If you read my article: “Orange Angel,” then you know a couple of things about me: I love to cross stitch and I love to give Christmas gifts that are unique to each person. A few years ago, I found a cross stitch pattern that would be an absolutely perfect one for the wolf lady.
There used to be a cross stitch store off of Clinton Highway that I would frequent quite often. On this one trip, I was ready to start a new project. I didn’t have a particular one in mind, so I just browsed through various patterns. On the front of them were pictures of what the piece would look like when completed. I scanned over several of them. Nothing struck me until I spotted the image of a wolf on one. I yanked it up and gasped. It had a picture of a native American maiden peering up into the night sky, which held the image of a wolf. There was no doubt that this would be the perfect gift for my mom. In case you haven’t figured it out by now, she is the wolf lady I was referring to. As far back as I can remember, she has always loved wolves. She also loves anything Native American. Both can be found throughout her house
Since it was only March, I figured I could have it completed in plenty of time for Christmas. After I brought the pattern home, I laid it aside for a few days. When I was finally read to get started on it, I opened up the pattern and gasped again. It was way more complicated than I had realized. This also meant it was going to take a lot more time to complete. I even wondered about giving it to my mom for Christmas next year. But, when I looked at the picture again, I knew it would thrill her to no end and I didn’t want to wait for that long to give it to her. So, for the next few months I spent my spare time feverishly cross stitching. Because of that, Tim and Sara became a little aggravated with me. I didn’t blame them. But they soon came to realize it was an act of love for my mom. Plus, they were amazed at the beautiful picture that was emerging.
I finally completed it with a few weeks to spare. While I was relieved at that, I realized it needed to be framed in a special way. I couldn’t just place the completed piece in a wrapped box and say: “Hope you find a good frame for it.” So, I asked my crafty Mamaw Jo if she had any suggestions about framing it. She said it needed to be more special than what she could do. Then she called Ms. J, one of our relatives that was very talented at arts and crafts. Mamaw was right, Ms. J did have a wonderful idea. She had Mamaw Jo collect a few old wooden slats off of Papaw’s barn. Then Ms. J used those pieces to make a frame. Next, she called a friend who worked in glass. He cut a piece of it specifically to fit the unique frame. This made the present special so many ways.
When it was time to open Christmas presents, I was giddy with excitement. Of course, my mom knew something was up with all of us. To this day, I can still see the look on her face after she threw off the tissue paper and peered into the box. At that moment, I knew my hard work was worth all of the eye strain and back aches. You know, it was one of the few times that my mom was truly speechless.
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 (KJV)
Over my life, I have told my mother that I loved her countless times. In all fairness, anybody can say those three words, but that doesn’t mean that they are truly meant. To me, this goes back to the old adage of actions speaking louder than words. My working so hard on my mom’s present was an act of love. In fact, there are several verses that calls on us to love others. John 1: 13:34-35 and Mark 12:31 are good examples of this. But the above verse instructs us to put that love into action that demonstrates not only our love for them, but The Lord’s as well.
I’m sure by now you have also realized the picture with this article is the piece I cross stitched for my mom. Every time I see it, I’m amazed that I was able to complete it in time. Could I do something like that again? Probably not. At my age now I don’t think I would be able to get up off the couch as easily after sitting there for hours. I would so have to have help.
Brooke Cox is an author, speaker, and storyteller. She was a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist for Debut Novel. Her children’s book: “Dinosaur Eggs,” is now available. It is based on Ephesians 6: The Armor of God. Her novel “Until the Moon Rises: A Conniving Cousin Mystery” is also available. Also, she has two books out in her storytelling series: “Saucy Southern Stories.” The Amazon links for her books may be found on her website: brookecoxstories.com. Please feel free to contact her. She would love to hear from you.