The Pink Sweater

There's a scene in my novel, Route to Survival, that features a pink, hand-knit sweater. I won't give away the details here for those who've not read the story, but I will tell you a little about the background.

Years ago, I owned a pink sweater that looked hand-knit, but wasn't. I loved it. The color was flattering, it fit comfortably, and it got softer and softer after each washing. I wore it many years, even after it began fading. That's when the sweater started fulfilling its purpose.

I discovered when I wore it, I felt comforted. How could a piece of clothing do that? I don't know, but I do know I found myself reaching for it on days I felt sad, lonely, or insecure.

When I began writing seriously, I slipped on that favorite sweater before heading to the computer. It helped a lot. Since I felt comforted, I was free to be creative with whatever project was in the hopper. It became my go-to writing uniform. Quite an accomplishment for a ratty, old, faded piece of clothing.

It warms my heart to include my favorite sweater in the story of Kate Mitchell in Route to Survival. Somehow, Kate needed what it was able to give. It served me well and it served her well.

What about you?

I bet each of my electronic readers has a favorite piece of clothing or jewelry that comforts.

• Is it an old flannel shirt?
• A pair of torn jeans?
• Slippers that hug your feet?
• A necklace given to you by someone special?
• Grandpa's old watch?

My daughter wears a ring my grandmother gave my mother for her sixteenth birthday. My mom treasured it and she let me wear it on special occasions when I was a teenager. When she died, I requested that silver filigree ring with the blue sapphires. It is special to my daughter and, if I remember correctly, she may have worn it on her wedding day. It gives her comfort knowing she's connected to four generations.

The special ring.

Let me know what items give you peace...or perhaps they remind you to relax and seek God's peace that doesn't come from a thing but comes from a relationship with him.

If you're not comfortable using the "Comment" section below, just email me directly. I'd love to hear what strange but comforting items are lurking deep within your closets!

My email:  suefarisraatjes@gmail.com