Love of knitting turns to gift of love

Kehaulani Delafosse and her mother, Olga Pedersen, spend time together as they continue to knit scarves and other items. When complete, these handmade crafts are donated to needy families and individuals in the Mountain Home community.

Olga Pedersen broke down into tears, and it took her a few minutes to regain her composure. Reaching for a handkerchief, she wiped away her tears then paused for about a minute before she was ready to speak once again.

Years of battling cancer had taken their toll on her frail body. It had robbed the 81 year old of her strength and independence.

Today, the boundaries of her world were mostly limited to half of a love seat in the family's modest living room, which now served as her bed. A small stack of pillows and cushions next to her was her only source of comfort and supported her delicate frame each time she was able to sleep.

Along the walls of her living room were visible reminders of her life. A number of framed pieces of embroidered artwork highlighted her talents that she mastered as a child.

But it was the pair of large moving boxes on either side of the room that meant the most to Olga. Over the past 12 months, she and her daughter, Kehaulani Delafosse, had devoted their time to filling both of them with gifts that they hope will bring some comfort to others in the Mountain Home community.

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