09/30/2025
My brother's wife, Maggie is pregnant with their first child. For their baby shower, Maggie sent me a wish list. It consisted exclusively of pricey items: a $1,200 stroller, a $300 diaper bag, a $500 bassinet, a $400 "designer" high chair, etc.
I got upset when I saw the list because I didn't have that much money. I'm a teacher and a single mom to twins. But I did want to make something special. I knit really well, so I decided to put all my heart into a handmade gift. I spent 50+ hours knitting an intricate baby blanket out of merino wool, personalized with the baby's name embroidered in the corner. Every stitch was done with love.
At the baby shower, Maggie glowed in her designer maternity dress while her friends in floral jumpsuits sipped mimosas. I felt a little out of place but proud of the box in my hands.
When gift time came, Maggie opened diaper bags, expensive gadgets, and stacks of boutique onesies. Applause, squeals, the whole nine yards.
Then she got to mine.
She pulled the blanket out, glanced at it, and her nose wrinkled. "Oh, a cheapy-beepy thing. Why on earth didn't you buy from the LIST? This will shrink after the first wash. Honestly, I'll probably just throw it out."
Laughter rippled through the room. The kind that makes your skin burn. My ears went hot, and I wanted the floor to swallow me whole.
Then, a chair SCRAPPED against the floor. Maggie's dad stood up. His voice was calm but carried across the room like a bell.
"Maggie. Look at me. Now. ⬇️