did one for me, I have had two scares TG they were both benign. So here are the Pink ones:

And then I went to the Orange ones, I have a very good friend who is battleing Leukemia right now, she has spent over a month in the hospital (training one) and is getting better but is hard for her, she lost her only son in a car wreck and has never totally recovered from that and now this, she is just the sweetest person you would ever meet....so these are for her.

Then I made 2 Blue ones for Prostrate Cancer, I lost my Dad and FIL from this cancer so I made them each one:

The next two were one Green for Kidney cancer, my Dad had lost a Kidney to cancer, and the Dark Blue for my DH, he doesn't have cancer but they did find some PRE cancer in the colon so I want to make sure they keep working on that.

So those are the ones I made with the Jimbo Hook....... They were made with lots of LOVE, PRAYER, AND REFLECTING. I really want to Thank Jimbo and Bonnie for doing this, it is a great cause.

I also made Two Black and Two White Squares for other cancers. There are so many people I know who have been touched by this terrible disease that if I crocheted a square for each of them, the hook would have to live with me,but I have gotten it ready to send on...I know others are anxious to get to their chance to use it. SO AGAIN THANK YOU ALL FOR DOING THIS.

Prayers and good well wishes to all:

These are all clickable.

For Past, Present and Future Victims of this Disease

2007-07-19T00:12:00.000-05:00

I want to first thank Angelfire for all of her hard work that is just beginning, for organizing and administering this venture, this blog, and for allowing me the opportunity to participate. I also want to thank (and curse, lol!) Jimbo for creating and donating Sonny's hook. When I mailed this beautiful hook on to Darlene (Needle Arts) it left a void in my hook case that will have to be filled.
As I started my first square (about five minutes after I tore open the package) I thought to myself that I was pretty lucky. I've never had anyone I was really close to pass away from cancer. Then I thought a little more, and I was shocked at how many names I could come up with of people I know who have lost someone to the disease, and people who've been diagnosed but are in remission. One of grandfathers passed away three years before I was born. I had a great uncle who had a brain tumor. My grandmother had to have a colostomy after being diagnosed with colon cancer. My best friend's father was diagnosed with skin cancer and passed away within the space of four or five months. Myfather-in-law has been in remission since I've known him. I grew up in a small town, there were only eighteen people in my high school graduating class and four of them have lost a parents to cancer. And we're still young! I only graduated eight years ago, we shouldn't have to worry about losing our parents yet, we're just beginning to present them with grandchildren. And that's just the beginning. I have never sat down and made a list like this before, it has really opened my eyes to the scope of this disease. So I dedicate my squares, as my title says, to all past present and future victims. I hope my small contribution brings some help and hope.

On to the technical stuff:
I posted pics of the five squares that I got done to the photo bucket account. I've never bloged before (first blog entry ever!) and I'm not sure how to post pics so you can view them there until I figure it out. I found all of these patterns from links at crochet pattern central http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/8in_squares.php

Square 1: called "Eternity Squared" This is a free pattern by our own Krystal16 at crochetville, you can find it here (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=52389) As I posted in the TH II thread at Crochetville, I was working on this one while we waited to watch the fireworks at the Regina Canada Day celebrations. I thought it was kind of cool that the hook was here for that during it's only Canadian stop. The square worked up quick and the directions were easy to follow. Thanks for the pattern Krystal!

Square 2: "Granny Heart Square" by Vimala Vignesh. I'm not sure that I'd use this pattern again. I think I may have done something wrong, the hearts on my square are not as defined as I thought they should be. Oh well.

Square 3: "Arches" from Dayna's Crochet. I did like the look of this square, I would use it again. I used a rather bright variegated yarn for this, I wasn't sure if you all would approve or not. It did combine a lot of the colours on the list though, so I took a chance and used it. I like the colours, I'm going to use more this yarn to make a summer halter for my dd.

Square 4: This one is all me ***preen*** I hope it can be used, I'm rather proud of it. This was the first time I ever tried graphing. The edges of the letters are a little unclear, but my six year old could read it so I figure it's okay. I didn't use Sonny's hook for this, I used an F in order to keep my gauge tight enough for the carried yarn from showing through too much.

Square 5: called "Mikey's Square" by Laurie Clark. I love this square, it's got a real optical illusion deal going on that doesn't show up very well in my picture. I think I'm going to use this square to make an afghan for a girl who's babysat my dd for me a lot over the past four years, she's graduating this coming school year (the babysitter, not dd). I'm, also thinking of using it to make an afghan for my brother. If I can stand weaving in all the ends!! 16 ends per square!

I think I've got these in the right order, I loaded the pictures on Photobucket, then when I went back to check the site is undergoing maintenance and won't let me in. I'll edit this if need be.

I was having trouble with my guage, you may notice that I had to add an extra row or two on these squares to make them eight inches across. Has anyone else had that problem?

So that's it for me. I'm not sure now if I liked being first or not! No, I'm really looking forward to seeing what everyone else created with the Sonny's hook, and reading your stories here on the blog. I know I'll be checking back often. We seem to be doing very well so far, the hook has already reached it's third person! That's almost 1/10th of the way through the list. In the meantime, I wish the rest of you the best of luck, neverending yarns and a Jimbo hook!!

Dedicated to a special woman

2007-06-23T22:11:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I received the "Sonny hook".

I am honored to be the first person to crochet a square in memory of some one very special.

This woman was the person that was my first example of true compassion. I remember falling while skating and she picked me up and set me rolling along again.From the time I was a young child, I wanted to grow up to be just like her. She was a foster parent for more than 40 years, giving love and understanding to more than 100 children along with three children of her own. She was my first Sunday school teacher and also the first Sunday school teacher for my children along with 100's of others. She was a wife, mother, a sister and a friend. She touched the lives of everyone she met and even those she will never have a chance to meet because of the lives she changed while she was alive. She taught me to believe in myself and to look for the good in everyone I meet. She was my Aunt Leona. She had a liver cancer and then a transplant and the cancer returned overtaking all of her body. She fought to live and to love. She lost her fight in January 2006.

I made a Circle of Friends square in her honor as she had a never-ending circle of friends. The circle of love will continue as long as her memory stays alive.

Thank you Aunt Leona for helping me become the compassionate, loving woman that I have become. Thank you for showing me how to be courageous even when life gives me the cherry pits instead of the cherry pie. You are with me every day and I will continue to try to be as honorable and courageous as you were.

I have other family members and friends that have been touched by cancer. I will make each of them a square when the hook returns to me at the end of it's travels. All of them are important to me but this one was what inspired me to do this project.

The hook is now on the way to Canada. The patina will grow with each square created with the love and compassion of each member. It will have a warmth from touching each of our hearts.

I dedicate this hook to Sonny

2007-06-18T11:18:00.000-05:00

Years and years ago when I was 4 and Sonny was 6 we lived up on Deadman Creek (we call it the Crick) on a ranch. We played carefree in those days, unaware of the hardships of life on the Crick.. poor was for the city folk who didn't have a Crick or a Ranch. Ah but we had spring fed water and on special occasions when the battery was charged, we had electric lights.
But we spent some of the most cherished and memorable times of our lives up there, playing in a spring that ran down the hill from the woods to the Crick. We'd float sticks along and look for frogs, and Sonny would keep us laughing.
Ah but years go by and folks grow up, and Sonny moved away. But his infrequent visits always had us laughing again and talking dreamily of the times we had up on the Crick. Sonny had a way about him. He had a serious side, i guess, but to us he was a constant source of laughter, even if he didn't have the intention. His voice and bright eyed smile couldn't help but be infectious.

Sonny died of lung cancer.

One of his most intense wishes always was to come back home to the Ranch. That wish was intensified as he became aware of his ever shortening life. Cancer didn't care. It took Sonny before he could come home.

But Sonny is home now. His ashes are in the monument we built, next to the little spring where we used to play. And though his memory still brings a smile, its always through a tear. And I don't spend a day working on the cabin there, that i don't think how fun it would be if Sonny was there helping.

So I dedicate this hook, and i know Sonny would approve, as our contribution toward a cure, that one day someone else's Sonny will not have to return home in such sadness and tears.

Sonny was a crafter, and made lots of fun things, and I'm sure he would approve of a hand made hook made to travel about on a mission to help find a cure for the disease that took him away.

So please, as you receive this hook and make your squares, think a bit of your own Sonny... I'm sure we all have them. You're doing a good and honorable thing in his memory by helping the folks who work for a cure.

Thank you so much for participating, and thank you for the honor you give me in starting this journal.

Jimbo

A new beginning.

2007-06-12T16:35:00.000-05:00

I am starting this blog to serve as a virtual journal as suggested by one of the members. The hook will be traveling to 38 total members with three members on a waiting list, hoping that the hook travels quickly. It will travel to Canada(Reneva) and the following states;
Washington (Needle Arts)
Oregon (vonnie)
Idaho (2) (Jessi, Cookie Hooker)
California (deedes)
Colorado (nana)
Texas (3) (beth eathorne)
Oklahoma (Jazziblu)
Nebraska(2) (Crochet_hen, KathyWho)
North Dakota (Midds)
Iowa (2) (JoBug, Salos)
Wisconsin (3)(KellyA))
Michigan (3)
Indiana (2) (kittyloverdeb)
New York
Connecticut(2)
New Jersey
Pennsylvania (2)
Virginia (5)
Kentucky
Alabama
North Carolina
South Carolina
Florida (2)
before returning back to Wisconsin.

The hook will be given to a name drawn at random from all participants.

Let's get hooking.
http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa120/Travelinghook_II/