Never Too Late
Most people who master the skill of knitting yarn have learned the craft at a young age, from a mother or a grandmother most likely. Some will leave that skill behind when they reach adulthood while others spend decades enjoying a creative yet soothing art form.
Villager Don Hertz, however, taught himself just two year ago, in December 2020, at the age of 89!
Don and his wife Mary were on a family Zoom call, chatting about holidays plans and recent projects when their granddaughter, who lives in Oregon, proudly showed knitted hats that she had just finished. The sight of the sweet and colorful little hats got Don interested.
Don went out and bought about $100 worth of yarn, and found a step-by-step tutorial online. “All you got to do is follow the directions.” Using a knitting loom, Don quickly caught on to the craft and hasn’t stopped knitting since. In the last two years, he’s knitted close to 1,000 hats which he has donated to local charities, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, the Salvation Army, as well as grateful friends.
Due to some health concerns that limit his activities, Don is perfectly satisfied relaxing and knitting a finished hat in four hours. Now 91 years old, he feels that he’s only getting started. Above all, Don loves giving his creations away. “It’s fun when you give it away and see someone’s face light up,” said Don. “They truly appreciate it.”
In closing, isn’t it a delight to see how various technologies – from Zoom to YouTube – are enabling older adults to conquer new skills? It’s never too late!