Positively Milwaukee
Woman helps brighten days, one towel at a time
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Carole Meekins reports how one woman is brightening others' day. Video by tmj4.com
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EAST TROY - An East Troy woman got divine inspiration after she learned how to crochet, and now she uses her hobby to spread joy.
"Before I started this towel of so many stitches, I said a prayer that God would grant my wishes," Joanne Krausee said.
Krausee has a talent for making towels, and touching lives. She routinely shares her homemade kitchen towels with strangers. They come with love, and a poem she wrote.
“May this towel make your kitchen cozy your outlook on life would also be rosy," she continued.
Why is this lovely mother and grandmother moved to give to those she's never met?
"I hear a voice in my head and I truly believe it's God that says give that person a towel," she explained.
It's like a sweet obsession, making colorful cloths and stitching up compassion. The 73-year-old even keeps a journal describing those gifted with her towels.
Getting to know Krausee is like finding a long lost friend. She shares stories and jokes.
“God helps those who helps themselves,” she said. “Except when it comes to eating, there’s always a catch."
She admits people are surprised when she hands them a towel, but mostly touched. Like the time she gave one to a 90-year-old man.
“He started to cry,” she said. “I was so touched. He said, ‘You know I've always loved these towels, my wife used to make them, but now she can’t see to make them.’ She said, ‘This is so precious you've made my day.’"
And then there's the time her towel helped wipe out a woman's sadness.
"This lady again started to cry,” she remembers. “She again said, ‘You made my day.’ She said, ‘My daughter is 45 years old and she has cancer. Thank you.’”
It's those reactions that keeps this grandmother’s heart filled, so she keeps sewing happiness one stitch at a time.
Krause is reminding others that they are not alone, and proving the thread that binds us all, is our ability to spread love.
"I get more out of it,” she said. “It’s better to give than receive. I really do believe that."
At last check, Krausee has given away 1,574 towels.
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