HeartScarves * San Diego

"On May 30th I gave birth to a beautiful boy. I was released the morning of June 3rd from the hospital only to return that same night. I don't remember the next day and when I woke up on the 5th I was in ICU and had suffered from congestive heart failure. My husband's aunt used to be a cardiac nurse so she immediately flew up to NC from GA and helped my family through this horrible time. She brought with her a beautiful red scarf that was knitted by someone in your chapter. I keep this scarf in my bedroom and look at it each day as it has not been cold enough yet to wear it here in NC. It is a reminder to me that I made it and that I have much work ahead of me.

Jeannine

“My red scarf often serves as my security blanket, and as a reminder of those I am connected with. As one of the founders of the project, I’ve had my scarf for a long time, and it has traveled far. When I wear my scarf to a support group meeting, I’m delighted to be surrounded by women wearing their red scarves. The roomful of red scarves, binds us together. When I have to be hospitalized, I never leave home without my scarf. I may be almost naked, in my far-from-glamorous hospital gown, but my neck is warm with the love I feel from my scarf. I let the nurses deal with the entangling tubes and wires on my arms, face, and unmentionable places,… I have my scarf. I usually manage to keep my scarf with me until I’m actually in the operating room, and sometimes even throughout the procedure. When I’m presenting a scarf to someone, I’m also usually wearing my scar. I feel as though I’m saying, “We are now family.” I feel blessed to give scarves to my heart sisters, and to have a way to touch the hearts of those who are healing, as well as those who are helping.”

“What my HeartScarf means to me is not only comfort and connection, but a reminder. I struggle with a tendency to deny that I have heart disease (Even as I write this, I hesitate…) I rationalize that it’s “only” a bundle branch block, not really a “disease”, but it is not normal just the same. So my scarf reminds me that I don’t have to be perfect, That I can give myself some space and grace to live as fully as I am able and that with the support and connection of my heart sisters, I am lifted up and together we are all more than we would be without one another. Thank you for my scarf.”

“I was at the ( WomenHeart)Support (Network) Conference in Chicago and met my heart sister Marilyn. I loved the idea of the heart scarves. When Marilyn presented the scarves to me and my fellow support directors I was so touched. The minute I put the scarf on my neck I could feel the love that went with it. Whenever I am feeling blue I put my scarf on, even if it is 90 degrees out, and I instantly feel the love and warmth. I will treasure my scarf and am so honored that Marilyn gave me one.”

“There is something to be said, when a person makes a choice to aid another person. I have found that receiving a gift like the red scarf, makes a statement about the persons giving the gift, as well. I thank you.

“This act of kindness has given me comfort, just knowing that someone took the time to knit my favorite color RED, and then gave it to me. I have such respect for this wonderful project, and the heart sisters who created Heartscarves, and now HeartScarf stories. This not only warms my heart but has placed a lasting bond with all my beautiful, fellow heart sisters, across the Mother Earth.”

“I don’t have a big Red Scarf story yet! I keep my red scarf dangling jauntily, at an angle, on the chair in my dining room. While that sounds like it is hidden away… not so. I live in a tri-level condo. My dining room is the first room you are in when you come through the door. I am in that room, which blends into my kitchen, most of the day, or at least most often in the day. Seeing my red scarf so often reminds me that I have truly caring friends who UNDERSTAND my medical and psychological situation. They know I live alone. They know that my son who lives in Escondido, is now in Singapore with his family. They may be there for a year. They were more comfortable leaving me alone this time, because they know ALL OF YOU are in my life.”

“In my Red Scarf, I am surrounded in a warm feeling of comfort, love and acceptance --- a good place to be. There’s no room for fear or doubt when I’m wearing my red scarf. I am connected with so many others who feel the same love and support that I feel right now. I am protected--- everything I need is right here, within.’

“I received my hand knitted red scarf in July, from one of the founders of the HeartScarves Project. How special! The person who knitted it remains unknown to me but an instant bond was formed and I feel as if I have the ultimate ‘secret pal’- someone who understands what “support” means to a heart patient. I also have the profound sense that ‘my’ scarf –my 36 inches or so- is just one tine part of a LONG, continuing “line of support” that is extending across this nation-from the hands of one woman to the heart of another. A true LIFELINE.”

“When I attended WomenHeart for the first time, I was lovingly greeted by Marilyn Deak, with a lovely red scarf, dotted with other bright spots---the feeling was warm and loving. I love wearing my scarf now as it brings back that same warm, loving feeling of being nurtured.”

“It [ my red scarf] reminds me of the love in this lovely group of ladies, and what a blessing it has been to be a part of it.”

“ Caring, comfort, support of a loving group of women. The scarf draped around my shoulders lifts my spirit , knowing I’m not alone --- love of others is with me.”

“ It’s a reminder of what my health means to me. It means someone cares about me.”