My mum knits yellow booties.
While I’m trying to digest all that has happened this last week and work my way into the next round of tests and doctors scratching their heads, I thought I could give you this…
My mum knits yellow booties.
She started knitting them after William died. She doesn’t do it for money, she does it because she loves me and I asked her to.
When I was trying to conceive I read about an old wive’s tale. It went something along the lines of; a pair of yellow booties knitted and given to a couple trying to conceive, would bring them good luck in fertility and a pregnancy would occur soon after the gifting.
Pffft, you might be saying, that’s stupid, just a myth… but is it?
The first pair of booties she knitted was for a friend, who was struggling to conceive.
She fell pregnant the month after they were given to her. When she and her partner started to try for number two, the booties went straight into their pillowcases and now another baby is on the way.
She has knitted about a dozen pairs now, all of them resulting in beautiful babies. The second last pair she knitted was for a friend who had already done three cycles of IVF and nothing had worked. I knew she was very fragile, not knowing whether to try again and so it was with trepidation that I gave her the booties with the story attached.
I didn’t see her again until late last year, with her daughter.
She came up and gave me the biggest hug and said that they had taken the booties home and slept with them leading up to the forth and final cycle. When she went for the transfer of the embryo, they were in her handbag and in there still when she got a positive blood test. She said they brought her hope.
Maybe that’s what it is. Maybe it is the symbol of hope, these tiny little yellow booties that brings about a mindset, a little bit of magic.
You want more proof?
Still not a believer?
The last set of yellow booties she made were given to me on Mother’s day, 2005. Not one pair but two, presented in a little box.
On June 1st, I discovered I was pregnant again and about two weeks after that, I found that we were expecting twins.
Got gooseys?
I always get them when I think of all the babies that have worn mum’s yellow booties home from the hospital.
Now she’s knitting them again because there are new friends who need to hope, just a little.
Thankyou hun, I appreciate it so much.
Also, do you have any idea how gorgeous they are?!
That is such a lovely story and a lovely idea. Good on you and your mum for being able to spread a little hope!!
That is so beautiful
What a lovely thing for you and your mum to do.
I didn’t any booties off your mum but the longies were gorgeous . Your mum is awesome.I got my yellow booties from K and and another pair from the hospital -just to double my chances - heehee it worked.
Definately got goosebumps.. you are a sweety and so is your Mum..
cheers kim xxx
Tiff - It’s so nice of you to have left me a comment. I’d love to hear about how the treatment of PI differs in Australia then in the US - maybe we can connect by email. Are there any big support networks there? Do you know many other patients? I’ve been going through your blog - what a road you have had! I think you should be able to get my email from this comment - feel free to drop me a line. I’d love to chat. Did you know we have a large confrence every two years here about PI? Some of the best US docs speak and it’s a chance to connect with other patients! This last year we had a family from Australia that attended, and another from Mexico I believe.
What a wonderful thing to do !
Who cares if people disregard it as a myth; if it works, it works.
They used to say the platypus was a myth too….
I hate when people do this to me but… “You’ve got mail!”
I believe it.
I want some yellow booties.
No I don’t.
Yes I do.
No.
Sigh.
Oh that is just the most wonderful story!!
Makes me wish I could knit as I know of at least two people who could use some yellow bootees right now!
Does Mum knit and ship to the USA? I have a friend who needs those booties!!
Booties. Now There’s something I know how to knit. Wonder if anyone I know could use some?
*sniff* Another very touching post. I’m adding it to my blogworld wrap up for Friday.
That is just a lovely story Trish… And tell your mother thank you from women like me who never get the chance to thank souls like her. Jacqui came home after 9 weeks in the NICU with a tiny red pair… They are treasured possessions that I will never part with.
What a lovely story!
Spooky! If anyone gives me yellow booties I will run a mile.