I learned recently that getting a message through to someone sometimes requires drastic measures. In this instance, getting my grandkids grounded for what they did to my wife wasn’t going to be a strong enough lesson. To redeem themselves, I gave them a tricky task. I, Clarence, 74, have always known my wife, Jenny, 73, to be the kindest and sweetest soul. This was true especially when it comes to our grandchildren. Yearly, without fail, she knits beautiful, intricate sweaters for their birthdays and Christmas. It’s a tradition she pours her heart into. She’d often start on new projects well before the occasion.

This was done to ensure each child gets something special, made just for them. For their birthdays, she’d make plush toys for the little ones. Or a blanket for the older grandchildren.Last week, during a recent trip we decided to visit our local thrift store. We were looking for some vintage pots for our garden project. What should’ve been a leisurely outing turned into a heart-wrenching moment I’ll never forget!A moment I wish we could erase from our collective memories. As we wandered through the aisles, my wife paused. Her eyes locked onto something that made her freeze in place. “Wha…what’s that? Am I seeing things?” she asked while pointing a shaky finger. There, hanging among countless other discarded items, were the sweaters she had knitted for our grandkids! They were all for SALE!