I've been productive lately when I can't sleep.
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (29556)
June 10, 2023 9:21pm CST
Sometimes, I think I spend too much time trying to get to sleep. I try too hard. On those nights, I usually read for a while, and that works. But lately I want to get up and do something, or cook, or work on something here in the house until I get sleepy. So, I've been back to making my blankets for donation. Mostly, they go to hospitals for the really sick small children, but I sometimes take some over to the nursing home not far from me, to be given to some of the people who never have a visitor. It's easy, and they all enjoy the blankets so much.
I guess I've been productive because I have made three afghans in about 5-6 weeks and put together one quilt for a small child. This is a picture of two of them, but the light in here isn't good at night. Oh, and my friend that just lost her husband, likes tie-dye. So, I made her a fleece tie-dye blanket and she loves it.
It makes me feel like I'm helping someone, somehow, if that makes any sense.
13 people like this
15 responses
@wolfgirl569 (96559)
• Marion, Ohio
11 Jun
@MarieCoyle Sometimes a gift does the best good
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
•
12 Jun
@wolfgirl569
That's true. I know the nursing home people are so thrilled with the attention and with something new.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (48717)
• Canada
11 Jun
@MarieCoyle Our son and his wife stayed at the Ronald McDonald House when their twins were born as they had to be born at a hospital out of town. They were gifted 2 lovely homemade quilts, like you have on the bottom of your stack. Now that the children are 16 months old they still ask for those blankets. They have become what they reach for when they are tired but not yet ready for bed and are in the family room.
I wish that the person that made it could see how much they love and use it.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
•
11 Jun
@Juliaacv
During 2020-2021, I made a lot of blankets for kids for the hospitals. And for some elderly as well. I had a lot of time sitting with my son in hospitals, while he recovered from surgeries. It kept my mind and my hands busy. The makers of blankets don't usually know where they go, we just hope they do some good for someone and make a smile or two. I'm glad the twins have those for comfort! What a nice story!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
•
11 Jun
I hope it helps somehow. It's little enough to do for those who need to be cheered up. Thank you.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (59045)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
11 Jun
Oh, it does. And you're doing amazing work for a lot of people. Besides, losing and turning doesn't help the sleep process.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
•
11 Jun
Thank you so much. No, tossing and turning just doesn't work for me, either.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (59045)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
11 Jun
@MarieCoyle It's not good for anyone.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (460568)
• Switzerland
12 Jun
@MarieCoyle I am sure your gifts brighten someone's day.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
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12 Jun
@LadyDuck
I can hope so, Anna.
I did have one blanket giving incident that was sweet but oh so sad. It was during the first pandemic months, even before vaccines. A young mother was in the hospital with Covid, I knew her mother but hadn't seen the young woman in a long time. I gave her mom a blanket to give her if they would let her have it. She got permission and took it to her. Then she was put on a ventilator, and it was terrible, leaving a toddler, she passed away. She absolutely loved the blanket before she got so sick. She wanted to give it to her little girl. I hunted up some more of the same material and made one for the little girl, I put her mom's name on it as well as hers, stitched it at the bottom. Maybe it gave a bit of comfort, I hope so.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
•
12 Jun
Thank you Anna, I always hope they help brighten someone's day!
1 person likes this
@rakski (112925)
• Philippines
12 Jun
@MarieCoyle I do that too whenever possible. It is always nice to give back and help
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
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12 Jun
@rakski
There are nice people out there, and some are hurting so badly. All we can do is try.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
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12 Jun
Thank you. I have been able to meet some nice people doing this, as well.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (158794)
• United States
11 Jun
I never try to sleep anymore. If I conk out for an hour or so, I consider myself lucky. It's nice that you are spending your waking hours making something for someone. What you have made is beautiful! You do really nice work!!! Enjoy your Sunday.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (158794)
• United States
12 Jun
@MarieCoyle I think you're too hard on yourself. What you've made is lovely!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
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12 Jun
@LindaOHio
Thank you so much, but when I see what some other people make, I feel rather inadequate. I get so upset with myself when I am counting stitches and get distracted, and have to re-do things.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
•
12 Jun
I know how it is when sleep is so hard to get, and deep sleep is impossible. Thank you, I do have lots of room for improvement!!
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (86038)
• United States
11 Jun
You are definitely helping someone; that makes a difference. My heart hurts for people in the nursing home who get no visitors, and it has to feel good to those watching the little babies who recognize someone cared enough to make that quilt. The pictures of your work are lovely!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
•
11 Jun
It's so sad to know no one visits them. I try to make sure the blankets go to those people first. They are so thrilled with any attention, it's heartbreaking.
Thanks for the compliment. I am no expert, just self taught and still learning some of the stitches, etc.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (86038)
• United States
11 Jun
@MarieCoyle You certainly taught yourself well.
I went to a Christian school, and every December we'd go to a nursing home, and sing Christmas carols to all of the residents. I used to think, why would these people want to listen to a bunch of children like us sing, half of them off key? It wasn't until I got older I understood for some of them, we were the only people they were going to see. My only regret is that the nursing home asked us to bring tooth brushes and toothpaste for the residents as "presents". I understood the nursing home needed supplies, but I wanted the residents to get something special. I always wished we could have done better.
I went to a Christian school, and every December we'd go to a nursing home, and sing Christmas carols to all of the residents. I used to think, why would these people want to listen to a bunch of children like us sing, half of them off key? It wasn't until I got older I understood for some of them, we were the only people they were going to see. My only regret is that the nursing home asked us to bring tooth brushes and toothpaste for the residents as "presents". I understood the nursing home needed supplies, but I wanted the residents to get something special. I always wished we could have done better.1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
•
11 Jun
@AmbiePam
Yes, personal hygiene items are needed, I'm sure, but you are right...something special is what they need at Christmas!
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (171347)
• United States
11 Jun
I think doing that is helpful to others besides it relaxes you and lets you fall asleep.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
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12 Jun
It's soothing in a way, to just work away on it, but it's not really like work. I try to think maybe I am bringing a tiny little smile to someone who might need one. Thank you
1 person likes this
@Jenaisle (14079)
• Philippines
11 Jun
@MarieCoyle Yes, I have read that it's therapeutic.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
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11 Jun
There are many days when I have two left hands as well. Sometimes I garble it all up and have to unravel or pull stitches but it takes my mind off of worries for a bit. It’s all good! Thanks!
1 person likes this
@prashu228 (37525)
• India
11 Jun
They look really good, you are an amazing person . May God bless you
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
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12 Jun
@prashu228
If we want to make the world a better place, the best place to start is with ourselves. At least, that is my thinking on all of this. Thank you again!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
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11 Jun
What a nice thing to say. I just do what I can. Life is better when we do the Pay It Forward things. I’ve had nice things done for me, I just try to pass it on. Thank you!
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (95466)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
11 Jun
Helping someone in need is the key to being happy.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (95466)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
11 Jun
@MarieCoyle You are right.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
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11 Jun
I think I do it for the smiles and the warm fuzzies, George.
1 person likes this
@Butterfingers (66585)
• India
11 Jun
They look very good and glad you have been productive
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
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12 Jun
I should probably be dusting or cleaning, but it's not what I want to do when it's late at night. Thank you!
1 person likes this
@Suhadiwarsyah (35)
• Ujung Pandang, Indonesia
11 Jun
That's truly heartwarming and inspiring, Your dedication to making blankets for donation and spreading comfort to those in need is truly remarkable. It's wonderful to see how you've found a productive and meaningful way to spend your time, not only by creating beautiful blankets but also by bringing joy to the lives of sick children and elderly individuals who may not have many visitors.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
•
12 Jun
Honestly, time is precious and I don't have a lot of it. I've been caring for one of my adult sons for some time while he recovers from an accident and many surgeries. When I am often with him he is resting, so I need something to fill my hands and my heart and mind This way, I am doing that and trying to help someone as well. Thank you.
@RasmaSandra (74174)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
11 Jun
Very nice work on the blankets, I think it is wonderful that you are making these blankets. There are times when my brain gets way too active and I cannot sleep but I keep trying. Finally, I realized that since I find the most enjoyment in writing online when I can't sleep just to head back to the PC and eventually when I am tired enough sleep will find me,
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29556)
•
12 Jun
I do understand. Sleep can often be very elusive! Thank you so much, Rasma.
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