Losing a loved one is never easy. It’s a uniquely personal pain, especially when it’s a parent. In those moments, families often find solace in honoring their loved ones in special ways—planting a tree, wearing their favorite sweater, or creating something more permanent like a memorial.
For Robin Epley, a writer for the Sacramento Bee, and her father, their tribute to her late mother, Cynthia, was a memorial bench. Cynthia, who passed away in 2019, was honored with a stone bench featuring her photo—a place for family to sit and feel close to her.
On a recent visit to the bench, Robin and her father decided to leave balls of yarn as a tribute. Cynthia was an avid crocheter who had taught Robin the craft at just six years old. It was a small, deeply meaningful gesture to them. They assumed it might go unnoticed by others. They left the yarn and went on with their day, not expecting what would happen next.
As Upworthy reported, weeks later, they returned to find a surprise that left them in awe: Someone had used the yarn to knit a scarf, draping it across the bench, along with two bouquets of flowers. This simple yet profound act of kindness brought a new layer of warmth to their tribute. There was no note, just a thoughtful gift that turned their tribute into a tangible expression of kindness.
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Robin shared a photo of the knitted scarf on X (formerly Twitter) and explained its meaning:
“I’m sobbing: My mom was a big crocheter, so on her bench at East Lawn, my dad and I left one of her balls of yarn as a tribute. He just went back today after a few weeks to tend to the site, and someone had used the yarn to knit Mom a scarf.”
im sobbing: My mom was a big crocheter, so on her bench at East Lawn, my dad and I left one of her balls of yarn as a tribute.
He just went back today after a few weeks to tend to the site, and someone had used the yarn to knit mom a scarf 😭💕😭💕💕 pic.twitter.com/LSnzuAitpa
— Robin Epley (@ByRobinEpley) August 5, 2024
The post quickly gained attention, with over 1.6 million views and 128,000 loves as of now. The anonymous act of kindness moved many, sparking speculation about who might have created the scarf. including suggestions that it could have been a staff member or volunteer at East Lawn, where Cynthia had once been actively involved.
“I don’t know who did it, though someone has suggested it was the wonderful staff or volunteers at @EastLawnSac, a group which my mom was a part of. I just hope this is a reminder to everyone that the simplest act of kindness from you can completely brighten a stranger’s day.”
The story resonated deeply with others who shared their own experiences of loss and remembrance. One commenter wrote:
“Oh, that is so special. I wear the joggers my mom wore the last time I saw her. I remember she had them on backward because I could see the pockets. She laughed her familiar laugh for me one last time. That was two years ago. It’s getting easier. Thanks for sharing.”
Another added their guess about the scarf’s maker:
“This is so sweet. I know there are a lot of regular visitors and volunteers who like to care for the memorials, but my money is on a staff member having done this. The staff and leadership at East Lawn are very special people.”
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Robin and her dad may never know who created the scarf, but the act of kindness has left a lasting impression. As Robin put it:
“Knowing someone out there who didn’t even know my mom cared enough to do this has me in total shambles. Honestly, it’s totally something my mom would have done for someone else. Karma is real.”
Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that have the biggest impact. A thoughtful act like this reminds us that even in moments of grief, strangers can care enough to transform a difficult day into one of beauty and connection.
